logo
Olympiad on astronomy, astrophysics to start from August 12

Olympiad on astronomy, astrophysics to start from August 12

The Hindu6 days ago
The 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) will be inaugurated in Mumbai on Tuesday with more than 300 high school students from 64 countries participating.
The Olympiad, being hosted by Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), will be held at the Jio World Convention Centre. The opening ceremony will be attended by Principal Scientific Advisor to the governemtn Ajay Sood and Ajit Kembhavi, former vice-president of the International Astronomical Union.
According to the HBCSE, the 18th IOAA will see record participation of 300 student contestants and about 140 leaders (mentors/teachers), covering every inhabited continent, including several first-time countries. So far, each Olympiad has hosted 40 to 50 teams, comprising 200-plus contestants, along with their leaders and academic mentors.
IOAA was conceived in 2006 to meet the growing global interest in astronomy among high school students, with the first IOAA held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2007.
'The IOAA curriculum is designed to challenge students through theoretical, observational, and data analysis challenges,' said HBCSE.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

IIT-Kanpur admits 5 students without JEE Advanced; cites Olympiad excellence
IIT-Kanpur admits 5 students without JEE Advanced; cites Olympiad excellence

Time of India

time5 days ago

  • Time of India

IIT-Kanpur admits 5 students without JEE Advanced; cites Olympiad excellence

LUCKNOW: Bypassing the traditional JEE Advanced route, IIT-Kanpur has admitted five students to its Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Technology (BTech) programmes based solely on their performance in international science Olympiads and training camps. IIT-Madras has also launched distinct admission pathways, including Sports Excellence Admission (SEA) and Science Olympiad Excellence Admissions (SCOPE). Recently, IIT-Gandhinagar also announced admissions through the Olympiad route, with specific criteria and guidelines published on its site. IIT-Bombay has also announced to admit students into its BS Mathematics programme through the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) pathway. Talking to TOI, IIT-K director Prof Manindra Agrawal said: "We are happy to note that five students have been admitted through the Olympiad programme at IIT-Kanpur. We initiated this channel to admit bright students who may not be able to do well in JEE Advanced due to their preoccupation with Olympiad training." "We hope that this will motivate our bright students to train seriously for the Olympiad and bring laurels to the country," Prof Agrawal said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.

IIT-Kanpur gives direct entry to 5 Olympiad achievers
IIT-Kanpur gives direct entry to 5 Olympiad achievers

Time of India

time5 days ago

  • Time of India

IIT-Kanpur gives direct entry to 5 Olympiad achievers

Lucknow: Bypassing the traditional JEE Advanced route, IIT-Kanpur has admitted five students to its Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Technology (BTech) programmes based solely on their performance in international science Olympiads and training camps. IIT-Madras has also launched distinct admission pathways, including Sports Excellence Admission (SEA) and Science Olympiad Excellence Admissions (SCOPE). Recently, IIT-Gandhinagar also announced admissions through the Olympiad route, with specific criteria and guidelines published on its site. IIT-Bombay has also announced to admit students into its BS Mathematics programme through the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) pathway. Talking to TOI, IIT-K director Prof Manindra Agrawal said: "We are happy to note that five students have been admitted through the Olympiad programme at IIT-Kanpur. We initiated this channel to admit bright students who may not be able to do well in JEE Advanced due to their preoccupation with Olympiad training." "We hope that this will motivate our bright students to train seriously for the Olympiad and bring laurels to the country," Prof Agrawal said. Last Nov, IIT-Kanpur pioneered an alternative admission route, allowing students to join its programmes based on exceptional performance in prestigious international Science Olympiads. The eligible competitions include International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), International Physics Olympiad (IPO), International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), International Biology Olympiad (IBO) and International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI). This innovative approach recognizes and rewards global talent in specific subjects. Under this programme, IIT-K offers reserved seats in five departments: Biological Sciences & Bioengineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Chemistry, Economic Sciences, and Mathematics & Statistics. Admission through this route will allow a limited number of seats per department specifically for students who have undergone rigorous preparation and training in relevant Olympiad camps. The five selected candidates hail from diverse regions, with two students each from West Bengal and one each from Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Notably, two candidates were selected from the International Olympiad in Informatics Training Camp (IOITC), while the remaining three were chosen from the International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC). Eligibility for this pathway requires candidates to be of the same age as JEE (Advanced) candidates and to have taken their class 12 (or equivalent) exams for the first time in either the year of admission or the year prior, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. Candidates must have attended the relevant Olympiad training camp in the subject for which they are applying. Those who were previously admitted to IITs via JoSAA or had an IIT admission cancelled are not eligible. The selection process involves two stages. Initially, each department will review applicants based on their Olympiad rankings and shortlist candidates accordingly. These candidates will then participate in a written examination, which is mandatory, and an interview, if required. Prof Shalabh, dean of academic affairs, IIT-K, said, "We are cultivating a diverse academic environment rich in innovation and critical thinking. Our goal is to enhance our academic community with individuals who bring unique perspectives and exceptional analytical skills. Through this initiative, we aim to support and promote innovation in disciplines that are essential to India's growth and global competitiveness. " Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.

Tradition Meets Innovation: PM Modi Highlights Indias Astronomy Legacy At 18th International Olympiad
Tradition Meets Innovation: PM Modi Highlights Indias Astronomy Legacy At 18th International Olympiad

India.com

time5 days ago

  • India.com

Tradition Meets Innovation: PM Modi Highlights Indias Astronomy Legacy At 18th International Olympiad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation during the ongoing 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, highlighting its significance as "tradition meeting innovation, spirituality meeting science, curiosity meets creativity." Welcoming the gathering from across 64 countries, PM Modi said, "It is a joy to connect with more than 300 shining stars from 64 countries. I warmly welcome you." "The International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in India (means) tradition meets innovation. Spirituality meets science. Curiosity meets creativity," PM Modi said in a virtual address. #WATCH | During the 18th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, PM Modi says, "India is deeply committed to nurturing scientific curiosity and empowering young minds. Over 10 million students are understanding STEM concepts through hands-on experimentation in Atal… — ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2025 Referring to India's rich astronomical heritage, he noted, "For centuries, Indians have been observing the skies and asking big questions. For example, in the fifth century, Aryabhatta invented zero. He was also the first to say that the Earth rotates on its axis. Literally, he started from zero and made history." Apprising the gathering about India hosting the world's highest astronomical observatories in Ladakh, PM Modi also talked about the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in Pune, which he said was one of the world's most sensitive radio telescopes that has helped decode the mysteries of pulsars and galaxies. "Today, we host one of the world's highest astronomical observatories in Ladakh. At 4,500 meters above sea level, it is close enough to shake hands with the stars. Our Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in Pune is one of the world's most sensitive radio telescopes. It is helping us decode the mysteries of pulsars and galaxies. India proudly contributes to global mega-science projects like the Square Kilometre Array, and LIGO India made history. We were the first to successfully land near the moon's south pole. We have also set our sights on the sun with Aditya-L1 solar observatory," the Prime Minister said. He also expressed pride over the completion of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's "historic mission" to the International Space Station. "Last month, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla completed his historic mission to the International Space Station. It was a proud moment for all Indians and an inspiration for young explorers like all of you," PM Modi said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store