13 Competitive Exams for Class 1, 2, and 3

Competitive exams act as a catalyst and push students toward excellence. Students should be able to put their academic knowledge to good work when they compete in competitive exams. These exams encourage talented youngsters by offering them scholarships and awards. Additionally, these competitive or Olympiad exams help students by motivating them to aim for higher goals. They challenge the aptitude and subject knowledge of the students, ultimately enhancing their logical thinking, reasoning, and intellectual skills. So, without further waiting, let’s check the list of top competitive exams for children in classes 1, 2, and 3.

List of Competitive Exams for Grade 1, 2, and 3 Students

Here is a list of competitive exams for children in classes 1, 2 and 3:

1. National Science Olympiad (NSO)

The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) conducts this National Science Olympiad (NSO) exam, which is based on a ranking system.

Eligibility: Any student studying in Class 1 – 12 can attend this exam.

Subjects Included: It focuses on Maths and Science concepts covered under ICSE and CBSE boards in India.

Types of Questions: The exam paper is a multiple choice questionnaire focussing on logical reasoning, computer knowledge and an achievers section.

Medium of Examination: English

Conducting Body: Science Olympiad Foundation

How to Apply?: The schools registered with SOF will automatically be informed when the prospectus is available.

Registration Fee: Rs. 125 (including taxes)

More Details: For more details, log on to http://www.sofworld.org/

2. International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO)

A part of the Mathematical Olympiad, the IMO is one of the toughest international olympiads for children, making them intellectually strong. It has two levels of examination. Once a candidate passes the Level 1 examination, they will be eligible for the Level 2 examination.

Eligibility: Students studying in class 3 to 12th

Subjects Included: This exam focuses on logical reasoning, everyday mathematics, mathematical reasoning, and achievement sections.

Types of Questions: The questions are objective.

Medium of Examination: English

Conducting Body: Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)

How to Apply?: You can request for the registration from your school.

Registration Fee: The exam fee is Rs 125, including taxes.

More Details: For more details, log on to http://www.sofworld.org

3. National Standard Examination for Junior Science (NSEJS)

NSEJS exams encourage and identify the students’ scientific skills.

Eligibility: Any Indian student studying in Class 1 – 12 can attend this exam.

Subjects Included: It focuses on Science and generic concepts covered under ICSE and CBSE boards in India.

Types of Questions: It comprises both multiple-choice and subjective questionnaires.

Medium of Examination: English

Conducting Body: The Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT)

How to Apply?: The school helps the student enrol their application for this exam.

Registration Fee: Rs 150, including taxes.

More Details: For more details, log on to iapt.org.in

4. English Marathon (EM)

This exam is held at a school and state level to develop and encourage the correct usage of the English language.

Eligibility: Any Indian student studying in Class 1 – 12 can attend this exam.

Subjects Included: It focuses on the English language reading and writing skills covered under ICSE, CBSE and State boards in India.

Types of Questions: Fill in the blanks, Jumbled letters, picture descriptions etc. for the younger students. The older ones have tests appropriate for their age.

Medium of Examination: English

Conducting Body: English Marathon

How to Apply?: You can apply online through your school.

Registration Fee: Not specified.

More Details: For more details, log on to http://www.englishmarathon.in/site/competitions

5. International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO)

This exam tests the general knowledge levels of the students.

Eligibility: Any Indian student studying in Class 1 – 12 can attend this exam.

Subjects Included: It focuses on generic concepts covered under ICSE, CBSE and State boards in India.

Types of Questions: The exam paper is a multiple choice questionnaire focussing on logical reasoning, computer knowledge and an achievers section.

Medium of Examination: English

Conducting Body: Science Olympiad Foundation

How to Apply?: The schools registered with SOF will automatically be informed when the prospectus is available.

Registration Fee: Rs. 125 (including taxes)

More Details: For more details, log on to http://www.sofworld.org

6. International Olympiad of English Language (IOEL)

This exam is held annually at both national as well as international levels.

Eligibility: Any Indian student studying in Class 1 – 12 can attend this exam.

Subjects Included: This exam tests the English proficiency of the students as prescribed under ICSE, CBSE and State boards in India.

Types of Questions: Objective type with multiple choice answers.

Medium of Examination: English

Conducting Body: Computer Literary Foundation (CLF)

How to Apply?: Candidates can download the registration form online.

Registration Fee: Rs. 120

More Details: For more details, log on to schools.aglasem.com

7. International Computing Olympiad (ICO)

This exam helps to identify students with exceptional skills in computer programming and algorithms.

Eligibility: Any Indian student studying in Class 1 – 12 can attend this exam.

Subjects Included: This exam tests the computer proficiency of the students as prescribed under ICSE, CBSE and state boards in India.

Types of Questions: It comprises of a written test focused on computer programming.

Medium of Examination: English

Conducting Body: Indian Association for Research in Computing Science

How to Apply?: Students can directly enrol online for this exam.

Registration Fee: Rs. 400.

More Details: For more details, log on to http://www.iarcs.org.in

8. International English Olympiad (IEO)

This exam focusses on improving the knowledge of the students in the English language.

Eligibility: Any student studying in Class 1 – 12.

Subjects Included: This exam mostly focuses on the English language skills of the students as prescribed under ICSE, CBSE and state boards in India.

Types of Questions: The exam paper is a multiple choice questionnaire focussing on your knowledge of English and an achievers section.

Medium of Examination: English

Conducting Body: Science Olympiad Foundation

How to Apply?: The schools registered with SOF will automatically be informed when the prospectus is available.

Registration Fee: An amount of Rs. 125 (including taxes) is collected towards the registration fees.

