The People Behind NAO

Led by India’s most accomplished aviation, academic, and policy leaders

NAO Governance Structure

A structured governance model ensuring academic rigor, industry credibility, and operational excellence

Advisory Committee

Expert Committee

NAO Secretariat

The National Aviation Olympiad is governed by a three-tier structure that brings together strategic vision, domain expertise, and operational execution. The NAO Council provides overarching direction, supported by an Advisory Council of distinguished leaders, a 100+ member Expert Committee for academic and technical guidance, and the NAO Secretariat for day-to-day operations.

NAO Advisory Committee

The NAO Advisory Council comprises eminent leaders from aviation, defence, aerospace, government, and academia who provide strategic direction and institutional credibility to the Olympiad. Their guidance shapes NAO’s vision, partnerships, and national impact.

Shri. C. P. Radhakrishnan

Hon’ble Vice President of India

Government of India

New Delhi, India

Government / Policy

Dr. Meera Nair

Member, NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog

New Delhi, India

Policy

Air Marshal Rajiv Khanna (Retd.)

Former Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief

Indian Air Force

Bengaluru, India

Defence

Dr. Asha Rao

Director General

DGCA

New Delhi, India

Aviation Regulation

Shri. Karan Desai

Chairman

Airports Authority of India

New Delhi, India

Infrastructure

Prof. Rita Singh

Director

IIT Bombay

Mumbai, India

Academia

NAO Expert Committee

A 100+ member Expert Committee ensuring world-class academic and professional credibility. Leading academicians from IITs, NITs, CBSE, professional experts from DRDO, ISRO, HAL, Airbus, Boeing, seasoned bureaucrats from DGCA, AAI, NITI Aayog, NSDC, IAF and more constitute NAO’s Expert Committee.

The Expert Committee is responsible for curriculum design, examination framework, question paper setting, evaluation standards, mentorship programmes, and academic quality assurance across all phases of the Olympiad.

Academia

👤

Prof. Ramesh Iyer

HOD, Aerospace Engineering

IIT Bombay

Mumbai

Academia

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Prof. Kavita Singh

Principal

NIT Name

Pune

Expert Committee – Eligibility Criteria

NAO invites distinguished professionals to contribute to India’s aviation education mission. If you have the expertise and the passion, we want you on the team.

Academic Experts: Faculty members / researchers from IITs, NITs, IIMs, IISc, universities, or CBSE/ICSE boards with expertise in aviation, aerospace, STEM, or education.

Industry Professionals: Minimum 10 years of experience in aviation, airlines, MRO, airport operations, aerospace manufacturing, or allied sectors.

Government & Regulatory: Serving or retired officials from DGCA, AAI, MoCA, DRDO, ISRO, NITI Aayog, NSDC, IAF, Indian Navy (aviation wing), or equivalent bodies.

Drone & Emerging Tech: Professionals working in RPAS/drone technology, urban air mobility, space-tech startups, or AI/ML applications in aviation.

STEM Educators: School principals, CBSE master trainers, Olympiad coaches, or educational content developers with demonstrated expertise.

International Experts: Professionals associated with ICAO, IATA, EASA, FAA, or international aviation bodies with willingness to contribute remotely.

Download Eligibility Criteria (PDF)Apply to Join the Expert Committee

NAO Secretariat

The NAO Secretariat is the operational backbone of the National Aviation Olympiad, responsible for end-to-end execution including school outreach, registrations, examination logistics, partnerships, communications, and event management. Based in New Delhi, the Secretariat coordinates with all stakeholders to ensure seamless delivery of NAO across India.