International Commerce Olympiad (ICO) by CTF for Class 11 & 12 Students
by Commerce Teachers' Foundation (CTF)
Prizes
The International Commerce Olympiad (ICO) is a competitive exam for Class 11 and 12 students, focusing on commerce subjects to enhance knowledge and prepare for higher education entrance exams.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
₹299
Participation format
Individual
Duration
1 hour (Class 11), 2-3 hours (Class 12 depending on combinations)
Time needed
The exam duration is 1 hour for Class 11 and 2-3 hours for Class 12, depending on the chosen combinations plus preparation time
Eligibility
Students in Class 11 and 12 (ages 16-18) from any academic stream are eligible. No minimum marks are required. Individual online registration is available, while schools must register a minimum of 5 to 20 students.
- Grade level
- Grade 11 to 12
- Age range
- 16 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Open to students from Science, Humanities, and Commerce streams.
- Prerequisites
- Enrollment in Class 11 or 12 at a recognized school.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Prizes
Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals
Top international rank holders receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. School toppers also receive a Gold Medal of Excellence.
Certificate
Participation & Merit Certificates
All participants receive a Certificate of Participation. Students scoring 60% and above receive a Certificate of Merit. Top international rank holders receive a Certificate of Outstanding Performance.
Opens doors to
Participation in the Olympiad is valued by prestigious institutions like IIMs and enhances a student's profile for higher education admissions, providing a competitive edge for universities and professional courses like CUET, BBA, and CPT.
Recognition
International & National Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Registration open
- Registration opened
- 1 Sept 2026
- Registration closes
- 9 Oct 2026
- Competition
- 20 Nov 2026 to 4 Dec 2026
Last Date of Registration for Schools (Offline Mode)
Schools must complete their registration for the offline (OMR-based) Olympiad by this date (IST).
Last Date for Submission of Consolidated Fees by Schools
Consolidated fees from registered schools must be submitted to CTF by this date (IST).
Dispatch of Study Material and Admit Cards to Schools
Study materials and admit cards will be dispatched to registered schools for distribution to participating students.
Primary Offline Exam Date (OMR-Based)
The first scheduled date for the OMR-based International Commerce Olympiad examination.
Alternative Offline Exam Date (OMR-Based)
Schools may choose this alternative date for conducting the OMR-based examination.
Participating Schools, Nationwide, All States
Registration open
- Registration opened
- 1 Sept 2026
- Registration closes
- 15 Dec 2026
- Competition
- 29 Nov 2026 to 3 Jan 2027
Registration Opens
The official registration period for the International Commerce Olympiad 2026-27 begins.
Online (Digital) Round 1 Exam Date
The first round of the online (digital) examination for individually registered students.
Online (Digital) Round 2 Exam Date
The second and final round of the online (digital) examination.
Online · CTF Online Examination Portal
How to apply
- 1Students must register through their respective schools. Schools can register online on the official website.
- 2Individual student registration is also possible for the online mode.
- 3Schools need to submit student details and make the requisite payments.
- 4It is recommended to apply at least 30 days before the exam date.
Rules and guidelines
- Students must be enrolled in Class 11 or 12.
- Schools must register a minimum of 5 to 20 students, depending on the class participation.
- Individual student registration is only available for the online mode.
- Both Round 1 and Round 2 are independent, and merit lists are separate for prizes.
- Students cannot register through both school and personal capacity simultaneously for the same round.
- Late submissions will not be accepted.
- It is recommended to attempt at least one mock test for a smooth exam experience.
Technology requirements
- For online mode: Stable internet connection
- For online mode: Computer or laptop for taking the exam
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The registration fee is INR 299 per student (including GST) for schools (offline mode) and INR 199 per student for the online test. Schools may charge an additional INR 25 per student for honorarium of the in-charge, teacher remuneration, and other expenses. Students with major physical disabilities or whose parents were martyred in defense operations are exempt from fees. No refund will be provided if a student registers but does not appear for the exam.
Financial support
Scholarships are provided to top international, zonal, and school rank holders as part of the awards. For the academic year 2024-25, SOF allocated over ₹24 Crores for awards, scholarships, gifts, and felicitations.
Refund policy
No refund will be provided if a student registers but does not appear for the exam.
