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International Science Olympiad (ISO) by SOF
by Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)
Cash Prizes up to ₹50,000
International Science Olympiad (ISO) by SOF is a competition by Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students in Class 1–12, open to students across India. Registration closes 30 Sept 2026.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Class 1–12
Fee
₹150
Duration
1 hour
Format
Individual
Time needed
Preparation time for science and logical reasoning topics is recommended. The exam itself is 60 minutes.
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Jul 2026
- Registration closes
- 30 Sept 2026
- Competition
- 30 Oct 2026 – 3 Dec 2026
- Results
- 15 Mar 2027
Participating Schools, Nationwide, Pan-India
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.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 1–12
- Age Range
- 6 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
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
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).
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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.
Rewards & 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
Highlights
- Two-level examination structure for classes 3-12
- Separate question papers for each class and exam date
- Detailed Student Performance Report (SPR) provided to all participants
- Awards for international, zonal, and school toppers
Exam format
- Total marks
- 60
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Language
- English
Rounds & 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 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.
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
Fees & financial support
Fee details
The registration fee is ₹125 per student per Olympiad (inclusive of GST) for schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Schools may charge an additional amount of up to ₹25 per student for administrative expenses, making the total up to ₹150. 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for International Science Olympiad (ISO) by SOF?
The registration deadline is 30 Sept 2026.
Is International Science Olympiad (ISO) by SOF free?
₹150 registration
Who can participate in International Science Olympiad (ISO) by SOF?
Students in Class 1–12. children aged 6-18.
What will my child gain from International Science Olympiad (ISO) by SOF?
Cash prizes up to ₹50,000 for international rank holders.. International Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals for top performers.. Certificates of Outstanding Performance and Zonal Excellence.. Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.. Enhanced scientific knowledge and analytical abilities.. Preparation for future competitive exams and higher education.. National and international recognition for academic excellence.. Detailed Student Performance Report (SPR) for self-assessment.. Medals of Distinction for top 25 rank holders from each class and Olympiad exam.. Medals of Distinction for top 25 rank holders from each class and ISO exam..
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