New Delhi, May 13: In a significant push to align school education with the evolving needs of India’s automotive and mobility sector, the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), in collaboration with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), has virtually launched the fifth edition of the National Automobile Olympiad (NAO) 2026. The initiative aims to introduce students to industry-relevant skills at an early stage, helping them make informed academic and career choices. Positioned as a bridge between classroom learning and real-world industry exposure, NAO 2026 reflects the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP), which emphasises experiential learning, skill development, and multidisciplinary education. This year’s theme “Skilled Hands, Strong Nation: Building India’s Automotive Future” highlights the importance of nurturing a skilled workforce to support India’s ambitions of becoming a global automotive and manufacturing hub. It underscores how practical skills, innovation, and technical knowledge can collectively drive economic growth and strengthen the country’s industrial ecosystem.
Speaking at the launch, Vinkesh Gulati, Chairperson, ASDC said the Olympiad is designed to spark curiosity among school students and expose them to the dynamic world of mobility and manufacturing. “Skilling is the need of the hour, and the Auto Olympiad aims to spark early interest among school students in the rapidly evolving automobile sector. With India now the fourth-largest auto industry and mobility becoming technology-driven, we need young minds who can code, innovate, and shape the future. This Olympiad offers students a platform to explore careers in modern mobility and be part of one of India’s fastest-growing industries.”
Open to students from Classes VI to XII across all education boards, NAO 2026 has been designed to be inclusive and accessible. Participants can take part in either English or Hindi, ensuring wider reach across diverse geographies. Registrations through https://nao.asdc.org.in are currently underway and will remain open until 30th June for the first round. The Olympiad will follow a structured three-tier format, with students grouped into Classes VI–VIII, IX–X, and XI–XII. The grand finale will take place at the Manesar Plant of Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd., Gurugram.
At the launch, Dr. Biswajit Saha, Professor & Director (Skill Education), CBSE said
“India is no longer just a consumer of automotive technology; it is emerging as a global innovation hub. With skills now integrated from Classes 6–10 and industry shifts like EVs, early sensitization is vital. The Automotive Olympiad bridges academia and industry, fostering curiosity, problem-solving, digital skills, and road safety awareness. It channels students’ interest in mobility into structured learning, building a focused, future-ready workforce and inspiring tomorrow’s innovators.” Echoing this sentiment, Prabhu Nagaraj, Vice Chairperson, ASDC, expressed confidence in strong nationwide participation. “NAO is more than a competition—it is a platform where young talent meets real-world opportunity. As the industry shifts toward AI, sustainability, and advanced mobility, this initiative bridges classroom learning with industry needs. With growing global participation, it is shaping future innovators. To every student—stay curious, resilient, and collaborative,” he said.
The launch event was attended by Mr. Vinay Dhingra, Sr. Director, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. F R Singhvi, Joint Managing Director, Sansera Engineering Ltd.; Mr. Rama Shankar Pandey, Treasurer, ASDC; and Mr. Satish Pahal, Assistant Professor & Joint Director (Skill Education), CBSE. The event was also attended by school principals, parents, and student participants from last year, who shared their experiences.
The knowledge partners for the National Automobile Olympiad (NAO) 2026—Indian School for Design of Automobiles (INDEA), ANCIT, and Datastride Analytics were also present at the launch event.
Over the years, the National Automobile Olympiad has emerged as a unique initiative that not only promotes technical awareness but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving among students. By combining academic concepts with industry insights, it helps young learners understand the relevance of their studies in real-world contexts.