International Chemistry Quiz (ICQ) by RACI
by Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI)
International Recognition
A global chemistry challenge by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) for grades 7-12, testing real-world application of chemistry concepts.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
₹220
Participation format
Individual
Duration
60 minutes
Time needed
1 hour for the quiz, plus preparation time.
Eligibility
Open to students across India in grades 7 to 12 (typically ages 12-18). Registration is coordinated and submitted through the student's school.
- Grade level
- Grade 7 to 12
- Age range
- 12 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students must be enrolled in a recognized school.
- Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of chemistry concepts appropriate for the student's grade level.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Prizes
Medal for Perfect Score
Students who achieve a perfect score of 30 out of 30 are awarded a special ICQ medal to recognize their outstanding achievement.
Certificate
RACI Certificate
All participants receive an internationally accredited certificate from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. High-performing students receive certificates of Excellence, High Distinction, Distinction, or Credit.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opens
- 27 Apr 2027
- Registration closes
- 23 Jul 2027
- Competition
- 9 Aug 2027 to 13 Aug 2027
Participating Schools (Representative)
How to apply
- 1Schools register their institution with the official ICQ partner in India.
- 2The school coordinator collects the list of interested students and the registration fees.
- 3The school completes the bulk registration and payment process on behalf of the students.
- 4Students receive access to the quiz portal or receive the paper-based test through their school.
Rules and guidelines
- The quiz consists of 30 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 60 minutes.
- Access to the internet is strictly prohibited during the quiz, except for the official quiz site.
- Use of smart devices is not allowed.
- There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
- The quiz must be supervised by a school teacher or a guardian.
Technology requirements
- For the online version, a stable internet connection and a computer or tablet are required.
- A mock test is typically available for students to familiarize themselves with the online platform.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The participation fee is approximately ₹220 per student. The final amount is confirmed by the school coordinator during registration.
Refund policy
Fee is non-refundable once the registration is confirmed by the school.
About this opportunity
The International Chemistry Quiz (ICQ) is a prestigious annual competition by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) that challenges students to apply chemistry concepts to real-world scenarios. It is designed to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, moving beyond standard curriculum to spark a deeper interest in the chemical sciences. The one-hour quiz features 30 multiple-choice questions tailored to different grade levels.
Open to students in grades 7 to 12, this global competition allows Indian students to benchmark their abilities against peers from over 20 countries. All participants receive an internationally recognized certificate, with top performers earning medals and special distinctions. High-achieving students may also receive an exclusive invitation to the ICQ Chemistry Camp Asia, offering a unique platform for advanced learning and mentorship.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 30
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Format
- Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Language
- English
Rounds and format
Single round exam.
How entries are judged
Achievement levels are determined by the number of correct answers. Percentile ranks compare student performances against others in the same grade and country. Certificates are awarded for Excellence (perfect score), High Distinction (top 10%), Distinction (top 30%), and Credit (top 50%).
Selection process
Performance in the quiz determines the award level. Top performers from specific grades may be selected for the ICQ Chemistry Camp.
How to prepare
- https://www.raci.org.au/RACI/Education/ICQ_Past_Papers/RAC/Education/ICQ_Past_Papers.aspx
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The quiz is not strictly based on any single curriculum but focuses on the application of chemical principles. Questions are designed to be solvable using logical reasoning and fundamental knowledge.
Frequently asked questions
How do students prepare effectively for the International Chemistry Quiz?
Preparation involves understanding core chemistry concepts, practicing critical thinking, and applying knowledge to real-world scenarios. Reviewing past papers and focusing on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization helps participants.
What are the benefits of participating in a global competition like ICQ?
Participation offers international recognition, benchmarks students' skills against global peers, develops problem-solving abilities, and provides exposure to advanced chemistry applications. It also builds academic profiles for future STEM pursuits.
How are the questions structured to challenge students beyond the standard curriculum?
The quiz features multiple-choice questions designed to test logical reasoning and the application of fundamental chemical principles. Questions present real-world contexts, requiring students to think critically rather than just recall facts.
What opportunities arise for top-performing students in the ICQ?
Top performers receive medals and certificates of excellence. High-achieving students in specific grades may also receive an invitation to the ICQ Chemistry Camp Asia, offering learning and mentorship.
How does the ICQ help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills?
The quiz's design encourages students to analyze complex problems, synthesize information, and devise solutions using chemical principles. This process directly fosters the development of critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
How can parents support student participation in the ICQ?
Parents can support by ensuring a study environment, encouraging practice with past papers, and facilitating registration through the school. Understanding the competition's focus on application over rote learning is also important.
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