International Science Olympiad (ISO) by IOA
by International Olympiad Academy (IOA)
₹10,000 Cash Prize
The International Science Olympiad (ISO) by IOA is a global competition for students in Grades 1-12, fostering scientific curiosity, problem-solving, and innovation.
Mode
Online
Fee
₹300
Participation format
Individual
Duration
90 minutes per round
Time needed
90-minute exam; final round for first-round perfect scorers
Eligibility
Open to students in Grades 1-12 (ages 6-18) from India. Participants must be enrolled in a recognized school (CBSE, ICSE, or State Board). The competition is nationwide, allowing participation from all states and cities in India. There are no gender or financial restrictions.
- Grade level
- Grade 1 to 12
- Age range
- 6 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students must be currently enrolled in a school from Grade 1 to Grade 12.
- Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of science concepts as per school curriculum (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards)
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹10,000
National level winners can receive a cash prize of up to ₹10,000. Additionally, students who achieve a perfect score in the final round receive a year-long cash scholarship.
Prizes
Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals
Gold medals are awarded to the top 5% of competitors, silver to the next 10%, and bronze to the next 10%. All medalists also receive merit certificates.
Certificate
Certificate from IOA
All participants receive a participation certificate. High-achieving students are honored with merit certificates, acknowledging their hard work and dedication to science.
Opens doors to
Participation and achievements in the International Science Olympiad are valuable additions to a student's academic profile, strengthening applications for admission to top universities in STEM fields.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 15 Jan 2026
- Registration closed
- 30 Apr 2026
- Competition
- 23 May 2026 to 31 May 2026
- Results
- 20 Aug 2026
How to apply
- 1Students can register online through the International Olympiad Academy (IOA) official website.
- 2The registration process involves filling out an online form with required details and completing the online Olympiad fee payment.
- 3Schools can also register their students collectively through the IOA portal.
Rules and guidelines
- The exam is conducted in two rounds; only shortlisted students from the preliminary round can appear in the final round.
- Use of electronic devices like calculators, smartwatches, or any device capable of storing and displaying visual information is strictly prohibited during the exam.
- One mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer, but there is no penalty for skipping a question.
- All questions are compulsory, and there is only one correct answer for each question.
- Participants must fill in their Name, Roll No., Grade, and School Name accurately on the answer sheet.
- Switching browser tabs during the online Olympiad will result in auto-submission of the test after three warnings.
Technology requirements
- Computer or laptop with a stable internet connection for the online examination.
- Webcam and microphone may be required for AI-proctoring in online exams.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The registration fee is ₹300 + GST per subject for individual participation. Schools may have different registration fees. An additional fee of ₹120 may be required for the second round for qualified students.
Refund policy
Fees once paid are non-refundable under any circumstances.
About this opportunity
The International Science Olympiad (ISO) by IOA is a global competition designed to identify and nurture scientific talent among students from Grade 1 to 12. It offers a platform for students to test their scientific temperament, reasoning ability, and knowledge against peers at an international level. The competition assesses both theoretical and practical understanding of science concepts, encouraging participants to think beyond their textbooks and apply scientific principles.
This Olympiad is open to students enrolled in Grades 1 to 12 who are residing and studying in India or are part of an Indian school system. Participants will enhance their scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Top performers receive significant recognition through medals, merit certificates, and cash scholarships, along with exposure to a competitive environment that prepares them for future academic and career challenges.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 90
- Duration
- 90 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Language
- English
Rounds and format
The competition consists of two rounds. The preliminary round shortlists students who then proceed to the final round. The final round features questions of greater difficulty, designed to test scientific temperament and reasoning ability.
How entries are judged
Evaluation is based on multiple-choice questions with varying point values for different difficulty sections. Section A (Easy) awards 3 points, Section B (Medium) awards 4 points, and Section C (Hard) awards 5 points for each correct answer. One mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.
Selection process
Students are shortlisted for the final round based on their performance in the preliminary round. Final round perfect scorers and high achievers receive awards.
How to prepare
- Sample papers available on the official website.
- Past year papers for practice.
- Workbooks and online mock test series provided by IOA.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The syllabus is based on the prescribed and updated curriculum of school boards like CBSE, ICSE, State Board, and International Board. It covers topics in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science, with a focus on applied science and higher-order thinking skills.
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