HSO 2025 Eligibility, Registration, and Important Dates Explained
The Humming Bird Science Olympiad (HSO) is a prestigious international science competition for students, organized by Humming Bird Education Limited. Renowned for its transparency and credibility, HSO evaluates scientific knowledge and reasoning through a modern, online computer-based test (CBT) format. With a class-wise syllabus aligned to major boards and global participation, this Olympiad offers significant awards, scholarships, and digital resources to boost scientific learning among school students.
HSO Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Window | March 2025 – August 2025 |
| Level 1 Exam Date (Option 1) | 24-Nov-2025 (Monday) |
| Level 1 Exam Date (Option 2) | 08-Dec-2025 (Monday) |
| Level 2 Eligibility Announcement | Within 1 month after Level 1 Results |
| HSO Results Announcement | 1–2 months after exam (Tentative) |
HSO Eligibility Criteria
- Who Can Apply: Students from Classes 1 to 12 from any recognized Indian or international board
- Participation: Open to both school-registered and individual applicants worldwide
- Exam Mode: Online Computer Based Test (CBT) only
- Registration Fee: ₹200 per subject (approx. $8 USD internationally)
- Level 2 Qualification: 75%+ in Level 1 OR state/class top 10 OR school toppers
HSO Syllabus & Subjects
- Lower Classes: Living and non-living things, Food, Plants & Animals, Air, Water, Environment
- Middle Classes: Cell structure, Body systems, Physical & Chemical changes, Light, Electricity, Human diseases, Resources
- Higher Classes: Physics – Force, Motion, Electricity, Magnetism; Chemistry – Matter, Acids/Bases, Carbon compounds; Biology – Genetics, Evolution, Health, Biotechnology; Environmental Science and Current Affairs
- Syllabus is strictly based on current CBSE, ICSE, and major state board curricula and updated annually
- Free study materials, eBooks, and mock tests are given to every participant after registration
HSO Exam Pattern
| Aspect | Level 1 | Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Online CBT | Online CBT |
| Format | MCQs (Class-wise) | MCQs (Advanced) |
| Total Questions | 30–40 | 30–40 |
| Duration | 45–60 minutes | 45–60 minutes |
| Marking Scheme | 1 mark/question, no negative marking | 1 mark/question, no negative marking |
| Medium | English (Hindi for lower classes) | English |
HSO Level 1: Online Test
Level 1 is conducted on the selected date with a single attempt per student. All registered participants appear online using their dashboard or school login.
HSO Level 2: Advanced Round
Level 2 features higher difficulty and is exclusive to top performers in Level 1. Invitations are sent based on cut-offs, school/state/class toppers, and all Level 2 qualifiers compete for higher awards.
HSO Registration Process
- Visit the official Humming Bird Education or consult your school Olympiad coordinator
- Choose "Science Olympiad" subject (HSO) and select desired grade/class
- Fill in the personal and academic details carefully
- Pay the fee online or submit to the school (₹200 per subject / $8 international)
- Receive confirmation, dashboard login, and free access to HSO study resources
- Check for hall ticket/admit card release date and appear for the online test on scheduled day
HSO Preparation Tips
- Start early by reviewing the class-wise syllabus and noting high-weightage chapters
- Practice with official HSO previous year papers and online mock tests
- Use eBooks and sample questions available on the student dashboard after registration
- Attempt time-bound mock sessions to improve speed and accuracy
- Seek guidance from teachers, Olympiad platforms, and practice using chapter-wise science worksheets like Vedantu Science Worksheets for extra preparation
- Stay updated with announcements on the official HSO website
HSO Details Mentioned in the Admit Card
- Student name and registration number
- Exam subject and class details
- Olympiad exam date and time (Level 1/2)
- Login credentials for online CBT access
- Instructions for online exam– device requirements and reporting guidelines
HSO Results & Cut-Off Announcement
- Results are published on the official HSO website and communicated by email to schools/parents
- All participants receive detailed graphical performance reports, including school, state, national, and international ranks
- Level 2 qualification and award announcements are shared post result declaration
- Top rankers get prizes such as certificates, medals, gadgets, and cash awards
What to Do After the HSO Exam
- Download your detailed scorecard/performance report from the participant dashboard
- If eligible, prepare for Level 2 using advanced sample papers
- Winners should track updates for award despatch or school felicitation events
- Plan your preparation for other science olympiads such as SOF NSO and SilverZone Science Olympiad
This comprehensive guide on the Humming Bird Science Olympiad (HSO) covers official dates, eligibility, class-wise syllabus, registration steps, exam pattern, and essential tips. By following the verified information and exploring high-quality Olympiad resources and internal links, students and parents can confidently prepare, apply, and succeed in HSO 2025 with the latest updates and preparation strategies.
