Narayana Schools’ Olympiad Programme: Nurturing Critical Thinking and Competitive Spirit

The Narayana Olympiad Programme is more than just preparation for Olympiads, it is a carefully crafted journey to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a competitive spirit in students from (Classes 6 to 12). With structured support, curriculum alignment and intensive feedback loops, it empowers students to embrace challenges and push their boundaries.

Origins of Olympiads

The term Olympiad finds its roots in ancient Greece, where it originally referred to the four-year interval between the Olympic Games, an era marked by the celebration of human strength, spirit and competition. Borrowing that legacy of excellence, modern academic Olympiads were introduced to honour intellectual brilliance and foster cross-border collaboration among young minds. The first International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) was held in 1959 in Romania, born out of a vision to challenge, identify and nurture extraordinary talent in mathematics after the intellectual void of World War II. Since then, Olympiads have evolved into a global movement that spans diverse disciplines, from science and technology to linguistics and astronomy, each aiming to spark curiosity, develop problem-solving skills and prepare students for the frontiers of future knowledge.

 

Why Olympiads Matter for Students of Classes 6 to 12 (eTechno to Senior Secondary)?

• Extend learning beyond rote memorisation into challenging concepts.
• Nurture deeper conceptual understanding and sharper analytical skills.
• Hone time management under exam pressure.
• Encourage lateral thinking and confidence in solving unfamiliar problems.
• Build resilience and adaptability in academic challenges.
• Improve performance in regular school examinations.
• Signal readiness for competitive exams like IIT-JEE, NEET, national/international scholarship tests and entrance examinations.
• Cultivate a healthy competitive mindset that drives consistent self-improvement rather than stress from peer comparisons.

Major Olympiads and Their Organisers

S.No.	Olympiads	Full Forms	Registration Timelines
1	IMO	International Mathematical Olympiad	Typically opens in October and closes by February. Students must register through their school, individual registrations are not accepted. Website: SOF IMO
2	IPhO	International Physics Olympiad	National selection usually occurs in January-February. Students must qualify through the Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO). Website: IPhO – The International Physics Olympiad, Singapore
3	IChO	International Chemistry Olympiad	National selection takes place in January. Students must qualify through the Indian National Chemistry Olympiad (INChO). Website: IChO
4	IOI	International Olympiad in Informatics	National selection occurs in May-June. Students must qualify through the Indian National Olympiad in Informatics (INOI). Website: IOI
5	IBO	International Biology Olympiad	National selection is held in January. Students must qualify through the Indian National Biology Olympiad (INBO). Website: IBO
6	IPO	International Philosophy Olympiad	National selection typically occurs in March-April. Students must qualify through the Indian Philosophy Olympiad (InPhO). Website: IPO
7	iGeo	International Geography Olympiad	National selection is held in May-June. Students must qualify through the Indian National Geography Olympiad (INGO). Website: iGeo
8	IOL	International Linguistics Olympiad	National selection is conducted in January-February. Students must qualify through the National Olympiad in Linguistics (NOL). Website: IOL
9	IJSO	International Junior Science Olympiad	National selection occurs in August-September. Students must qualify through the Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO). Website: IJSO – International Junior Science Olympiad | IJSO Official Website | IJSO Official Webpage | International Junior Science Olympiad Official | IJSOWeb.org
10	IESO	International Earth Science Olympiad	National selection is held in June-July. Students must qualify through the Indian National Earth Science Olympiad (INESO). Website: IESO
11	IOAA	International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics	National selection takes place in April-May. Students must qualify through the Indian National Astronomy Olympiad (INAO). Website: IOAA – International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics – IOAA

In India, key entities who promote and propagate Olympiads include Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) / Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT) [which run National Standard Examination (NSE), Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO), etc.], the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) [National Science Olympiad (NSO), National Cyber Olympiad (NCO), International English Olympiad (IEO), etc.], and private bodies such as SilverZone, Indian Talent Olympiad, Crest, Unicus, Humming Bird that conduct subject-wise and grade-wise Olympiads annually.

Essentials for Success in Competitive Exams
Three pillars underpin Olympiad success:

• Subject Mastery: A very strong foundation in theory, definitions, examples and typical problems.
• Conceptual Skills: Ability to apply principles in new situations, reason deeply and find elegant solutions.
• Personal Competencies: Time management, calmness under pressure, self-analysis of mistakes and strategic practice.

