ACM India has announced the launch of the Indian National AI Olympiad (INAIO) 2026 for students of Classes IX to XII. The competition aims to identify and nurture exceptional talent in Artificial Intelligence, offering winners a pathway to the International Olympiad in AI (IOAI) in Abu Dhabi.
ACM India, the Indian arm of the Association for Computing Machinery, has unveiled the Indian National AI Olympiad (INAIO) 2026, a nationwide initiative designed to discover and support school-level talent in Artificial Intelligence. The Olympiad will be proctored live and administered by HireMee, an advanced assessment technology platform. It is India’s only accredited gateway to the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), providing students with global exposure, innovation skills, and academic opportunities.
Key highlights from the announcement include
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Registration for INAIO 2026 is open until December 31, 2025, for students of Classes IX to XII.
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The online test will be conducted on January 18, 2026, under secure proctoring conditions.
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Eligibility is restricted to students born after August 2, 2006, ensuring participation from the school-level age group.
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Top performers will qualify for IOAI 2026, scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi from August 2–8, 2026.
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The Olympiad will serve as a platform to nurture innovation, problem-solving, and AI-driven thinking among young learners.
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Toppers of related Olympiads such as INMO, INOI, and PLO will also be eligible for participation, strengthening the competitive pool.
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The initiative reflects ACM India’s commitment to fostering AI education and preparing students for global challenges in technology.
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Students will gain opportunities for scholarships, mentorship, and exposure to cutting-edge AI research and applications.
The launch of INAIO 2026 marks a significant step in India’s educational landscape, positioning Artificial Intelligence as a core skill for future generations. By offering a structured pathway to international competition, ACM India is ensuring that young minds are equipped to contribute to the global AI ecosystem.
Sources: The Hans India, Free Press Journal, WEXT AI News