Nepal

Government of Nepal

Ministry of Education, Science & Technology

moe.gov.np

STEM Foundation Nepal: main organizer

Total round of selection: 5

Round 1: September/October

Round 2: November

Round 3: December

Round 4: December/January

Round 5: January/February;

Announcement of the National Finalists

Around 1000

Round 1: Multiple Choice, based on national curriculum 

Round 2: MCQs + Long Answer Theory, based on national curriculum 

Round 3: Theory based on IBO Syllabus

Round 4: Theory + Practicals

Round 5: Viva Interview

NBO Contains Scientific and Organizing Committees responsible for all the events and activities throughout the process. The scientific committee prepares the questions for all levels, where high school teachers, some STEM professionals, college lecturers and university professors are the team members with some very senior national/international advisors. 

The top scorers in the NBO are shortlisted for an interview to gauge their potential and attitude to represent the country. Usually about 6 to 10 pupils are shortlisted for Team Nepal training. These pupils are then asked to read up Campbell Biology to prepare themselves for the theory component of the IBO tests.

In April and May, Team Nepal training members undergo once-a-week group discussion sessions with academics from STEM Foundation Nepal and affiliated Institutions on various theory topics. Each weekly session may last up to 2.5h.

At the end of May or beginning of June (during the school/college holidays), Team Nepal members attend a 5-day residential training camp at STEM Foundation Nepal, where they are given hands-on training in biological techniques as well as taught dissection skills, etc. During this week, the pupils are observed and assessed on their practical skills, attitude and EQ. 

The final team of four pupils to represent Nepal is announced at the end of the 5-day camp. This constitutes the end of official IBO training for Team Nepal. The selected pupils are then advised to do intensive self study on their own using Campbell and IBO sample questions from the official IBO Center Website. The pupils from the Team Nepal training team who are not selected are usually counseled and encouraged to continue to pursue their interests in biology. 

Strong bonds are forged during the 1-week training camp, and Team Nepal training members usually keep in close contact. All Team Nepal training members become Nepal Biology Olympiad/IBO alumni. 

Beginning around 2017, STEM Foundation Nepal began involving NBO/IBO alumni to assist in the training and mentorship of the Nepal team, during the 5-day residential camp. This network of alumni members has grown from year to year, and dedicated members regularly return from their University and postgraduate studies in May/June to mentor Team Nepal members in site or virtually.

The "Olympiad Excellence Program (OEP) has been developed to train and guide the students in various level from round 1 to the finals; the details of OEP will disclose shortly.

During the 5-day residential camp, the pupils are given the opportunity to dissect invertebrates, examine and section plants, etc., to practice their skills in anatomy and systematics. Similarly, they are given opportunities to learn the concepts and techniques of genetics, microbiology, molecular and cell biology, animal behavior, ecology, bioinformatics etc., with simple laboratory tasks that are normally associated with the respective fields of biology. E.g., the examination of fruit fly characteristics during genetics practical; the study of ethograms for animal behavior labs. These training sessions are mentored by the NBO Scientific Committee Members, academics from the universities and the NBO/IBO alumni.

The NBO organizing committee comprising representatives from the Biology expert team and MOE determines the final tally of medals and certificates of participation. Medals are awarded to the top 4 - 10% of the total number of NBO participants while all participants receive Certificates of participation from STEM Foundation Nepal endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST). Participants do not receive any other form of incentives or prizes till now but we are working for the more opportunities and incentives for deserving students.

Science Stream/ Biological Science

August - April

6-8 periods/ week

1 period = 50 minutes (app.)

30-40 periods depending upon the high schools

Registration Calls will be published in the national print/digital/electronic and all social media with the press release and through various partner organizations' official media and persons.

The results of the IBO are released officially to the press by the MOEST and International Science Olympiads have concluded for the year. Sometimes, schools from which medal winners originate will inform or contact the press on their own. Regional and national events are highlighted in all electronic and print national media.

NBO Secretariat

STEM Foundation Nepal

info@stemnepal.org

nbo@stemnepal.org

• 2019: 378 students from 150 schools (15% of eligible schools)
• 2018: 169 students from 100 schools (10% of eligible schools)

The number of students is growing rapidly. This year we hosted seminars on International Olympiads nationwide so we hope for more than 1000 students participation.

Many local, regional and national media have been very supporting to promote NBO in Nepal.