National Automobile Olympiad (NAO)
by Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC)
₹50,000 Cash Prize
A national-level competition by ASDC and CBSE for students in Classes 6-12 to explore automotive technology and innovation.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 to 4
Duration
Varies by round. Round 1 is a 30-minute online test, with subsequent rounds requiring more involvement.
Eligibility
Open to students of grades 6-12 from any school board across India. Participants are grouped by class level: Group 1 (Classes 6-8), Group 2 (Classes 9-10), and Group 3 (Classes 11-12).
- Grade level
- Grade 6 to 12
- Age range
- 11 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Open to students from all educational boards (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, etc.).
- Prerequisites
- No specific prerequisites are required, but a keen interest in automobiles and technology is beneficial.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹50,000
Cash prizes are awarded to the top national performers. The first prize is ₹50,000, the second prize is ₹30,000, and the third prize is ₹25,000.
Prizes
Trophies & Industry Visits
National winners are awarded trophies in addition to cash prizes. The top winner also receives a week-long visit to the NAO Headquarters.
Certificate
Certificate by ASDC & CBSE
All students who complete Round 1 receive a participation e-certificate. Winners are awarded nationally recognized certificates from the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Participation and achievement in a national-level Olympiad recognized by CBSE and a key industry council (ASDC) strengthens a student's academic profile for admissions into top engineering and technology universities.
Career pathways
The Olympiad provides invaluable exposure to the automotive industry, allowing students to interact with industry experts, gain insights into emerging technologies, and explore diverse career prospects in fields like AI, robotics, and mechatronics.
Recognition
National Level Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 12 May 2026
- Registration closed
- 30 Jun 2026
How to apply
- 1Schools and individual students can register online through the official NAO website.
- 2After registration, participants will receive login credentials and a link for the online test via email.
Rules and guidelines
- The competition is divided into three rounds: a qualifying online MCQ round, a hybrid regional round, and an offline national final.
- Participants are categorized into three groups based on their class.
- The medium of the Olympiad is both English and Hindi.
- Top performers from each round advance to the next stage.
- The final round will be an in-person event held in Delhi.
Technology requirements
- A computing device (PC, Laptop, Tablet, or Smartphone)
- Stable internet connection (WiFi or Mobile Data)
- A web camera
About this opportunity
The National Automobile Olympiad (NAO) is a premier national competition from the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) and CBSE. It is designed to inspire student interest in the Indian automobile industry and connect academic knowledge with real-world applications.
This competition is open to students from Classes 6 to 12 across all educational boards. Participants compete in age-appropriate groups and can win cash prizes, trophies, and nationally recognized certificates, gaining valuable exposure to future automotive careers.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 30
- Duration
- 30 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Rounds and format
Round 1 is an online MCQ-based test (30 questions in 30 minutes). Round 2 is a hybrid round involving practical demos and team-based tasks. Round 3 is the offline National Final, featuring presentations, simulations, and real-world challenges judged by industry experts.
How entries are judged
Evaluation is based on theoretical knowledge, practical application of concepts, problem-solving abilities, and innovative thinking.
Selection process
Students are selected for subsequent rounds based on their performance in the preceding stage. Top performers from the online qualifying round advance to the regional finals, and regional winners compete in the national finals.
How to prepare
- Sample papers are available for download on the official NAO website.
- Participants are encouraged to stay updated with the latest trends in the automotive industry, including electric vehicles, autonomous cars, and AI.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The syllabus covers topics like Introduction to Automobile Technology, Chassis, Engine, Transmission, Suspension, Braking Systems, Automotive Safety, and Advanced Automotive Technologies including EVs, AI, and Robotics.
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