Bangladesh Astro-Olympiad opens path to global competition
Observing the stars in the sky, nearby planets and even the Moon itself is known as observational astronomy.
The origins of astronomy clearly go back a very long way. Since ancient times, people have watched the sunrise with wonder and amazement. After the uncertainty and darkness of night, the Sun would rise and a new day would begin. It was through the necessities of life and an enduring sense of curiosity that humanity first turned its eyes towards the sky.
Why Astro-Olympiad?
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Whenever a solar eclipse, lunar eclipse, meteor shower or any other celestial event occurs, people's excitement and enthusiasm become evident. This demonstrates the tremendous interest people in Bangladesh have in astronomy.
Yet astronomy is not part of the regular curriculum in most schools, colleges or universities. This absence has inspired the need for alternative initiatives. As a result, a vibrant and educational celebration of astronomy was launched – the Bangladesh Astro-Olympiad.
Who can participate?
This annual competition, first launched in 2006, is open to students aged 14 to 18.
The first round consists of an online preliminary selection involving students from all 64 districts of Bangladesh. Successful participants then advance to the second round, held in divisional cities across the country.
Students who qualify from the divisional rounds compete in the National Final Round. The winners of the National Round are then invited to the fourth and final stage – the Close Camp.
The champions emerging from the Close Camp go on to represent Bangladesh at the International Astronomy Olympiad.
As in previous years, the 21st Bangladesh Astro-Olympiad is being organised this year. Students will compete in both Junior and Senior categories, and question papers will be available in both Bangla and English.
When does it begin?
The online preliminary selection round of the 21st Bangladesh Astro-Olympiad will begin simultaneously across the country on Saturday, 20 June 2026.
The divisional selection round will be held on 4 July 2026 in all eight divisional cities, along with two district towns.
From the divisional rounds, a total of 500 participants will be selected to compete in the National Final Round, which will be held in Dhaka on Saturday, 11 July 2026.
Following the final competition, the top 15 students from the Junior Group and 15 students from the Senior Group – a total of 30 participants – will be invited to attend a three-day Close Camp.
The Close Camp
The 30 selected participants will receive intensive training in:
Mathematical Astronomy
Observational Astronomy
Astrophysics
Telescope Operation
Sky Observation and Star Identification
On the final day of the camp, participants will sit for an evaluation examination.
Based on the results of this assessment, three students from the Junior Group and two students from the Senior Group will be selected to represent Bangladesh at the 30th International Astronomy Olympiad, scheduled to take place in November.
Medal tier structure
The medal rankings will be determined based on the overall performance of participants in the evaluation process conducted during the Close Camp.
Gold Medal – Awarded to participants who achieve 70% or higher in the overall evaluation.
Silver Medal – Awarded to participants who achieve 60% to 69% in the overall evaluation.
Bronze Medal – Awarded to participants who achieve 50% to 59% in the overall evaluation.
International participation opportunities
All participants of the Close Camp will be eligible for consideration to represent Bangladesh in international astronomy competitions, including the International Astronomy Olympiad (IAO), Open World Astronomy Olympiad (OWAO), Asian-Pacific Astronomy Olympiad (APAO) and other similar events, subject to their performance, eligibility requirements and availability of flight sponsorship.
Every Close Camp participant will receive a Certificate of Participation and a Commemorative Medal in recognition of their achievement and participation in the programme.
Photo caption
Md Makhdum Amin Fahim of Bangladesh won the Gold Medal at the 4th Open World Astronomy Olympiad (OWAO) held in Russia in 2025.
But the opportunities do not end there.
Among the students who secure 3rd to 12th positions in the Senior Group of the National Final Round, two students will be selected through an interview process to receive scholarships from the Russian Government to pursue higher studies in Astronomy and Astrophysics in Russia.
Only students born between 2008 and 2012 are eligible to apply and participate in this year's competition.
Organisers and partners
The 21st Bangladesh Astro-Olympiad is powered by Guardian Insurance Company Limited.
In cooperation with
Bank Asia
Seven Rings Cement
Supporting partners
Show and Tell
Prothom Alo
Duronto TV
Russian House in Dhaka
Academic partner
Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO)
Media partners
The Business Standard
Bdnews24.com
Channel i
Registration
Registration for the 21st Bangladesh Astro-Olympiad can be completed through the official registration portal
