National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India is the Authorized National Representative (Astronomical) Organization (ANRAO) for organising the  Junior Astronomy Olympiad Programme in India. The Council is responsible for selecting a team of 3 students to represent India at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-Jr.). This will be done through the Indian National Junior Astronomy Olympiad (INJAO) programme.

About NCSM

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) is an autonomous scientific body functioning under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It administers 25 Science Centres/Museums spread all over India. To know more about NCSM, please click here.

Selection Process / Stages of Astronomy Olympiad (Junior):

The National Science Olympiad starts with an examination held at schools across the country. Training is included from the third stage of the programme i.e. OCSC and the first two stages do not necessarily require any specialised coaching outside the regular school system. Every year the selection process involves FIVE stages as follows:

Stage –I: The first stage examination, the National Standard Examination (NSE) is the organisational responsibility of the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT). National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) conducted by IAPT is the first stage for the Indian National Junior Astronomy Olympiad.  Indian students, residing and studying in India since 30 November 2020 or earlier, of Class X or lower as of November 30, 2023, born between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2010 are eligible for the test. For more details, click here.

Stage – II: The best-performing students from the NSEJS qualify for the second stage — the Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO). Candidates for INJSO 2024 are automatically eligible for consideration for the next stages of selection of the Indian team for the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-Jr.) 2024. The selection for the next stages of this programme will be based on performance in INJSO-2024 among candidates who express their interest in this programme during INO registration. The responsibility of the programme from this stage onwards lies with NCSM.

Stage – III: Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC)

The OCSC was held at Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai with 20 selected participants from May 15 – June 4, 2024. At the camp, students were oriented for Olympiad-level theoretical and observational tasks. Emphasis was given to developing conceptual foundations and problem-solving skills, and the students were trained in astronomy and night sky observation. Resource persons from different institutions like Nehru Planetarium, HBCSE, TIFR, IIT-Bombay, IUCAA, and several educational institutions across the country were invited to the training camps as mentors. The students also visited NCRA, Pune and GMRT, Narayangaon for an educational tour. Several theoretical and observational tests were held during the camp. Based on the performance in these tests, 3 students were selected. Mast. Sumant Gupta from New Sainik Sr. Sec. Public School, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Mast. Shashank Kaundilya from Central Public School, Samastipur, Bihar, and Mast. Pranjal Dixit from Delhi Public School, Secunderabad, Telangana, secured the top three positions, respectively. These bright minds will proudly represent India at the 3^rd IOAA-Jr 2024. In addition to their overall rankings, Shashank Kaundilya was honored with the award for Best in Theory, demonstrating his outstanding theoretical understanding of astronomy. Sumant Gupta received the award for Best in Observation, showcasing his exceptional observational skills. The special Jury Award was presented to Mast. Shreyash Sinha from De Nobili School C.M.R.I., Dhanbad, Jharkhand, in recognition of his remarkable performance and dedication. Dr. C. L. Bhat Memorial award, instituted by Indian Physics Association was given to Sumant Gupta for Best overall performance.

The valedictory function of the OCSC, held on 4^th June, 2024, at the Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai (NSCM), was graced by the presence of Prof. Devendra K Ojha from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) as the Chief Guest. Prof. Ojha, along with the Director of Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai, handed over the certificates and prizes to the meritorious participants. Shri Umesh Kr, Rustagi, Director, NSCM, congratulated the winners and participants, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent in the field of astronomy and astrophysics. “The achievements of these students reflect their hard work and passion for science. We are confident that they will make India proud at the international stage,” he said.

Stage- IV: The selected Indian team undergo a rigorous training programme at one of the science museums/centres of NCSM in theoretical & observational astronomy to brush up on their knowledge received at OCSC for the final preparation prior to their departure for the 3^rd IOAA-Jr.-2024.

Stage – V: The Olympiad programme culminates with the participation of the 3 Indian students in the 3^rd International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-Jr.) 2024, to be held at Kathmandu, Nepal, from October 3 to 10, 2024. The students will be accompanied by Team Leaders and/or Scientific Observer. Almost every Indian student who has participated in the International Astronomy Olympiad has returned with a medal.

Address for communication:

Nehru Science Centre, Dr. E. Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 018

Email: jr.astro.olympiad.ncsm@gmail.com

Telephone Landline: +91 22 2084 4335, 2490 0518, 2492 0482, 2496 9568

Contact Person: Dr. Anindita Mondal (+91-22-2084 4335 – Ext 204)

Web: https://nehrusciencecentre.in/