FAQs on HSO Humming Bird Science Olympiad Guide 2025 for Classes 1-12
1. What is HSO Humming Bird Science Olympiad?
HSO (Humming Bird Science Olympiad) is an international science olympiad for students of Classes 1–12, conducted by Humming Bird Education Limited. It promotes scientific thinking through a class-wise syllabus and modern online computer-based format with two exam levels and awards worth ₹3 crore.
Key features:
- Open to Classes 1 to 12 (all boards)
- Online CBT mode with MCQ pattern
- Level 1 for all, Level 2 for top scorers
- Attractive prizes, rankings, and digital resources for all participants
2. Who can participate in HSO?
All students from Classes 1–12 (CBSE, ICSE, State, and International boards) in India or abroad are eligible for the HSO Humming Bird Science Olympiad.
Eligibility summary:
- Classes 1 to 12 (any board)
- Indian and international students
- Register via school or as individuals
3. What is the last date to register for HSO 2025?
Registrations for HSO 2025 typically remain open from March to August 2025.
Key registration details:
- Expected last date: August 2025 (confirm with school/official site)
- Register via school or direct online form
- Registration fee: ₹200 per subject (₹8 USD internationally)
4. What is the exam pattern for HSO?
The HSO exam follows an online computer-based MCQ format with two levels.
Pattern overview:
- Level 1 & 2: MCQ-based, online CBT
- Questions: 30–40 MCQs (class-wise)
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
- No negative marking; 1 mark per correct answer
- Medium: English (Hindi option for lower classes)
5. What is the syllabus for HSO Humming Bird Science Olympiad?
HSO syllabus aligns with CBSE, ICSE, and State Board science curriculum for each class.
Syllabus highlights:
- Classes 1–5: Living/non-living things, Plants, Animals, Nutrition, Our Body, Environment
- Classes 6–8: Cells, Microorganisms, Body Systems, Physics & Chemistry basics, Pollution
- Classes 9–12: Physics (Motion, Energy), Chemistry (Atoms, Carbon Compounds), Biology (Genetics, Human Health), Applied/current environmental science
6. How can I access HSO previous year question papers?
You can get HSO previous year question papers and classwise mock tests in several ways:
- Download from your official Humming Bird dashboard after registration
- Request from your school’s Olympiad coordinator
- Check the official Humming Bird website for sample papers
- Practice with Olympiad worksheets on platforms like Vedantu
7. When will HSO results 2025 be declared?
The HSO results are usually released 1–2 months after the exam.
- Results published online on the Humming Bird website
- Available via participant email or through school
- Participants receive detailed performance reports showing ranks and scores
8. What prizes and awards are given in HSO?
The HSO Humming Bird Science Olympiad offers over ₹3 crore in prizes, medals, and recognitions.
Possible awards:
- International, zonal, and school rank certificates
- Medals, laptops, tablets, cash awards
- Detailed performance analysis report
9. Is HSO Olympiad recognized and safe for online participation?
Yes, HSO Olympiad is organized by Humming Bird Education Limited, a BSE-listed company, and follows strict online security for CBT exams.
- Highly credible, transparent organizing body
- Secure online testing platform for Indian & international students
- Parent and school support for safe participation
10. Does HSO preparation help with SOF or SilverZone Science Olympiads?
HSO preparation strongly supports performance in other major Olympiads like SOF NSO and SilverZone iOS.
- All follow a class-wise, conceptual science syllabus (CBSE/ICSE-aligned)
- Practicing HSO mock tests boosts skills in reasoning, application, and science current affairs
- Preparation overlaps with other popular science Olympiads
11. Can international students appear for HSO Science Olympiad?
Yes, international students (NRIs, abroad) studying any syllabus in Classes 1–12 can directly register for the HSO Humming Bird Science Olympiad.
- Registration possible via international schools or online individually
- Exam mode is online, suitable for global participants
12. Will HSO results affect my school marks or board grades?
No, HSO results are independent and will not affect your school grades or board exam scores.
- HSO is a talent recognition Olympiad, not a board assessment
- It adds value to your academic portfolio but does not modify school marksheets
