Lucknow, Jan. 6 -- The state government has directed all districts to ensure the participation of students of Classes 9 to 12 in the selection for the National Earth Science Olympiad (NESO) 2026, to be held soon. Winners at NESO will represent India in the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) 2026. According to an official communication issued by additional state project director Vishnu Kant Pandey, the instructions are in line with a letter from the central department of school education and literacy. The letter mandates participation of eligible students from all government, aided and self-financed secondary schools. Students selected through the National Earth Science Olympiad will represent India at the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) 2026. The eligibility criteria specify that the students must be studying in Classes 9 to 12 in a recognised secondary school and should not be more than 18 years of age. The student should not be enrolled in any college or university at the time of participation in International Earth Science Olympiad 2026. Students who have earlier participated in or won medals at previous editions of International Earth Science Olympiad will not be eligible. For any issues related to student registration, district officials and schools have been advised to contact Dr Jagveer Singh, Scientist-G and Adviser, or Dr Mithila Verma, Scientist-E, at the Ministry of Education....