India is gearing up to host the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) in August 2025. The announcement was made on August 27, 2024, by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), TIFR, through their official Facebook page. This prestigious event will take place in Mumbai, with HBCSE leading the organizational efforts.
The announcement highlighted that the IOAA flag was officially handed over to the Indian team during the closing ceremony of IOAA 2024 in Vassouras, Brazil. India’s performance at the 17th IOAA was impressive, with the team bringing home 1 Gold and 4 Silver medals.
In preparation for the upcoming Olympiad, eligible students in India can now register for the first stage of the National Science Olympiad Program, known as the National Standard Examination (NSE). Registration is open until September 14, 2024.
Stages of the Olympiad Process
The Olympiad process in India includes several stages:
- National Standard Examinations (NSE)
- Indian National Olympiad (INO)
- Orientation cum Selection Camp (OCSC)
- International Science Olympiads
In addition to the Astronomy Olympiad, the 2025 International Olympiads will see the Physics Olympiad in Paris, France, the Chemistry Olympiad in the United Arab Emirates, and the Biology Olympiad in Quezon City, Philippines.
India’s role as the host for the IOAA 2025 marks a significant milestone in the country’s contribution to global scientific education and competitions. Stay tuned for more updates as the event approaches.