NSO refers to the National Sports Organisation.
All undergraduate students at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are required to select one of the following programs during their first year: National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), National Sports Organisation (NSO), or National Cultural Academy (NCA).
The Government of India, through the National Sports Organisation (NSO), offers a scheme at all Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) that enables students to register for and receive training in a specific sport. Participants in this scheme are mandated to attend coaching sessions for two semesters as an integral part of the curriculum. Clearing this is a prerequisite to getting the degree.
Some of the sports offered as a part of NSO in IIT Madras include Swimming, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Chess, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Lawn Tennis, Squash, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Frisbee, Skating, Yoga, etc.