Olympiads

Well, many people have been asking me for this, so here's the post for Olympiads. But let me tell you few things-

1. I have never made it to any International Olympiads, but I have reached the OCSC(final team selection rounds) in Junior Science and Junior Astronomy Olympiads (in 2014) and Senior Astronomy Olympiad(in 2017). However, I didn't attend the OCSC in class 12.
2. I had a pretty good performance in the NSEs(I have cleared NSEJS and NSEC once, NSEA twice(was in the national top 5 both times), and NSEP thrice.
3. The subject I was best prepared in was Physics, but I could not clear INPhO in any year. Reason being mistakes which I'll tell you below. And the subject in which I did the best was Astronomy in which I had zero preparations. I'll tell you about the NSEs and then will tell you about INOs, and then will tell you the mistakes I made, which prevented me from going to the IOs.
4. I have searched the web and came up with the latest and best editions of the books. These books are widely used and are the best. Do solve them, they will help you. I have added links to the best deal for your convenience. You can order the books you like.

1. Junior Science Olympiad

Well this a real tough nut, and this exam was the exam I worked the hardest for. It's tough due to two reasons-1. Huge syllabus 2. Lack of guidance. But still, contract to my belief I was able to make it to the top 35, which changed my life completely.

First thing is that you have a better chance if you start preparing much before NSEJS(at least 6 months).

For Biology, complete class 9–10 NCERT in a week, and then jump to class 11–12 NCERT. Find out the important topics by seeing past papers, and do them well. Understand everything well and learn stuff when you need to(biology requires it). I remember completing 75% of the books before NSEJS, and 90% before INJSO. Genetics and Ecology are important and scoring.

For Physics, stick to HC Verma. It will help you in two ways-1. Make you invincible when it comes to JSO physics. 2. Build a solid foundation for NSEP/JEE. I remember completing 40% HCV before NSEJS, and 90% before INJSO. It's easy to grasp and will cover everything from the start till the end for JSO. But again, this is only after you are well versed with all concepts till class 10.

Mathematics- Don't know what to say. I did everything till class 11 NCERT, but I'd suggest a more RMO-kind preparation. Better solve your coaching module(I solved Resonance's , but every coaching has a good JSO pack) for Maths.

For chemistry, don't touch organic chemistry at all, it wasn't asked in any form when I appeared for the exam. NCERT(11 the for stage 1, and both 11th and 12th for stage 2) for Inorganic and Physical. Practice some physical chemistry questions from P. Bahadur or R.C. Mukherjee.

Solve past year IJSO papers for OCSC preparations. This was a huge mistake in my case. I didn't solve papers. Apart from that nothing is required for OCSC. Revise INJSO syllabus well, and listen to the lectures carefully. And most importantly- DON'T LOSE HOPE. When you attend Junior Science OCSC, you would be among top 35 students of India. And I was from a small city where I was the only topper. I thought that I won't make it. And in the end I realized that I was very close to the top 6(based on my marks). I regretted it a lot. Just study well and believe in yourself.

You can order books for IJSO here-



Do check and see which books suit you before getting overwhelmed by the number.

2. Physics Olympiad

Well for NSE, HCV+ past papers+ a good objective question practice(preferable to solve an IITJEE coaching module). For INPhO, past papers+ Irodov. I failed in INPhO phone both times due to mistakes(in graph scales, and calculations). Avoid mistakes and you are done. Nothing much. Some good books-

3. Astronomy Olympiad

Click here for an answer on INAO

Well I admit I had the experience of the previous OCSC and it helped me get a high score in 12th(87/100, fourth highest in India), but basically all you need is a good command on physics and mathematics, and a good common sense. Solve past papers for experience. Be good with estimation. It is asked almost every year. And read about famous constellations and their main stars. It is another fixed topic in INAO. NSEA is all about physics and maths and popular astronomy. That's easy. Use Wikipedia/constellation apps/website to study Astronomy stuff two days before the exam. As of OCSC, they give appropriate material beforehand. Just revise it and solve past papers. You are done.
Some books which are useful for INAO/OCSC(The last book is good, but is expensive as its Indian Edition is not available. But its a really nice book)-

As of other exams, I don't have the OCSC experience, and I wasn't really into them, but I'll make sure I post about it on my blog. Anyway, for RMO, try problem primer and excursion in mathematics. I am trying to arrange some experienced people in MO. And for other NSEs the usual JEE material suffices. For INChO I recommend having a good grasp on biochemistry (Paula Bruce will help).

4. Chemistry Olympiad(by Irin Ghosh)

The follwing article was contributed by my best friend, Irin Ghosh. She is a gold Medallist in IChO (2017). She will soon be transferring to MIT for studying CSE from second year. This might make you realise how important Olympiad medals are(she a huge list of other achievements too :p).

NSEC: The questions are very similar to jee mains chemistry. The most important thing, especially for class 11 aspirants would be to cover as much syllabus as possible. The questions aren't difficult. Speed and accuracy is very important. For that I suggest solve previous years papers. The books I recommend are:
● Physical chemistry 1. NCERT 2. Physical chemistry by Wiley Publications
 ● Organic chemistry 1. NCERT 2. Solomon and Fryhle/Paula Bruice
 ● Inorganic Chemistry 3. J D Lee

INChO: The questions from INChO are much more interesting and challenging. For inorganic chemistry, rather than memorizing reactions, I feel it is better to stress on the topic of coordination compounds. Organic chemistry will require students to know some extra reactions other than the ones in jee advanced syllabus. Going through previous years question papers is a must. Most questions of synthesis type, have some hints at every step so don't hesitate to make a reasonable guesswork if you don't happen to know a reaction. Also, make sure to write down steps carefully for physical chemistry numericals. Your thought process should be very clear. I recommend organic chemistry byPeter Sykes.

OCSC : Firstly go through the preparatory problems, which is released by the host country just prior to OCSC. Also try solving IChO papers and don't get too intimidated! Make sure you know about some basic laboratory skills like titration, TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography), qualitative Organic and Inorganic analysis, etc. Some books I would suggest for extra reading are:
 ● Organic Chemistry by Clayden
● Physical chemistry by Peter Atkins (very few topics are important, so read only relevant stuff)
 ● Inorganic chemistry by Shriver Atkins (selectively read Coordination compounds, for other topics JD Lee is enough) Also listen to lectures and attend lab sessions sincerely. And most importantly,just give your best in the theory and practical exams and don't get intimidated because everyone else seems so intelligent. Tenacity is a valued quality to make it to the IOs Best wishes to all the aspirants. Above all enjoy the Olympiad experience!

Books for INChO-

    

Books for Mathematics Olympiad(RMO/INMO)-

And one extra touch- your personality plays a role in terms selection too. Don't be very shy or rude. Be balanced, and polite. Be active all the time. And don't think that you would do bad because other people in the camp are 'awesome'. I did this mistake. Just give the papers and out your 100% effort before the camp begins. And you can try out some practicals too. These books are good for OCSC-

Do prepare well for Olympiads. They help a lot in future as they are awesome points in one's profile. Plus you get a never before experience in OCSC and the IOs.