NSO Class 10 Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Practice Tests
Everything a Class 10 student needs for the National Science Olympiad (NSO) 2026–27: the section-wise syllabus, the 60-question exam pattern, Level 2 eligibility, preparation tips and timed practice tests with instant results.
- Questions
- 60
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Negative marking
- None
- Level 2
- Yes · Feb 2027
NSO Class 10 exam pattern
The Class 10 paper has 3 sections and 60 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 60 minutes. There is no negative marking, and Achievers Section questions carry more marks than the rest.
| Section | Questions |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | 15 |
| Science | 35 |
| Achievers Section | 10 |
| Total (60 minutes) | 60 |
NSO Class 10 syllabus 2026–27
Section-wise topics for Class 10, based on the SOF class-wise syllabus. The subject sections follow your Class 10 school curriculum.
Section 1: Logical Reasoning · 15 questions
- Verbal and non-verbal series
- Analogy and classification
- Coding–decoding
- Direction sense
- Blood relations
- Ranking and alphabet tests
- Mirror and water images
- Embedded figures
- Paper folding and cutting
- Cubes and dice
- Venn diagrams
- Puzzles and logical sequences
Section 2: Science · 35 questions
- Chemical reactions and equations
- Acids, bases and salts
- Metals and non-metals
- Carbon and its compounds
- Periodic classification of elements
- Life processes
- Control and coordination
- How do organisms reproduce?
- Heredity and evolution
- Light: reflection and refraction
- The human eye and the colourful world
- Electricity
- Magnetic effects of electric current
- Sources of energy
- Our environment
Section 3: Achievers Section · 10 questions
Higher-order thinking questions drawn from the Class 10 Science syllabus. These carry more marks per question than the other sections.
The syllabus can change between years. Confirm the latest version on sofworld.org or with your school's olympiad coordinator.
How to prepare for NSO Class 10
Practise under real timing
Take full-length papers in 60 minutes without breaks. Speed on the easy sections buys time for the Achievers questions.
Balance with board preparation
Olympiad questions reward the same concepts as your board exams. Use olympiad practice as concept revision rather than a separate subject.
Learn through diagrams
Many NSO questions use labelled diagrams and experiments. Redraw key diagrams from your textbook and explain each step aloud.
Read more: 30-day olympiad revision plan for IMO, NSO, IEO, IGKO and ISSO · NSO exam pattern and syllabus: how the science olympiad is structured
NSO Class 10 — frequently asked questions
What is the NSO Class 10 syllabus?
The NSO Class 10 paper has 3 sections: Logical Reasoning, Science, Achievers Section. The main syllabus covers Chemical reactions and equations, Acids, bases and salts, Metals and non-metals, Carbon and its compounds, Periodic classification of elements, Life processes and more. Confirm the latest syllabus on sofworld.org.
How many questions are in the NSO Class 10 exam?
60 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes: Logical Reasoning (15), Science (35), Achievers Section (10).
Is there negative marking in NSO?
No. There is no negative marking, so attempt every question. Achievers Section questions carry more marks than the other sections.
Is there a Level 2 exam for NSO Class 10?
Yes. Class 10 students who qualify in Level 1 sit the NSO Level 2 exam, usually in Feb 2027. Qualifiers are the top performers nationally, zone-wise and in each class at school.
Where can I practise NSO Class 10 questions for free?
Create a free OlympiadLive account: it includes one free full-length mock exam with instant score, rank and solutions.
When is the NSO 2026–27 exam?
NSO Level 1 is held on school-selected dates: Oct 15 / Nov 12 / Dec 3, 2026. Your school chooses one of these dates — confirm with your olympiad coordinator.