10 Tips to Succeed ! Chemistry Olympiad

As you start your preparation for the Indian Chemistry Olympiad, you must naturally be wondering about the best way to go about your preparation.  Let us discuss some tips and tricks to help you in your preparation.

• Be aware of the syllabus and expectations: The syllabus for the Olympiads is vast, encompassing areas of organic chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry and spectroscopy.  Most of these subjects are covered in some detail at the high school level, but the Olympiad requires a far greater knowledge and deeper understanding of the interconnection between these subjects, as well as their application to the practical world.

• Begin well in time: The syllabus for the Olympiad is very vast, and you will have to compete with the best in the country, and ultimately, the best in the world.  Be sure to begin your preparation well in time.

• Take it as a Challenge: Take the Olympiads as a challenge rather than a battle.  A challenge is exciting, and your concentration will be more on the preparation rather than the outcome.

• Be in touch with the HBSCE site: The Homi Bhabha center for science Education is the nodal center for the Olympiad programs in Chemistry.  There are a number of preparatory resources available. Click here to get Books for Indian Chemistry Olympiad.

• Take regular online practice tests: There are a number of online practice tests available for you to evaluate yourself.  Keep taking these tests, and ensure that you score a minimum of 95% in them.

• Be tough with yourself: Remember again that you will be competing against the best. Be very tough on yourself, both in preparation and in marking.

• Take advantage of online resources: There are a number of online resources available to supplement your study material; you just have to look for them. 

• Be sure to study Organic chemistry: The Indian Chemistry Olympiad and the International Chemistry Olympiad ask a wide variety of topics from organic chemistry.  Some of the topics asked are basic reactions, nomenclature, stereochemistry, Sn1, Sn2, E1 and E2 reactions.

• Visit forums: If you can’t attend special classes for your training, visit forums on chemistry and participate in the discussions.  They are normally very informative and will give you preparation pointers too.

• Work hard: Finally, there is no substitute for consistent hard work.  It is only when you really apply yourself that you will be able to get the results you are aiming for.