National Junior Cybersecurity Olympiad (NJCO) for Indian Students by SIMCC
by Singapore International Math Contests Centre (SIMCC)
Qualify for International Olympiad
The National Junior Cybersecurity Olympiad (NJCO) is an online competition by SIMCC for Indian students in Grades 8-12, fostering cybersecurity skills and digital safety.
Mode
Online
Fee
₹2,400
Participation format
Individual
Duration
60 minutes
Time needed
8 hours of recorded video lessons, then one online exam
Eligibility
This competition is open to Indian students in Grades 8 to 12, typically aged 13-17, across all states and cities in India. Participants should have basic computer literacy and a genuine interest in cybersecurity and digital safety.
- Grade level
- Grade 8 to 12
- Age range
- 13 to 17 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Prerequisites
- Basic computer literacy
- Interest in cybersecurity and digital safety
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Prizes
Medals for Top 50% Winners
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals are awarded to the top 50% of participants based on their performance. Gold medals are awarded to the top 8.3%, Silver to the next 16.7%, and Bronze to the next 25% of contestants in each grade.
Certificate
Certificate from NUS-affiliated Labs
All participants receive a Certificate of Participation. Top 50% of performers receive a Medal and an award certificate accredited by the National Cybersecurity R&D Lab (NCL) and the Centre for Nurturing Computing Excellence (CeNCE), both hosted at the School of Computing, National University of Singapore (NUS).
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Achievement in NJCO is a valuable addition to a student's portfolio, enhancing applications for top universities in STEM and computer science programs. Participation also earns SIMCC Scholarship points, which contribute towards SIT Awards and can support higher education scholarship opportunities.
Career pathways
Participation provides a strong foundation for students aspiring to careers in the high-demand fields of cybersecurity, information technology, digital forensics, and network security.
Recognition
National Level Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Jul 2026
- Registration closed
- 18 Sept 2026
- Competition
- 26 Sept 2026
How to apply
- 1Register online through the official SIMCC portal or via an authorized country partner.
- 2Complete the registration form and submit the required fee.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must register individually through the official SIMCC portal or designated country partner.
- The competition is conducted entirely online and requires a stable internet connection and a suitable device.
- Any form of cheating, plagiarism, or unfair means during the exam will result in immediate disqualification.
- Participants must complete the online examination within the allotted 60 minutes.
- All decisions made by the competition organizers and judges are final and binding.
Technology requirements
- Computer or laptop with a functional webcam and microphone
- Stable internet connection
- SIMCC Online Contest System (OCS) Lockdown Browser (if required for exam)
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The one-time fee of ₹2400 covers registration, examination access, and 8 hours of pre-recorded video lessons from experts at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
Refund policy
As a general policy, fees are non-refundable as they provide access to digital content upon registration. However, refunds may be considered in exceptional circumstances, such as duplicate registrations or cancellation of the event. Participants should review the detailed refund policy on the Olympiad India website.
About this opportunity
The National Junior Cybersecurity Olympiad (NJCO) is an online competition organized by the Singapore International Math Contests Centre (SIMCC) in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity R&D Lab (NCL) and the Centre for Nurturing Computing Excellence (CeNCE) from the National University of Singapore. This Olympiad aims to instill foundational cybersecurity skills and knowledge in young Indian students, fostering their interest in digital safety and technology.
This competition is open to Indian students in Grades 8 through 12, competing individually in an online format accessible nationwide. Participants are encouraged to have a basic understanding of computers and a keen interest in cybersecurity and digital safety.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 100
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Language
- English
Rounds and format
The competition consists of a single online examination round, where participants answer multiple-choice questions within a set time limit.
How entries are judged
Participants are judged based on their scores in the online multiple-choice question exam. Awards (Gold, Silver, Bronze Medals) are distributed based on percentile ranks within each grade category, following CenCE's classification criteria.
Selection process
Top performers are selected based on their scores in the online examination. Medalists (Gold, Silver, Bronze) are invited to participate in the International Junior Cybersecurity Olympiad (IJCO).
How to prepare
- Pre-recorded video modules for self-paced study with practice MCQs
- Training materials and contest questions prepared by the National Cybersecurity R&D Lab (NCL) and the Centre for Nurturing Computing Excellence (CeNCE)
- Sample questions available on the SIMCC website
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The curriculum covers fundamental cybersecurity concepts, including internet safety, privacy, cyberbullying, phishing, malware, basic network security, and an introduction to Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions.
Frequently asked questions
What are preparation strategies for students aiming to excel in the National Junior Cybersecurity Olympiad?
Students benefit from a study plan, focusing on the provided video lessons and practice questions. Review of cybersecurity concepts, understanding attack vectors, and practicing problem-solving scenarios are important for success.
How can participants manage competitive pressure and performance anxiety during the online examination?
Strategies include practicing under timed conditions to build confidence, ensuring a suitable exam environment, and focusing on understanding each question before attempting to answer. Rest before the exam is also important.
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