National Aviation Olympiad 2026
Igniting young minds, elevating India’s skies
Classes 8th – 12th
August 2026 – December 2026
NAO Highlights
Appreciations & Citations received by National Aviation Olympiad
“The NAO is envisioned as a nationwide initiative to inspire and prepare India’s youth for emerging opportunities in aviation, space technology and defence innovation. At a time when India is advancing as a global leader in aviation and aerospace, such early engagement is both timely and essential”
Shri. C. P. Radhakrishnan
Hon’ble Vice President of India“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the organizers for convening this landmark event at a time when India’s aviation sector is posed for unprecedented expansion, reflecting the nation’s rising aspirations, economic vitality, and global connectivity.”
Dr. V. K. Saraswat
Member, NITI AayogNAO at a glance
The National Aviation Olympiad (NAO), organized by the Centre of Scientific Outreach (CSO), aims to build awareness about aviation while preparing students for a future-ready workforce. The Olympiad will also open doors for young people to explore new technologies and career opportunities in the aviation sector.
Why India needs Aviation Olympiad
India is the world's 3rd largest aviation market and is projected to be the fastest growing over the next two decades.
India needs 1.1 million aviation professionals by 2040. Recent disruptions have exposed critical gaps in crew availability, compliance readiness, and workforce planning.
Aviation awareness has yet to reach rural India, leaving a vast, diverse talent pool at the grassroots completely untapped.
Over 150 career paths exist in aviation, yet public awareness rarely extends beyond pilots and cabin crew.
How NAO solves this gap
NAO is more than just an Olympiad
It is an ecosystem that connects students, workforce, industry, and policymakers.
Pan-India Awareness
Rigorous Assessment
Career Guidance
Scholarship Assistance
Your journey with NAO
A structured three-phase Olympiad designed to identify, nurture, and celebrate aviation talent.
Phase 1
School Level Examination
August 2026
Online / Offline School Level Screening test (90 Minutes) – Top 3 from Group 1 + Top 2 from Group 2 qualify per school.
Phase 2
State/UT Rounds
October 2026
Online / Offline State Level Screening Test – Top 3 from Group 1 + Top 2 from Group 2 per State / UT qualify for National Level.
Phase 3
National Finals
7 December 2026
145 National Finalists in New Delhi: quizzes, viva with aviation experts, presentations, and aviation experience sessions.
Awards & Benefits
Students and Stakeholders can benefit through a bouquet of offerings
Guided by India's aviation community
A 100+ member Expert Committee ensuring world-class academic and professional credibility. Leading Academicians from IITs, NITs, CBSE experts, Professional Experts from DRDO, ISRO, HAL, Airbus, Boeing, Seasoned bureaucrats from DGCA, AAI, NITI Aayog, NSDC, IAF etc., constitute NAO’s expert committee.
100+ Experts
40% Academia
30% Industry
30% Bureaucracy
Why Partner with NAO
Explore your partnership opportunities with NAO and take advantage of an aviation movement building India’s largest aviation talent pipeline.