National Junior Informatics Olympiad (NJIO) By SIMCC
by Singapore International Math Contests Centre (SIMCC)
Win Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals
An annual online informatics competition for Indian students (Grades 1-9) to develop computational thinking and problem-solving skills.
Mode
Online
Fee
Registration fee applies
Participation format
Individual
Duration
60 minutes
Time needed
One 60-minute exam; 90 minutes for Grades 7 to 10
Eligibility
Open to students in Grades 1-9 across India. No prior programming experience is required, only basic computer literacy and strong logical aptitude. Recommended for students with prior participation in other SIMCC math olympiads.
- Grade level
- Grade 1 to 9
- Age range
- 6 to 14 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Open to students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in India.
- Prerequisites
- Basic computer literacy
- Strong logical aptitude
- Recommended prior participation or awards in other SIMCC math olympiads (e.g., AMO, SASMO)
- Strong logical aptitude and problem-solving skills
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Prizes
Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals
Top-performing students are awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals to recognize their outstanding achievement in the competition.
Certificate
Certificate from SIMCC
All participants receive an e-certificate of participation. Top performers are awarded certificates of achievement.
Opens doors to
Participation and awards in the NJIO demonstrate a strong aptitude in computer science, which is a valuable addition to student profiles for university applications in STEM disciplines.
Recognition
Qualify for International Olympiad
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 17 Oct 2025
- Registration closed
- 30 Apr 2026
- Competition
- 17 May 2026
How to apply
- 1Register online through the official SIMCC portal or authorized country partners.
- 2Complete the fee payment to confirm and finalize the registration.
- 3Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must adhere to fair play guidelines during the competition.
- Use of external resources or assistance during the online examination is strictly prohibited.
- All decisions made by the judging panel are final and binding.
- The competition is a closed-book examination.
- Participants must ensure a stable internet connection and a suitable device for the online test.
Technology requirements
- A computer or laptop with a stable internet connection
- Web browser compatible with the online examination platform
- Basic system requirements for online examination software
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The registration fee covers the cost of participation in the online competition. For specific fee amounts, participants are advised to consult with the official SIMCC country partner for India.
Financial support
SIMCC is committed to social equity and provides free entry to its competitions for needy students. Additionally, top performers in various SIMCC contests can earn scholarship points and may be eligible for the Young Achievers Leadership Academy (YALA) scholarship camp.
Refund policy
Contest fees are generally non-refundable once paid. However, a full refund will be issued if a student has been wrongly charged or if SIMCC cancels an event for reasons within its control.
About this opportunity
The National Junior Informatics Olympiad (NJIO) is an annual online competition by the Singapore International Math Contests Centre (SIMCC) designed to foster an early interest in computer science. It identifies and nurtures young talent by focusing on computational and algorithmic thinking, providing a platform for students to test and enhance their logical reasoning abilities through engaging challenges.
This competition is open to all students from Grades 1 to 9 across India, with no prior programming experience necessary. Top performers are awarded medals and e-certificates, and the top 40% of winners qualify for the prestigious STEAM AHEAD: International Junior Informatics Olympiad (IJIO), offering a chance to compete on a global stage.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 100
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Format
- A mix of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Block Programming problems.
- Language
- English
Rounds and format
The competition consists of a single 60-minute online round.
How entries are judged
Scores are calculated based on the number of correct answers. The evaluation is automated based on the solutions submitted on the online platform.
Selection process
Awards are based on performance. The top 10% of participants receive a Gold Award, the next 15% receive a Silver Award, and the next 25% receive a Bronze Award. The top 40% of winners are invited to the next stage.
How to prepare
- Past year papers and sample questions are available on the SIMCC official website.
- Practice exercises on computational thinking and logical puzzles.
- Familiarization with block-based programming environments like Scratch or Blockly.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The curriculum focuses on computational thinking principles, including abstraction, generalization, decomposition, and algorithmic design. It covers logical reasoning and problem-solving methodologies relevant to informatics without requiring coding.
Frequently asked questions
How does participation in NJIO benefit students in their long-term academic and career paths?
Participation enhances critical computational thinking and problem-solving skills, which are foundational for STEM fields. It also provides a competitive edge for higher education applications and future careers in technology and computer science.
Share with other parents
Categories
Related opportunities
SilverZone International Informatics Olympiad (iiO)
by SilverZone Foundation
An annual international Olympiad for Classes 1-12 to assess and showcase computer science, coding, and logical reasoning skills. Top performers are recognized with significant awards, including cash prizes, medals, and trophies.
What your child could gain:
International Mathematics Olympiad Competition of Southeast Asia (IMOCSEA)
by GLOBAL LEAGUE OF WINNERS, INC.
The International Mathematics Olympiad Competition of Southeast Asia (IMOCSEA) promotes excellence and proficiency in mathematics for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, offering global exposure and skill development.
What your child could gain:
EHF National IIT-NEET Olympiad (NINO)
by EduHeal Foundation (EHF)
A national Olympiad for classes 6-12 to build a strong foundation for IIT-JEE and NEET. Test your skills in science and math against peers across India.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Get the free app