Why every student should take a crack at olympiads

In 2024, Bangladesh celebrated a historic achievement at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI). Debojoti Das Soumya, an 18-year-old student, won the country's first-ever gold medal in the event. 

This remarkable accomplishment, which brought great pride to the nation, was a testament to Soumya's dedication and exceptional ability. At the time, he was preparing for his higher secondary examination, but his notable achievement already earned him a scholarship for his undergraduate studies at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He plans to begin his studies in computer science and engineering in August, after completing the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exam. His journey, however, started much earlier than this medal.

Soumya's story is far from unique, as many other students in Bangladesh have seen the benefits of participating in international olympiads. Olympiads, especially in science and technology, provide students with unique opportunities for personal growth, academic success, and even scholarships from top international universities. 

But what makes participating in these high-level competitions a good idea for personal development? Let's explore the reasons behind it through stories of outstanding students and olympiad organisers.

Debojoti Das Soumya's participation in the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) was marked by steady progress. In 2022, he participated for the first time, earning a bronze medal. The following year, he won a silver medal, followed by another bronze at the Asia-Pacific Informatics Olympiad (APIO). At just 15 years old, Soumya achieved the status of grandmaster in programming on Codeforces, an online platform hosting competitive coding contests. 

He reached a rating of 2400 on Codeforces which is no small feat, as it represents mastery in the field of competitive programming.

When asked if his success in olympiads helped him secure the MIT scholarship, Soumya humbly responded, "Of course, Why would they even take me otherwise?" His confidence and modesty reflect the deep impact that olympiad achievements have on a student's academic and professional trajectory. 

His experience with olympiads not only showcased his skills in programming but also honed his problem-solving abilities, logical thinking, and ability to work under pressure—skills that are crucial in today's fast-paced world.

Another success story comes from Zaharat Zahia, who participated in the International Economics Olympiad (IEO) with three other students from Bangladesh. After completing the national-level camps of the Bangladesh Economics Olympiad, Zahia and her team travelled to Hong Kong to compete in the IEO. 

As a student of economics, Zahia had to go beyond the typical curriculum to prepare for the Olympiad. She recalled how she studied economics texts from her mother's library, books meant for university-level students, to gain a deep understanding of the subject.

Zahia's experience at the IEO went far beyond academic achievements. She not only competed alongside students from around the world but also met eminent economists and professors, including those from Harvard and MIT. 

She recalled, "Having a certificate signed by Eric Maskin, winner of the Nobel Prize for Economics in 2007, is a precious possession. I also met economics professors from Harvard and MIT and collected their email addresses. I have been communicating with them regularly." 

These experiences exposed Zahia to global perspectives on economics and gave her the confidence to pursue a degree at Harvard University. She believes the IEO expanded her worldview and inspired her to reach greater heights in life.

Zahia's story reflects one of the primary advantages of participating in olympiads: personal and academic growth. Olympiads push students to engage deeply with subjects outside of their regular school curriculum, allowing them to acquire new skills, explore new ideas, and cultivate a deeper understanding of their chosen field.

Olympiads also offer students the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals from different countries, which encourages cross-cultural exchange and broadens their worldview. This global perspective is especially valuable in today's interconnected world, where understanding diverse viewpoints and learning from different cultures is key to success in both academia and the professional world.

There are currently more than 23 Olympiad committees in Bangladesh that organise multiple events every year. While some are formed following the International Olympiad norms and rules, for example, the Bangladesh Mathematical Olympiad (BMO), Bangladesh Physics Olympiad (BPhO), Bangladesh Biology Olympiad (BDBO), Bangladesh Chemistry Olympiad (BChO), Bangladesh Informatics Olympiad (BInO) etc, some like the Bangla and ICT Olympiad do not have international segments. 

Olympiad organisers highlight the impact

Olympiad organisers, such as Al Amin Parvez, national coordinator of the Bangladesh Economics Olympiad, acknowledge the importance of these events in shaping students' futures. Parvez highlighted that while the competition at the international level can be intense, it is incredibly beneficial for students in the long run. 

He pointed out, "We have observed that students who come from educated backgrounds tend to perform better because their parents are more understanding and visionary. They provide their children with the necessary support and guidance to excel in such competitions."

The fact that participation in olympiads provides students exposure to top-tier universities and their faculty is another benefit that helps students secure scholarships and enhance their academic profiles. Participating in international olympiads, particularly in subjects like mathematics, physics, and economics, demonstrates not only intellectual aptitude but also a passion for learning and a willingness to tackle complex challenges.

The growth of olympiads in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has seen a surge in the number of olympiad committees, with over 23 such organisations operating in the country today. These committees organise various events every year, many of which follow the norms and rules established by international olympiad organisations. 

Notable olympiads in Bangladesh include the Bangladesh Mathematical Olympiad (BMO), the Bangladesh Physics Olympiad (BPhO), the Bangladesh Chemistry Olympiad (BChO), and the Bangladesh Informatics Olympiad (BInO), among others. These events provide an avenue for students to showcase their academic talents on a global stage, with the added benefit of preparing them for a rigorous academic career.

In addition to these well-established olympiads, new and innovative events are also gaining popularity. For example, the Bangladesh IQ Olympiad, which started in 2019, has already reached more than 10,000 students from over 150 schools across the country. 

Unlike traditional subject-based olympiads, the IQ Olympiad covers a broad range of topics, including mathematics, language, logical reasoning, and science. 

Md Abdus Sattar, one of the organisers of the event, explained, "While other competitions and olympiads specifically focus on a particular subject, the IQ Olympiad covers almost every subject — language, mathematics, logical reasoning, and science." This diverse approach makes it an excellent opportunity for students to develop a wide range of skills.

He adds, "Participating in olympiads is a powerful catalyst for personal growth. It encourages academic excellence, builds critical thinking skills, fosters cultural exchange, and provides students with opportunities to network with professionals from around the world." 

Sattar also explains that in addition to helping students achieve great academic results, participating in such knowledge-based events adds perspective to students' personalities and communication skills. 

Moreover, the Inter-School Bangla Olympiad, a unique event that helps students from English-medium schools better understand their native language, is another example of how olympiads are contributing to personal growth. 

Mizanur Rahman, the coordinator of the event, emphasised that the olympiad enhances students' knowledge of their mother tongue and fosters a deeper connection to their culture.

Whether it is Soumya's success in Informatics or Zahia's journey in economics, olympiad experiences equip students with valuable tools for success in higher education and beyond. For many, these competitions are more than just contests — they are transformative experiences that shape their academic and professional paths. 

As olympiads continue to grow in Bangladesh and around the world, they remain a stepping stone toward a brighter, more promising future for young learners.