What Sets the Narayana Olympiad Programme Apart?

1. Integrated Curriculum: Workbooks and study materials draw from CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE and IB frameworks. This hybrid curriculum aligns intensively with Olympiad demands while reinforcing core classroom concepts.
2. Linked Topics: Students explore topics from future grades as well, e.g. an 8^th grade student may learn linked themes from Grades 9 and 10, sharpening them ahead of peers.
3. The 4C System

• Common Microschedule: At the start of each academic year, day-wise and subject-wise microschedules (MCS) are shared so students and parents see exactly what is expected and when.
• Common Teaching: Across all Narayana Schools’ branches, the same pace and structure is followed. Using the ‘1+1 system’ (one teaching period, one practice period), theory is immediately applied.
• Common Examination + Levels and Promotion: Assessments include CDF (Concept, Definitions and Formulas) tests, JEE/NEET style exams, formative and summative evaluations and projects as per CCE norms. These are aligned with national benchmarking standards, allowing students to gauge their performance and see where they stand in comparison to peers across the country.
• Common Analysis: Within 3 days of each exam, students receive a full performance report: micro-level error analysis (topic-wise, question-wise) and uniform comparative analysis across all branches nationwide. This builds healthy competition and clarity.

1. Personalised Error Analysis and Correction: Right after an exam, an individual error list is generated showing mistakes by question, subject and concept. Teachers guide students to correct those errors immediately, reinforcing mastery rather than letting mistakes linger.
   For example:

Student Name: XYZ Admission No.: XXX-XXXX	Class: 9 Section: B
Subject: Physics	Test/Test Type: XYZ

Error	Topic	Sub Topic	Concept
1	Heat	Thermal Expansion	Incorrectly identified the relationship between heat and expansion of a solid.
2	Heat	Calorimetry	Misunderstood the concept of specific heat capacity and its unit.
3	Heat	Modes of Heat Transfer	Confused conduction, convection and radiation as the same process.
4	Heat	Effects of Heat	Failed to recognize the difference between heat and temperature.
5	Heat	Anomalous Expansion of Water	Misinterpreted the significance of water’s highest density at 4°C.

 

1. Highlights and Structure

• Weekly subject-wise time allotment balances school and competitive preparation.
• Branch timetables follow centrally designed period allotments.
• Sufficient revision windows are built into every cycle.

Eligibility and Screening

• Entrance is via a common screening test (December–January).
• Students exceeding cut-off marks are invited to join the Olympiad Programme.
• The CNAPS (Council for Nurturing Academic Potential in Students) Olympiad exam is also integrated, emphasising DISCOVER → IGNITE → NURTURE, with fully online cycles, cross-syllabus exposure, scholarships, peer benchmarking and large-scale feedback.

Our Digital World

nConnect: Tech-Enabled Performance Tracking
At Narayana Schools, we believe that meaningful learning thrives when parents and school management work in harmony. With our dedicated parent app, nConnect, families gain real-time insights into their child’s academic progress and overall school life. Parents can effortlessly track attendance, pay fees, raise queries, post concerns and communicate directly with school authorities, all at the click of a button. By making information accessible and communication seamless, nConnect ensures that parents remain actively involved at every stage of their child’s education.

nLearn: Online Self-Learning and AI-Assisted Growth
Our nLearn platform redefines tech-enabled learning by blending smart classroom resources with AI-driven tutoring. It offers interactive modules, eBooks and exam simulations carefully modelled on Board examinations and the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). These simulations assess every facet of a student’s preparation, from conceptual clarity to critical thinking, problem-solving ability, and competitive readiness. The platform is further strengthened by ASTRA (Advanced Student Tutoring & Resource Assistant), our AI-powered doubt-solving companion that provides instant clarification and personalised practice. Together, nLearn and ASTRA enrich learning, making it more accessible, reliable, and aligned with Narayana’s curriculum.

Olympiads are more than just contests, they are a pathway to sharper thinking, confidence, and academic excellence. Through its Olympiad Programme, Narayana Schools supports students to not only compete but to learn, grow and realise their fullest potential, and parents are encouraged to opt for Olympiads as a supplementary journey. We empower children to ace them and transform aspirations into reality, because at Narayana Schools, your dreams are our dreams.