International Science Olympiad (ISO) by SOF
by Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)
Cash Prizes up to ₹50,000
The International Science Olympiad (ISO) by SOF is a competitive exam for students in classes 1-12, enhancing scientific reasoning, analytical skills, and practical knowledge.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹200
Participation format
Individual
Duration
1 hour
Time needed
60-minute Level 1 exam; Level 2 for qualifiers
Eligibility
Open to students in classes 1-12 (ages 6-18) enrolled in SOF-recognized schools across India. No minimum academic requirements for Level 1. Level 2 is for classes 3-12, based on Level 1 performance (top 5% class-wise, top 25 rank holders zone-wise, and class toppers with minimum 10 participants and 50% qualifying marks).
- Grade level
- Grade 1 to 12
- Age range
- 6 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students must be enrolled in a school recognized by SOF. No minimum academic marks are required for Level 1.
- Prerequisites
- Strong interest in science
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Up to ₹50,000
International rank 1 holders receive a cash prize of ₹50,000. Rank 2 holders receive ₹25,000 and rank 3 holders receive ₹10,000. Zonal toppers are also eligible for cash awards up to ₹5,000.
Prizes
International & Zonal Medals
Top three international rank holders are awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals. Top zonal rank holders also receive medals. Medals of Distinction are awarded to the top 25 zonal rank holders from each class for Level 1 performance. Gold Medals of Excellence are awarded to class toppers in participating schools.
Certificate
Certificate from SOF
All participants receive a Certificate of Participation and a detailed Student Performance Report. Top performers receive a Certificate of Outstanding Performance (International), Certificate of Zonal Excellence, or a Merit Certificate for Level 2 participation.
Opens doors to
Achieving a high rank in the NSO demonstrates a strong aptitude for science and analytical thinking, which can strengthen applications to top universities for STEM programs. It provides early exposure to the format of competitive exams, which is beneficial for future entrance tests like JEE and NEET.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Jul 2026
- Registration closes
- 3 Nov 2026
- Competition
- 30 Oct 2026 to 3 Dec 2026
- Results
- 15 Mar 2027
Admit Card Release (Level 1)
Download admit cards for Level 1 from the official website or collect from school.
Level 1 Result Declaration
Results for Level 1 examination will be declared.
Admit Card Release (Level 2)
Admit cards for Level 2 will be available for qualified students.
Level 2 Exam Date
Level 2 examination for qualified students.
Participating Schools, Nationwide
How to apply
- 1Students must register through their respective schools. Schools receive registration forms from SOF and submit them after collecting fees from students. Individual registrations are not accepted.
- 2A minimum of 10 students from each school is required for registration.
- 3Schools must return the duly filled registration forms to SOF before the due date, typically 30 days prior to the chosen exam date.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must be students of classes 1 to 12.
- Registration must be done through schools recognized by SOF.
- A minimum of 10 students must register from each participating school.
- The exam is objective-type with multiple-choice questions.
- The medium of the test is English.
- Late submissions of registration forms will not be accepted.
- Students must adhere to the exam schedule provided by their school.
- Only one award will be granted per student per exam, with the highest-level award being prioritized.
- Students in classes 1 and 2 are ranked based on their Level 1 performance only, as there is no Level 2 exam for these grades.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The registration fee is ₹170 per student per Olympiad (inclusive of GST) for schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Schools may charge an additional amount of up to ₹30 per student for administrative expenses, making the total up to ₹200. For schools outside these countries, the fee is US$11 per student per Olympiad, with an additional US$1 for expenses. Students with major physical disabilities or Indian students whose parent(s) were martyred during defense operations are exempted from the registration fee.
Refund policy
Details regarding the refund policy are not explicitly stated; participants should inquire with their respective schools or SOF directly for more information.
About this opportunity
The International Science Olympiad (ISO) is an annual academic competition by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students in classes 1-12. It assesses and nurtures scientific reasoning, logical ability, and practical knowledge, preparing students for future competitive challenges.
This Olympiad offers global recognition, scholarships, medals, and certificates, while developing critical skills like analytical thinking and problem-solving. Students from classes 1-12 enrolled in SOF-recognized schools are eligible, with a two-level exam structure for classes 3-12.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 60
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Language
- English
Rounds and format
Level 1: Objective-type test of 60 minutes. For classes 1-4, there are 35 multiple-choice questions with a total of 40 marks. For classes 5-12, there are 50 multiple-choice questions with a total of 60 marks. The paper has sections on Logical Reasoning, Science, and Achievers Section (for classes 1-10), or Physics/Chemistry, Achievers Section, and Mathematics/Biology (for classes 11-12). Level 2: Conducted for qualified students from classes 3-12, featuring advanced questions from the current class syllabus focusing on higher-order thinking skills.
How entries are judged
Participants are ranked based on marks obtained in the objective-type test. In case of a tie in marks, due weightage is given to marks scored in different sections. Each section is accorded separate weightage.
Selection process
For Level 2, qualifiers include the top 5% of candidates class-wise from Level 1, top 25 rank holders class-wise and zone-wise, and class toppers from participating schools where at least 10 students from a class appear and score 50% qualifying marks.
How to prepare
- NCERT books
- Course books prescribed by CBSE/ICSE/State Boards
- SOF ISO sample papers
- Previous years' question papers
- SOF Olympiad Trainer Mobile Apps
- Olympiad Prep-Guides
- Olympiads' Books of Reasoning
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The NSO syllabus is based on the CBSE, ICSE, and various state board syllabi. For Level 1, 60% of questions are from the current class syllabus and 40% from the previous class syllabus. Questions in the Achievers Section are from the current class syllabus only. Level 2 questions are entirely from the current class syllabus.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively manage competitive pressure during the International Science Olympiad?
Students can manage competitive pressure by focusing on their individual learning and progress rather than solely on ranks. Regular practice, effective time management, and maintaining a positive mindset are crucial. Engaging in relaxation techniques and seeking support from teachers or mentors can also be beneficial for overall well-being.
What are common mistakes students make during preparation for science competitions?
Common mistakes include rote memorization without conceptual understanding, neglecting logical reasoning sections, and insufficient practice with previous year papers. Students should prioritize understanding core concepts, practice diverse problem types, and simulate exam conditions to identify and correct errors effectively.
How does participation in ISO benefit students beyond academic scores?
Participation in ISO fosters critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and scientific reasoning skills. It provides early exposure to competitive environments, builds confidence, and helps students assess their strengths and weaknesses, which is valuable for future academic and career paths in STEM fields.
What strategies can students use to improve their performance in the Achievers Section?
The Achievers Section focuses on higher-order thinking skills. Students should concentrate on in-depth conceptual understanding, practice complex application-based problems, and develop strong analytical abilities. Regular revision of current class syllabus topics is essential for excelling in this challenging section.
How can students balance ISO preparation with their regular school studies?
Effective time management and a structured study plan are key. Students should integrate Olympiad preparation with their school curriculum, as the ISO syllabus largely aligns with school boards. Allocating dedicated time slots for both, focusing on common topics, and avoiding last-minute cramming can help maintain academic balance.
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