International Business Olympiad (IBO) by EAE
by Extracurricular Activity Excellence International Pte. Ltd.
Enhances top university applications
The International Business Olympiad (IBO) is a global online competition for high school students interested in business and entrepreneurship, featuring individual and team rounds with exams and case presentations.
Mode
Online
Fee
Registration fee applies
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 to 5
Duration
Qualification Round: 150 minutes (Grand Test); Final Round: 120 minutes (Objective Exam) + 7-day preparation (Case Presentation)
Eligibility
Open to high school, secondary, or pre-collegiate students globally, typically ages 14-18. Participants must be enrolled in full-time education and not yet entered university. Fresh graduates, gap year students, and college students are not eligible.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 14 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must be enrolled in high school, secondary, or pre-collegiate education. Must be graduating in the year following the event or later.
- Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of business concepts
- Interest in entrepreneurship and global business
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Prizes
Gold, Silver, Bronze Awards
Participants receive prestigious Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards in the International Final Round.
Certificate
Grade & Participation Certificates
Participants receive Grade Certificates based on Qualification Round scores and certificates of participation. Finalists receive prestigious Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards.
Opens doors to
Participation and awards demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills, which are highly regarded by top universities globally for business and related fields, enhancing profiles for university admissions.
Career pathways
Develops skills highly valued in corporate and startup environments, providing a competitive edge in future internships and job applications in the business sector.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Jan 2027
- Registration closes
- 14 Jul 2027
- Competition
- 24 Jul 2027 to 14 Aug 2027
- Results
- 25 Aug 2027
Registration Opens
Begin your journey to the International Business Olympiad. All times are in respective local time zones.
Qualification Deadline & Registration Closes
Complete the IBO Study Bundle and earn 470+ points to qualify for the competition. Registration also closes on this date. All times are in respective local time zones.
Module A: Analytical Reasoning
Convergent thinking examination for all qualified students. All times are in respective local time zones.
Module A Results & Medalist Announcement
Announcement of Regional Top 6 Medalists advancing to Module B. All times are in respective local time zones.
Module B: Advanced Thinking
Generative thinking written response for Medalists only. All times are in respective local time zones.
Final Results Announcement
Announcement of winners and awards. All times are in respective local time zones.
Online · IBO Official Online Platform (LearningFirst & EAE System)
How to apply
- 1Schools/institutions submit an Organization Registration Form.
- 2Individual students or student team leaders submit a Student Registration Form.
- 3Students can also ask their teachers to organize registration or provide contact information for the IBO to reach out to their teachers.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must be enrolled in high school, secondary, or pre-collegiate education.
- Fresh graduates, gap year students, and college students are not eligible.
- The competition consists of two rounds: an individual Global Grand Test and a team-based International Final.
- All modules are conducted online.
- Top performers from each nation/region will automatically form teams to advance to the International Final.
- Teams for the International Final will consist of 1 to 5 members.
- Late submissions for the case presentation will not be accepted.
- Participants must adhere to fair play and academic integrity guidelines.
Technology requirements
- Reliable internet connection
- Computer or laptop for online exams and video submission
- Webcam and microphone for potential online interactions or presentations
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The official website does not explicitly state the registration fee for the International Business Olympiad. Interested participants should check the official IBO website or contact the organizers for fee details. Any applicable fees would cover participation in both the qualification and final rounds.
About this opportunity
The International Business Olympiad (IBO) is a global online competition designed to identify and nurture young talent in business and entrepreneurship. It provides a platform for students worldwide to enhance their business awareness and skills through a comprehensive knowledge competition. The Olympiad aims to train a new generation of global business leaders by exposing them to real-world business challenges and fostering international understanding.
Students enrolled in high school, secondary, or pre-collegiate education are eligible to participate. Participants must be graduating in the year following the event or later. Fresh graduates, gap year students, and college students are not eligible. The competition is open to students globally, with top performers from each nation or region advancing to the final rounds.
Participants gain valuable experience in applying business and economic knowledge to practical scenarios, improving their understanding and problem-solving abilities. The competition also develops teamwork skills through collaborative challenges. Students receive prestigious distinctions, including Grade Certificates in the qualification round and Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards in the final round, which can enhance their academic profiles and future career prospects.
The IBO consists of two rounds: an individual Global Grand Test and a team-based International Final. All modules are conducted online, with the Grand Test being a virtual exam and the case presentation submitted in video format. The competition encourages friendly relations and cross-cultural dialogue among students from different countries.
Exam format
- Format
- Multiple-choice questions, material-based objective questions, case presentation
Rounds and format
The IBO consists of two rounds. The first is the IBO Global Grand Test (Qualification Round), an individual online exam with 300 multiple-choice questions over 150 minutes, assessing fundamental business knowledge. The second is the International Final Round, a team event. This round includes a Material-based Objective Exam (120 minutes, 100 questions based on five business materials) and a Case Presentation (7-day preparation culminating in a 7-minute video presentation).
How entries are judged
Qualification Round: Based on scores in the Grand Test. Final Round: Based on total scores of each participant/team, including performance in the Material-based Objective Exam and the Case Presentation. Awards are given based on overall rankings.
Selection process
Top performers from each nation/region in the Qualification Round automatically form teams to advance to the International Final. For the International Final, teams are formed based on rankings: one team (1st-3rd place) if the qualification pool is less than 50 participants, and two teams (1st-3rd and 4th-6th place) if 50 or more participants.
How to prepare
- Sample papers for Objective Test, Interactive Objective Case, and Open Case Analysis
- Example tests (Test 1-6) available on the official website
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The competition covers fundamental business knowledge, business theory, business practice, and case analysis. Specific topics include financial statements, financial ratios, budgeting, marketing fundamentals, sales strategies, digital marketing, human resource management, operations management, supply chain management, business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability in business.
Frequently asked questions
How can participants effectively manage competitive pressure during the Olympiad?
Participants can manage competitive pressure by focusing on their preparation, practicing time management for each round, and developing a strong understanding of the competition format. Engaging in mock tests and case studies can also build confidence and reduce anxiety.
What are the key factors that contribute to a high ranking in the International Business Olympiad?
High rankings are typically achieved through a combination of strong foundational business knowledge, analytical skills for case studies, effective teamwork in the final round, and clear, concise presentation abilities. Consistent practice and strategic thinking are crucial.
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