NSO Class 2 Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Practice Tests
Everything a Class 2 student needs for the National Science Olympiad (NSO) 2026–27: the section-wise syllabus, the 40-question exam pattern, preparation tips and timed practice tests with instant results.
- Questions
- 40
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Negative marking
- None
- Level 2
- No
NSO Class 2 exam pattern
The Class 2 paper has 3 sections and 40 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 | 10 |
| Science | 25 |
| Achievers Section | 5 |
| Total (60 minutes) | 40 |
NSO Class 2 syllabus 2026–27
Section-wise topics for Class 2, based on the SOF class-wise syllabus. The subject sections follow your Class 2 school curriculum.
Section 1: Logical Reasoning · 10 questions
- Patterns and series
- Odd one out
- Analogy
- Geometrical shapes
- Spatial understanding
- Grouping of figures
- Mirror images
- Embedded figures
- Ranking and alphabet tests
Section 2: Science · 25 questions
- Living and non-living things
- Plants
- Animals and their homes
- Human body
- Food and health
- Housing and clothing
- Air, water and weather
- Rocks and soil
- Earth and the universe
- Safety and first aid
Section 3: Achievers Section · 5 questions
Higher-order thinking questions drawn from the Class 2 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 2
Keep sessions short
Fifteen to twenty minutes a day works better than long weekend sessions at this age. Read each question aloud together and talk through the picture before choosing an answer.
Practise with pictures
Class 2 papers are visual. Point at the options, count objects and compare shapes — this builds the habit of checking every option.
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 2 — frequently asked questions
What is the NSO Class 2 syllabus?
The NSO Class 2 paper has 3 sections: Logical Reasoning, Science, Achievers Section. The main syllabus covers Living and non-living things, Plants, Animals and their homes, Human body, Food and health, Housing and clothing and more. Confirm the latest syllabus on sofworld.org.
How many questions are in the NSO Class 2 exam?
40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes: Logical Reasoning (10), Science (25), Achievers Section (5).
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 2?
No. For Classes 1 and 2, NSO is a single-level exam.
Where can I practise NSO Class 2 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.