CSO National Aviation Olympiad (NAO) 2026 : nationalaviationolympiad.com

Organisation : Centre for Scientific Outreach (CSO)
Contest Name : National Aviation Olympiad (NAO) 2026
Applicable For : Classes 8th – 12th Students
Prizes : Rewards, Recognition and Opportunities
Last Date To Register : 31st July 2026
Website : https://nationalaviationolympiad.com/

What is National Aviation Olympiad?

National Aviation Olympiad is India’s premier aviation education awareness movement conceived and organized by the Centre for Scientific Outreach (CSO) to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. NAO is open to all Indian students enrolled in Classes 8 through 12 in any recognized school across India. Schools register on the NAO portal and enroll their students. Fees range from ₹50 to ₹200 depending on school type and gender, with 20% concession for girl students. Last date of registration is 31st July 2026.

Who Can Apply For National Aviation Olympiad?

NAO is open to all Indian students enrolled in Classes 8 through 12 in any recognized school across India.

Group 1: Classes 8, 9 & 10
Minimum participation: 10 students required per school for onboarding.

Group 2: Classes 11 & 12
Minimum participation: 5 students required per school for onboarding.

Students participate through their registered school. Individual registrations are accepted for homeschooled, NIOS, international, self-motivated students via non-participating schools and embassy-nominated students.

How To Register For National Aviation Olympiad?

Schools:
1.Authorization:
Principal or authorized teacher registers the school as an Examination Centre with official documentation.

2.Enrollment:
School enrolls eligible students from Classes 8–12 with required documentation and consent forms.

3.Fees Collection:
School collects the fees from registered students on behalf of NAO Secretariat. The school retains 20% of the fees to cover cost of conduction of examination at their premises.

4.Note:
School onboarding is FREE OF COST. Schools receive a Unique School Code, Welcome Kit (handbook, posters, creatives), and a Portal to upload student registrations.

Experts:
1.Eligibility:
Professionals from academia, industry, or policy/regulatory sectors can apply.

2.Review:
Applications reviewed by NAO team. Selected experts invited to join the committee.

3.Committee:
Collaborate on curriculum planning, examination design, mentorship, and evaluation guidelines.

Individual Students:
1.Eligibility:
For homeschooled students, NIOS students, international or embassy-nominated candidates, and students from non‑participating schools.

2.Registration and fees:
Student registers individually with valid ID (Aadhaar/Passport), parent/guardian consent form, and IT undertaking form and pay the registration fees.

3.Examination:
Individual Registration students take NAO 2026 ONLY in Online Mode. Must ensure availability of personal mobile/laptop. Fee structure is different and higher-see Fee Structure section below.

Volunteers & Coordinators:
1.Expression of Interest:
Teachers, college students, and professionals can express interest in volunteering as regional/school-level coordinators.

2.Orientation:
Selected volunteers receive orientation on NAO processes, timelines, and responsibilities.

3.Execution:
Assist with school outreach, examination logistics, and event coordination in their region.

Register Here : https://nationalaviationolympiad.com/participate

Fee Structure of National Aviation Olympiad

Affordable participation with special concessions for government schools, girl students, and economically disadvantaged groups.

Benefits of National Aviation Olympiad

A rich package of rewards, recognition and opportunities across all phases

** Participation: E-certificate for all registered participants. Lifetime access to NAO newsletters and 20% concession in next editions.
** Academic Recognition: Awarded to top 3 (Middle) and top 3 (Higher) students from each school. Signed by 100+ expert committee members.
** Performance Recognition: Top 5 winners from each State/UT Zone; includes up to ₹10,000 prize and media coverage.
** Internship Opportunity: Top 5 winners from each State/UT Zone; internship coupon valid till end of Grade 12. Opportunities in aviation firms, airports, and aerospace institutions in India & abroad.
** National Honour: Top 5 National winners from each grade; prize up to ₹1,00,000 and national-level felicitation.
** Drone Pilot License : Fully paid drone pilot license training by DGCA-approved RPTO to all 145 finalists of National Finale.
** Career Mentorship : One-on-one and group sessions with aviation experts and committee members (valid for 5 years).
** Networking Opportunities : Interaction with global aviation leaders, institutions, and policymakers during finale.
** Scholarships : Free College Education for Top 5 winners for aviation education programs through NAO partners.
** Exposure Trips : Visits or virtual tours of airports, ATC towers, and aerospace manufacturing units.
** Aviation Learning Kits : RC-Modelling aircrafts; aerodynamics kits.
** Media Visibility : Features in aviation magazines, digital platforms, and official NAO channels.
** Skill Development : Analytical & STEM Skills – Enhances conceptual, reasoning, and application skills through multi-level testing.

Important Dates of National Aviation Olympiad

All dates have been taken from the official guidebook. Plan ahead!

** School Registration Opens : 17 October 2025
** Mock Tests Available : From 15 April 2026
** Registration Deadline : 31 July 2026
** Phase 1 – North Zone : 19 August 2026
** Phase 1 – East Zone : 20 August 2026
** Phase 1 – West Zone : 21 August 2026
** Phase 1 – South Zone : 22 August 2026
** Phase 1 – UT Zone : 23 August 2026
** Phase 1 Results : 15 September 2026
** Phase 2 – State/UT Rounds : Third week of October 2026
** Phase 3 – National Finale : 7 December 2026