More Details: For more details, log on to http://www.sofworld.org

9. Assessment of Scholastic Skills Through Educational Testing (ASSET)

Eligibility: Students studying in class 3 and above

Subjects Included: This exam mostly focuses on Mathematics, English and Science with options to choose from Hindi and social studies as well based on the syllabus as prescribed under ICSE, CBSE and state boards in India.

Types of Questions: It uses multiple-choice questionnaires to assess the students.

Medium of Examination: English

Conducting Body: Educational Initiative

How to Apply?: You can apply directly through your school.

Registration Fee: Not specified.

More Details: For more details, log on to http://www.ei-india.com/

10. National Level Science Talent Search Examination (NSTSE)

This exam helps improve the students’ overall learning capability and performance. This is one of the best competitive exams for class 3 in India.

Eligibility: Students studying in class 2 and above

Subjects Included: This exam mostly focuses on Mathematics and general science based on the syllabus as prescribed under ICSE, CBSE and state boards in India.

Types of Questions: The questions are objective.

Medium of Examination: English

Conducting Body: Unified Council

How to Apply?: You can register yourself on their website.

Registration Fee: The exam fee is Rs 150.

More Details: For more details, log on to https://www.unifiedcouncil.com/about-nstse.html

11. National Cyber Olympiad (NCO)

The National Cyber Olympiad is a popular national-level competition to test students’ computers and cyber skills as well as logical reasoning.

Eligibility: Students studying in class 1 to 10

Subjects Included: This exam focuses on logical reasoning, everyday mathematics, mathematical reasoning, and achievement sections.

Types of Questions: The questions are objective.

Medium of Examination: English

Conducting Body: Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)

How to Apply?: You can request for the registration from your school.

Registration Fee: The exam fee is Rs 125.

More Details: For more details, log on to https://sofworld.org/nco

12. Unified Cyber Olympiad (UCO)

The Unified Cyber Olympiad (UCO) is a test that tests students’ logical reasoning skills, mental abilities, and computer skills. It has two stages: once the candidate clears the Level 1 examination, the cleared students take the state-level examination in the 2nd stage, and the finalists are decided.

Eligibility: Students studying in class 2 to 10th

Subjects Included: This exam focuses on logical reasoning, mental aptitude, English, and computer efficiency.

Types of Questions: The questions are objective.

Medium of Examination: English

Conducting Body: Unified Council

How to Apply?: You can request for the registration from your school.

Registration Fee: The exam fee is Rs 150.

More Details: For more details, log on to https://www.unifiedcouncil.com/about-uco.html

13. Maths Talent Search Exam (MTSE)

This competitive exam is an open examination conducted by the Indian Institute for Studies in Mathematics (IISMA) and tests the students’ mental ability, mathematical reasoning, basic concepts, novel approach, accuracy, and speed.

Eligibility: Students studying in class 3 to 9

Subjects Included: This exam focuses on logical reasoning, everyday mathematics, and mathematical reasoning.

Types of Questions: The questions are objective.

Medium of Examination: English

Conducting Body: Indian Institute for Studies in Mathematics (IISMA)

How to Apply?: You can register yourself on their website.

Registration Fee: The exam fee is Rs 100.

More Details: For more details, log on to http://iisma.com/about_exam.php

Benefits of Competitive Exams for Class 1, 2, and 3 Students

There are certainly several benefits of competitive exams for 1st standard, 2nd standard, and 3rd standard children. Here are some of the benefits:

1. Exposes Children Early to Learning

Competitive exams introduce Class 1, 2, and 3 students to a structured learning environment, fostering early exposure to academic challenges.

2. Improves Problem-Solving Skills

These exams encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills from a young age, promoting analytical abilities and intellectual growth.

3. Boosts Confidence

Successfully participating in and completing competitive exams instils a sense of accomplishment in young students, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.

4. Prepares Them for Future Challenges

Engaging in competitive exams prepares students for future academic and professional challenges, instilling a disciplined approach to studying and goal-setting.

5. Identification of Strengths and Weaknesses

Competitive exams help identify a child’s academic strengths and weaknesses early on, allowing parents and educators to tailor learning strategies to the student’s individual needs.

6. Promotion of Healthy Competition

Healthy competition nurtured by these exams teaches children valuable life skills, such as accepting failure with grace, perseverance, and resilience.

FAQs

1. What are some of the best competitive books for classes 1, 2, and 3?

For the preparation of competitive or olympiad exams for classes 1, 2, and 3 in India, there are several reputable books and resources. Here are some widely recognised ones:

• Oswaal NCERT & CBSE Workbooks for classes 1 to 3
• NCERT books for classes 1 to 3
• Crest Olympiads Workbooks for classes 1 to 3
• Unified Council (UC) NSTSE Workbooks for classes 1 to 3
• SilverZone Foundation Books for classes 1 to 3

2. Who is eligible for Olympiad exams?

Students worldwide in grades Prep/KG to 10 can take Olympiad exams. Those in Prep/KG and grades 1-2 qualify for Level 1, while students in grades 3-10 can participate in Level 2. Taking CREST Olympiads tests is essential for assessing their grasp of concepts.

3. How can parents help children prepare for these exams?

First of all, parents must organise a dedicated study space for their kids. Once the space with minimal to no distractions is arranged, they must help them create study plans or goals with old papers and mocks to practice. For an added benefit, you can arrange group study sessions for children with your little one to keep the motivation ongoing. Most importantly, never forget to motivate them consistently with a calm and cool approach.

Encourage your children to attempt these competitive exams to build self-confidence and win scholarships and recognition.

Also Read: 

Olympiad Exams for Child
Scholarship Exam for Class 1, 2 and 3
Ways to Prepare Child for Standardised Tests

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