Mumbai, 4 June 2024

 

The National Science Olympiad starts with the National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) conducted by Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT). The best-performing students from the NSEJS qualify for the second stage — the Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO). Candidates for INJSO 2024 are automatically eligible for consideration for the Orientation Cum Selection Camp (OCSC) for selecting the Indian team for the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-Jr.) 2024 to be held at Kathmandu, Nepal during October 3 – 10, 2024. The OCSC was held at Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai with 20 selected participants from May 15 – June 4, 2024.

At the camp, students were oriented for Olympiad-level theoretical and observational tasks. Emphasis was given to developing conceptual foundations and problem-solving skills, and the students were trained in astronomy and night sky observation. Resource persons from different institutions like Nehru Planetarium, HBCSE, TIFR, IIT-Bombay, IUCAA, and several educational institutions across the country were invited to the training camps as mentors. The students also visited NCRA, Pune and GMRT, Narayangaon for an educational tour. Several theoretical and observational tests were held during the camp. Based on the performance in these tests, 3 students were selected. Mast. Sumant Gupta from New Sainik Sr. Sec. Public School, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Mast. Shashank Kaundilya from Central Public School, Samastipur, Bihar, and Mast. Pranjal Dixit from Delhi Public School, Secunderabad, Telangana, secured the top three positions, respectively. These bright minds will proudly represent India at the 3rd IOAA-Jr 2024. In addition to their overall rankings, Shashank Kaundilya was honored with the award for Best in Theory, demonstrating his outstanding theoretical understanding of astronomy. Sumant Gupta received the award for Best in Observation, showcasing his exceptional observational skills. The special Jury Award was presented to Mast. Shreyash Sinha from De Nobili School C.M.R.I., Dhanbad, Jharkhand, in recognition of his remarkable performance and dedication.

The valedictory function, held on 4th June, 2024, at the Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai (NSCM), was graced by the presence of Prof. Devendra K Ojha from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) as the Chief Guest. Prof. Ojha, along with the Director of Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai, Shri. Umesh Kr. Rustagi handed over the certificates and prizes to the meritorious participants. The Director, NSCM, congratulated the winners and participants, and emphasized on the importance of nurturing young talent in the field of astronomy and astrophysics. "The achievements of these students reflect their hard work and passion for science. We are confident that they will make India proud at the international stage," he said. 

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) is an autonomous scientific body functioning under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It administers 25 Science Centres/Museums spread all over India. NCSM is the Authorized National Representative (Astronomical) Organization (ANRAO) for organizing the Junior Astronomy Olympiad Programme in India. The Council is responsible for selecting a team of 3 students to represent India at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-Jr.). This is being done through the Indian National Junior Astronomy Olympiad (INJAO) programme. 

 

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(Source: NSC, Mumbai) | PIB Mumbai | SC/ DR

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