Updated for 2026–27: This page contains an archived SCO Olympiad Class 8 Science previous-year practice paper with an embedded PDF, 10 sample questions and an answer key. The existing URL is being preserved because it already has Google search history, while the visible content now correctly identifies the material as SCO Olympiad.

Use the paper to practise concept application, reasoning, diagrams and multi-step science questions. It is most useful as a diagnostic resource: attempt the paper first, check the answer key afterwards, and then revise the concepts behind mistakes instead of memorising old option letters.

Current curriculum note: NCERT’s Grade 8 Science bridge programme explains that newer learning outcomes are aligned with NCF-SE 2023 and that students moving into Grade 8 may encounter a different sequence of concepts from older textbooks. This archived paper therefore remains useful for practice, but students should also follow their current school textbook and teacher guidance.

SCO Olympiad Class 8 Science Previous Year Paper PDF – Free Download

The embedded PDF is an SCO Olympiad Class 8 Science practice resource. Students who want to continue with current preparation can explore SCO International Science Olympiad resources after completing this paper.

How to Use This Class 8 Science Olympiad Paper

• Attempt the paper once without checking the answer key.
• Use a timer so you practise both speed and accuracy.
• Mark every guessed answer, not only the wrong ones.
• Group mistakes into topics such as microorganisms, light, electricity, cells, environment and adolescence.
• After revision, retry the difficult questions and explain the reasoning in your own words.

Important: this is an archived paper. Exam-day instructions, section names, response-sheet rules and scoring can change, so always follow the current SCO Olympiad paper, admit card and official preparation guidance.

1. The process of conversion of sugar into alcohol in the absence of oxygen is called _______.

1. fermentation
2. vaccination
3. pasteurization
4. decomposition

2. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?

Statement 1 : A white coloured ash of magnesium oxide is obtained on burning magnesium ribbon.

Statement 2 : H₂SO₃ is acidic in nature.

1. Statement 1 is true
2. Statement 2 is true
3. None is true
4. Both are true

3. Light is falling on surfaces S₁ , S₂ and S₃ as shown in the figure.

Surfaces on which the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection is/are:

1. Only S₁    
2. S₁ and S₂
3. S₂ and S₃ 
4. All the three surfaces

4. Which of the following constellations can be seen in the night sky during the winter season?

1. Orion and Cassiopeia 
2. Ursa Major and Leo Major
3. Orion and Ursa Major
4. Ursa Major and Cassiopeia

5. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The slow corrosion of marble of a monument by acid rain is also known as “marble cancer”.
2. The greenhouse is a structure made of glass walls and glass roof in which the plants that need protection from cold weather are grown.
3. Due to the rapid burning of fossil fuels and decrease in forest, the amount of carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere is increasing steadily.
4. All of the above.

6. Which of the following solutions will not make the bulb glow in figure?

1. Sodium chloride 
2. Copper sulphate
3. Silver nitrate 
4. Sugar solution in diluted water

7. Identify P, Q and R.

Cell	Feature / Part	Function
Plant cell	P	Photosynthesis
Q	Contractile fibres	Contraction and movement
Amoeba	Pseudopodia	R

From the options below, choose the correct combination.

1. P – Chloroplast; Q – Muscle cell; R – Movement
2. P – Nucleus; Q – Nerve cell; R – Digestion
3. P – Cell wall; Q – Red blood cell; R – Respiration
4. P – Vacuole; Q – Skin cell; R – Photosynthesis

8. Migratory birds fly to far away areas during a particular time of a year. Which of the following conditions present in their habitat during that time are responsible for this behaviour?

(i) Extreme weather conditions.

(ii) Overcrowding.

(iii) Unavailability of food.

(iv) Lack of nesting areas.

1. (ii) and (iii) 
2. (i) and (ii)
3. (i) and (iii) 
4. (ii) and (iv)

9. We Get “Sulphur Dioxide” when sulphur ___________.

1. Burns in air
2. Reacts with hydrogen and oxygen
3. Reacts with oxygen and carbon dioxide
4. Reacts with sulphurous acid

10. The dramatic changes in body features associated with puberty are mainly because of the secretions of:

1. Thyroxine and Estrogen
2. Estrogen and Testosterone 
3. Thyroxine and Adrenaline
4. Estrogen and Adrenaline

Answer Keys:

Ques. 1	(a)	Ques. 6	(d)
Ques. 2	(d)	Ques. 7	(a)
Ques. 3	(d)	Ques. 8	(c)
Ques. 4	(a)	Ques. 9	(a)
Ques. 5	(d)	Ques. 10	(b)

Quick Explanations for Selected Answers

• Q1: Fermentation is the conversion of sugars into products such as alcohol in the absence of oxygen, commonly carried out by microorganisms such as yeast.
• Q2: Burning magnesium produces white magnesium oxide, and sulphurous acid (H₂SO₃) is acidic, so both statements are true.
• Q3: The law of reflection applies at every reflecting surface: the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection when both are measured from the normal.
• Q6: Salt solutions contain ions that conduct electricity, whereas sugar dissolves as neutral molecules and is a poor electrical conductor.
• Q7: Chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis in plant cells, muscle cells contain contractile structures for movement, and Amoeba uses pseudopodia for movement and feeding.
• Q8: Migration is commonly driven by seasonal factors such as extreme weather and reduced food availability.
• Q10: Puberty-related secondary sexual characteristics are strongly influenced by sex hormones including estrogen and testosterone.

Class 8 Science Olympiad FAQs

Is the PDF on this page from SCO Olympiad?

Yes. The downloadable PDF and the practice questions on this page are SCO Olympiad Class 8 Science material retained as a previous-year practice resource.

Can I download the Class 8 Science Olympiad paper for free?

Yes. The embedded PDF can be opened or downloaded from this page for revision, timed practice and concept review.

Does this older paper exactly match the current Class 8 syllabus?

Not necessarily. NCERT’s Grade 8 Science bridge programme notes that newer learning outcomes follow NCF-SE 2023, so some chapter sequencing and terminology can differ from older material. Use this paper for practice while following the student’s current school textbook.

How should a student analyse mistakes after attempting the paper?

Separate mistakes into concept errors, calculation or reading errors, and guesses. Revise the weak concept, solve a few similar questions and then retry the original question without looking at the answer.

Where can I continue with SCO Class 8 Science Olympiad preparation?

Students can continue with SCO International Science Olympiad resources after reviewing the mistakes from this paper.

Related Science Olympiad Practice Resources

• Class 7 Science Olympiad previous-year paper
• Class 9 Science Olympiad previous-year paper
• Class-wise Olympiad previous papers