Jamshedpur to host 20th National Creativity Olympiad on April 19-20

Students from across India to showcase creativity in science and technology

Jamshedpur, April 16: The Jamshedpur Local Centre of The Institution of Engineers (India) [IEI] is all set to host the 20th National Creativity Olympiad (NCO) 2025 on April 19 and 20 at the SNTI Auditorium, Bistupur. Organized annually to promote creativity and scientific innovation among school students, the Olympiad was launched in 2000 and became a national-level event from 2001. Since then, it has drawn enthusiastic participation from schools across the country.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday at the Institution of Engineers’ premises, Satish Kr Tiwary, Chairman of IEI Jamshedpur, shared the vision behind the event.
“The Olympiad aims to inspire creativity and innovation in young minds. It also encourages schools to nurture and identify their most creative students and provide them with the recognition they deserve,” he said.

This year’s Olympiad is themed around “Science & Technology” and is structured to include hands-on activities, problem-solving challenges, and working model presentations that will test not just knowledge but the application of scientific concepts in real-world scenarios.

Direct Domain: A Blend of Logic, Innovation & Teamwork

The competition is divided into two main categories: Direct Domain and Open Domain.

In the Direct Domain, top five teams from local schools have been shortlisted through elimination rounds, while schools from other cities have nominated their best teams. A total of 24+ teams have qualified for the finals to be held on April 19.

The day begins with an Analytical Challenge, modeled on the “Shark Tank” format, where students will be given materials on the spot and tasked with devising innovative solutions for a scientific problem using their logic, technical acumen, and teamwork.

“The Shark Tank-style format is a unique approach that will not only test the students’ scientific understanding but also their decision-making skills under time constraints,” said N. Rajesh Kumar, Organising Chairman of NCO 2025.

The second event, scheduled post-lunch, will test students’ knowledge in Physics, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, and more—up to Grade 12 level. Participants will be required to implement these principles in real-world simulations. All materials and rules will be provided on the spot, and no prior preparation is necessary.

“These events ensure that participants are judged on their hands-on skills, spontaneity, and ability to think creatively under pressure,” added Rajesh Kumar.

Three winning teams will be awarded attractive prizes, while all participating students will receive certificates for their involvement.

Open Domain: Creativity Meets Climate Action

The Open Domain competition, reserved for local schools, will take place on April 20 and is divided into Junior (Std. VI-VIII) and Senior (Std. IX-XII) categories. This year’s theme is “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”—a topic that aligns with global environmental concerns.

“This theme emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable solutions to land degradation and highlights how young minds can contribute innovative ideas for a greener planet,” said S.D. Bhattacharjee, Organising Member.

Students will present working models that creatively address this theme. These models will be judged for originality, practicality, and alignment with the theme. Two models from each category will be awarded trophies and prizes, and all the models will be showcased during the Prize Distribution Ceremony.

The Olympiad will be inaugurated on April 19 at 9:15 AM by Pragya Singh, Principal of DAV Public School, Bistupur. The Prize Distribution and Valedictory Function will take place on April 20 at 6:30 PM, with Jaya S Panda, Chief L&D and CDO, Tata Steel, as the Chief Guest.

Prominent industry sponsors for NCO 2025 include Tinplate Division (TSL), JCAPCPL, JAMIPOL, TRF Ltd., Air Water India Pvt. Ltd., Eco Lab, TSTSL, Tata Power, Speciality Products & Services (India) LLP, EMDET Jamshedpur Pvt. Ltd., Nepasoft, and others.

Students from cities such as Kanpur, Patna, Aligarh, Bhubaneswar, Tirupati, Puri, Ranchi, Durgapur, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and from states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will participate, alongside local Jamshedpur schools that cleared the elimination rounds.

Dr. S. K. Narang, Organising Member, who was also present at the press meet, expressed confidence that the event will continue to foster innovation and spark interest in STEM fields among the youth.

“NCO is more than just a competition. It is a platform that brings together young innovators and gives them the opportunity to showcase their vision for a better tomorrow,” he said.

With two days of intense competition, creativity, and collaboration ahead, NCO 2025 promises to be a vibrant celebration of young minds, innovation, and the limitless possibilities of science and technology.