NAC 2021- Aspiring the next generation of astronomers!
National Astronomy Challenge is the largest Olympiad on Astronomy and Space Science, with a participation of more than 25,000 students from over 250 schools across 15 countries to date. The event which started in 2017 has seen three editions so far and will be hosting its fourth edition in 2021.
NAC 2021 is an initiative to harness student’s curiosity and imagination while tapping their knowledge and understanding on Astronomy and Space. It is a learning platform that encourages the younger generation to associate with 21st Century domains like Astronomy and Space; and inspires them to emerge as the next generation of Astrophysicists, Aeronautical engineers, Rocket Engineers, Scientists, and Researchers.

Format of the exam
Eligibility

Grade: 4-9 Students
Syllabus

Astronomy & Space Based
Mode

Online
Format of the challenge
The format of the National Astronomy Challenge is online and would be conducted through pre-defined time. The assessment
platform is powered by a global assessment organization equipped with robust technology and proctoring tools.
Infrastructure
- Desktop/Laptop with inbuilt camera
- Internet Connectivity
- Dedicated space & time
- Predefined scheduling of NAC
Questions format
- 60 questions to be attempted in 60 minutes
- Multiple Choice questions
- Knowledge-based questions
- Application-based questions
Evaluation Process
- Online proctored administration
- Percentile based assessment
- Negative Marking for wrong answers
An Excursion to ISRO with NAC

The NAC Champions
First two toppers at national level get an opportunity to visit the ISRO facility at Sriharikota.


Interaction with Scientists,
Academicians and
Entrepreneurs

3-days experiential astronomy camp

Award Felicitation
Not just great content, we have exciting prizes for our champions as well.
- The NAC Champions : Get an opportunity to visit ISRO Facility at Sriharikota and meet inspiring leaders and academicians.
- The NAC Champions would represent their school, along with their school coordinators, for a 3-days experiential astronomy camp and award felicitation at Chennai.
- Merit Certificates : Each participant will receive a Merit certificate if they secure 75 percentile and above in the NAC exam.
- 3rd and 4th rank holders : Exclusive membership to Cosmic Kids Club, for 3rd and 4th rank holders across all grades. Cosmic Kids Club is an exclusive platform for students to enhance their knowledge on space and science. With planned activities throughout the year, the students learn directly from astronomers and experts from the industry.
- For all students : Certification of participation to be given to every student.
Why should you participate in NAC 2021?

Focused on Astronomy & Space
Building a generation of future space explorers and researchers is a rigorous process. NAC is a platform that handholds and nurtures aspirants/enthusiasts who desire to establish their careers in Astronomy and Space.

Designed & led by Astronomers
Led by Dr. Mila Mitra, former NASA scientist and her team of qualified engineers & astrophysicists who are passionate about astronomy. Children will be learning from the best out there.

Experience
Get an opportunity to visit the ISRO facility at Sriharikota, get access to an exclusive Cosmic Kids Club membership and learn in-depth about Space and Astronomy.

Access to world class content
Our philosophy of establishing awareness and imparting knowledge on Astronomy and Space Science is through Dynamic Content. Designed with precision and innovative strategies by experts, the preparatory content resonates with every grade and prepares you for the exam and beyond.
It is not just about the Success!
NAC is just more than an Olympiad. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, the journey of learning is worth remembering!
Extending more knowledge this year, NAC offers a bouquet of unique programs to create an everlasting experience for the participants. Participants get the opportunity to go through a month-wise engagement journey with activities like – Conversation with Astronomers, Scientists and Academicians, Hands-on Workshops, Webinars, Quizzes and a lot more.
December

Webinar – Careers in Astronomy (15 th December)

Activity: Know Your Constellations - Grades 4 -5 (16 th December)

Webinar: JWST: The Generation Telescope (17th December)

Activity: Astrophotography through phone –Grades 6 -9 (20th December)

Citizen Science Project – Galaxy cruise (21 December)

Live Interactive Session – Ask an Astronomer (22nd December)
Participation Process

Important Dates
Make sure you don’t miss out on these important dates!
Please note : The dates of the award felicitation and visit to ISRO will be finalised based on the
prevailing COVID-19 condition.
Registration Starts
Aug 13th, 2021Access to Content
Aug 24th, 2021Onboarding
Oct 1st, 2021Registration Closes
Dec 20th, 2021Registration Starts
Ongoing
Access to Content
within 48 hours of registrationRegistration Closes
Dec 26th, 2021
NAC OLYMPIAD DATES
Grades – VIII-IX
Jan 8th, 2022Grades- VI-VII
Jan 15th, 2022Grades – IV-V
Jan 22nd, 2022- Content for preparation will be accessed through the learning system of NAC
- Onboarding process will also be accessible through the learning system of NAC
Fee Section
Participation from India
INR 620/-/ per participant
- Taxes as applicable
Participation from Overseas
USD 10/-/ per participant
- Taxes as applicable