About this opportunity
The International Commerce Olympiad (ICO) is an annual academic competition designed to identify and nurture talent in Commerce subjects among students of Class 11 and 12. Organized by the Commerce Teachers' Foundation (CTF), a non-profit organization, the Olympiad aims to provide a platform for young students to test their knowledge and prepare for competitive exams like CUET, BBA, or CPT. It helps students familiarize themselves with the format and challenges of such examinations early on.
All students enrolled in Class 11 and 12, regardless of their academic stream (Science, Humanities, or Commerce), are eligible to participate. While individual student registration is possible for the online mode, schools must register a minimum of 5 to 20 entries, depending on the specific class participation. There are no minimum marks required for eligibility.
Participants gain valuable exposure to competitive exam environments and enhance their problem-solving, critical thinking, and cognitive skills. The Olympiad helps students widen their horizons, gain confidence, and clarify concepts in commerce. Certificates are provided to all participants, and top performers receive cash awards, medals, and recognition at international, zonal, and school levels.
The ICO is conducted in both online and offline modes, with two rounds available for the online format. The exam covers subjects like Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, and includes a section for Higher Order Thinking Questions. Sample papers and previous years' question papers are available to help students prepare effectively.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 60
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and problem-solving tasks.
- Language
- English
Rounds and format
The Olympiad can be conducted in online and offline modes. The online mode has two independent rounds. Round 1 is designed to encourage students, while Round 2 is more challenging with a higher difficulty level. Schools can choose to participate in either Round 1 or both rounds. Offline mode typically has one round. Exam dates are announced in advance, with separate question papers for each date.
How entries are judged
Ranks are determined by scores obtained in the ICO test. In case of a tie, rankings are determined by scores in specific sections in order of priority: Economics, Business Studies, Accountancy, and Achievers Section. If the tie persists, previous class grades are considered. If the tie still persists, students are assigned the same rank.
Selection process
Selection is based on the scores achieved in the Olympiad examination. There are no minimum marks for eligibility to appear for the exam.
How to prepare
- Sample papers provided by SOF/CTF
- Previous years' question papers
- Recommended ICO Olympiad books
- Regular practice and study of Commerce fundamentals
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The syllabus for Class 11 covers Introductory Microeconomics, Statistics for Economics, Nature and Purpose of Business, Forms of Business Organisations, Business Services, Accounting Process, Financial Statements, and Higher Order Thinking Questions. For Class 12, it includes Introductory Macroeconomics, Indian Economic Development, Management principles, Financial Management, Financial Markets, Marketing Management, Consumer Protection, Accounting for Partnership Firms, Accounting for Companies, Analysis of Financial Statements, Cash Flow Statements, and Computerised Accounting. The curriculum aligns with CBSE, ICSE/ISC, and State Board syllabi.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively prepare for the International Commerce Olympiad to achieve a high score?
Effective preparation involves a thorough understanding of the Class 11 and 12 commerce syllabus, consistent practice with sample papers, and focusing on higher-order thinking questions. Utilizing recommended study materials and previous year papers can significantly enhance readiness.
What strategies can participants employ to manage competitive pressure and anxiety during the Olympiad examination?
Participants can manage pressure by practicing mock tests under timed conditions to simulate the exam environment. Developing strong time management skills, focusing on conceptual clarity, and maintaining a positive mindset are crucial for performance under pressure.
How are the rankings determined in the International Commerce Olympiad if multiple students achieve the same score?
In the event of a tie, rankings are determined by scores in specific sections in a predefined order of priority: Economics, Business Studies, Accountancy, and the Achievers Section. If the tie persists, previous class grades are considered to finalize the ranks.
What are the long-term benefits of participating in the ICO for students aspiring to pursue higher education in commerce?
Participation in the ICO provides valuable exposure to competitive exam formats, strengthens foundational knowledge in commerce, and enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This experience is highly beneficial for entrance exams like CUET, BBA, and CPT, and strengthens university applications.
Are there any common mistakes participants should avoid during their preparation or while attempting the ICO exam?
Common mistakes include neglecting certain syllabus sections, insufficient practice with MCQs, poor time management during the exam, and not thoroughly reading instructions. Participants should focus on balanced preparation and strategic test-taking to avoid these pitfalls.
What is the negative marking policy for incorrect answers in the ICO examination?
There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks (1/4th) for every incorrect response in the International Commerce Olympiad. Students are advised to answer carefully to avoid losing marks.
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