International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) by SOF for Indian Students
by Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)
₹50,000 Cash Prize
The International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) by SOF is an annual competition for students in classes 1-10, designed to enhance general knowledge, current affairs, and life skills. It offers a platform for students to test their awareness and critical thinking.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹170
Participation format
Individual
Duration
1 hour
Time needed
60 minutes for the exam
Eligibility
Students in classes 1-10 (ages 6-15) from SOF-recognized schools affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, ISC, or State Boards are eligible. There are no minimum marks required. Fee exemptions are available for students with significant physical disabilities or those whose parents were martyred in defense operations.
- Grade level
- Grade 1 to 10
- Age range
- 6 to 15 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Enrolled in a school recognized by SOF and affiliated with a certified education board (CBSE, ICSE, ISC, or State Board).
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹50,000 Cash Prize
Cash prizes up to ₹50,000 for top international rank holders. For up to 5 students with the same rank, the award amount will be distributed equally. If 6 or more students share the same rank, each will receive gifts worth ₹1,000, a medal, and a certificate.
Prizes
Medals & Gifts
Gold, silver, and bronze medals for international, zonal, and class toppers. Gifts worth ₹1,000 for students sharing certain ranks.
Certificate
SOF Certificates
Certificates of Participation for all students, Certificates of Outstanding Performance, Zonal Excellence, and Distinction for rank holders, recognized by the Science Olympiad Foundation.
Career pathways
Develops foundational skills essential for competitive exams and various professional fields, providing a competitive edge in future academic and professional endeavors.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Jun 2026
- Registration closed
- 4 Oct 2026
- Competition
- 22 Sept 2026 to 3 Nov 2026
- Results
- 15 Feb 2027
Second Exam Date Option
Schools may choose this date to conduct the IGKO exam. Registration for this date should be completed at least 30 days prior.
Participating Schools, Nationwide
How to apply
- 1Students must register through their respective schools. Schools receive prospectus and registration forms from SOF.
- 2The school's coordinating teacher will complete the School Registration Form (SRF) and Students' Registration Sheet (SRS) and submit them to the SOF office before the deadline.
- 3Individual registrations are not accepted. Schools must ensure a minimum of 10 students are registered for feasibility.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must be students of classes 1 to 10.
- Registration must be done through the student's school; individual applications are not accepted.
- The exam will be conducted in English medium only.
- Use of mobile phones or any electronic gadgets is prohibited during the exam.
- Late submissions of application forms by schools will not be accepted.
- A minimum of 10 students must be registered from each school for feasibility.
- No negative marking will be applied in the exam.
- Participants must adhere to the chosen exam date by their school; date changes are not permitted.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
A registration fee of ₹170(including GST) per student is charged for schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Students with significant physical disabilities or Indian students whose parents were martyred during defense operations are exempt from the fee.
Financial support
Cash awards and scholarships are provided to international, zonal, and class toppers. Specific exemptions from the registration fee are available for students with significant physical disabilities or those whose parents were martyred during defense operations.
Refund policy
Not specified.
About this opportunity
The International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) is an annual competition organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students in classes 1-10. This Olympiad aims to assess and develop students' knowledge of current affairs, social and political developments, history, geography, and other related subjects. It provides a platform for young students to identify and nurture their academic talents in general knowledge, preparing them for a competitive world from an early age.
Students from classes 1 to 10, enrolled in a school recognized by SOF and affiliated with a certified education board (CBSE, ICSE, ISC, or State Board), are eligible to participate. There are no minimum marks criteria to apply for the SOF IGKO. Special fee exemptions apply for students with significant physical disabilities or those whose parents were martyred in defense operations.
Participants gain national and international recognition, enhancing their academic profiles. High-performing students have the chance to win scholarships, cash prizes, medals, and certificates, along with other prestigious awards. The IGKO helps students develop essential skills such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving, which are crucial for future academic and professional endeavors.
The competition is a single-level exam conducted during school hours within the participant's school. It promotes healthy competition, curiosity, and a love for general knowledge, empowering students to think analytically and solve problems with confidence.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 60
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Language
- English
Rounds and format
The IGKO is a single-level exam conducted during school hours. For classes 1 to 4, the exam consists of 35 objective-type questions. For classes 5 to 10, there are 50 objective-type questions. The duration for all classes is 60 minutes.
How entries are judged
Participants are ranked based on marks obtained in the objective-type test. Performance is evaluated at school, city, zonal, and international levels. Higher scores lead to higher ranks and awards.
Selection process
Students are selected based on their performance in the single-level objective-type examination. Higher scores lead to better ranks at school, city, zonal, and international levels.
How to prepare
- Textbooks of the respective class
- Olympiad preparation books for theory concepts
- Reference books for practicing MCQs
- Previous Year Question Papers of SOF IGKO
- Sample papers and mock tests for IGKO exam
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The syllabus covers a wide range of topics including Me and My Surroundings, Plants and Animals, India and the World, Science and Technology, Language and Literature, Earth and Its Environment, Sports, Maths Fun, Life Skills (Kindness, Soft Skills, Social Skills, Do's & Don'ts), and Current Affairs. The Achievers Section includes Higher Order Thinking Questions from the given syllabus. The curriculum aligns with CBSE, ICSE/ISC, and State Board syllabi.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most effective strategies for students to prepare for the IGKO competition?
Students can prepare effectively by understanding the syllabus, following a consistent study plan, practicing with quality content like test banks and previous year papers, focusing on current affairs through newspapers and magazines, and analyzing mistakes to improve weak areas. Regular practice and mock tests are crucial for success.
How can students manage competitive pressure and performance anxiety during the Olympiad?
Managing competitive pressure involves adequate preparation, familiarization with the exam pattern through sample papers, and maintaining a positive mindset. Students should focus on their learning journey rather than solely on ranks, and practice relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety on exam day.
What common mistakes do participants make in the IGKO, and how can they be avoided?
Common mistakes include insufficient current affairs knowledge, not practicing higher-order thinking questions, and poor time management during the exam. These can be avoided by consistent reading, solving achievers' section questions, and taking timed mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
How are the rankings determined in the IGKO, and what factors contribute to a higher rank?
Rankings are primarily based on the total marks obtained in the objective-type test. In case of a tie, higher priority is given to marks in specific sections. Consistent high performance across all sections, especially the Achievers Section, contributes significantly to achieving a higher rank.
Beyond the competition, what long-term benefits do students gain from participating in IGKO?
Participation in IGKO enhances general awareness, critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. These foundational skills are invaluable for future academic pursuits, competitive exams, and professional careers, providing a significant competitive edge and fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Never miss the right opportunities for your child
The WiWit app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
The Pi Quiz (TPQ) by IIM Indore
by Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore
A national-level quiz by IIM Indore for students in grades 6-12, testing analytical and logical reasoning skills.
What your child could gain:
The World Scholar's Cup (WSC) - Scholar's Bowl
by World Scholar's Cup Foundation
The World Scholar's Cup Scholar's Bowl is a dynamic multimedia quiz where teams collaborate to solve challenging questions, fostering critical thinking, knowledge, and teamwork in a global setting.
What your child could gain:
National Genius Search Examination (NGSE) for Indian Students
by National Genius Search Foundation (NGSF)
The National Genius Search Examination (NGSE) is a two-phase assessment designed to identify and nurture talented Indian students in Classes 4-9 across various subjects, focusing on conceptual understanding.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Get the free app