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International Science Olympiad (ISO) - Offline by Indian Talent Olympiad

by Indian Talent Olympiad (ITO)

Grade 1 to 10₹240Closes 10 Nov 2026

₹1,00,000 Cash Prize

1,00,00,000 participants

The International Science Olympiad (ISO) is an offline competition by Indian Talent Olympiad (ITO) for students in Classes 1-10, fostering scientific aptitude, analytical thinking, and innovation through challenging exams.

Mode

In-Person

Fee

₹240

Participation format

Individual

Duration

65 minutes per round

Time needed

65-minute exam at school; Round 2 for qualifiers

Eligibility

Open to students from Class 1 to 10 enrolled in any recognized school across India (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards). No minimum marks or age restrictions apply. Students can register individually or through their schools.

Grade level
Grade 1 to 10
Age range
6 to 15 years
Eligibility region
Available nationwide across India
Academic requirement
Students must be enrolled in a recognized school affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, or other recognized boards.

See if your child qualifies.

Rewards and recognition

Award

₹1,00,000

National Rank 1 winners receive ₹1,00,000. National Rank 2 winners receive ₹40,000. State Rank 1-10 winners receive ₹4,000 scholarships. Additionally, 10 students subsequent to second rank holders nationally receive Laptops OR ₹20,000, and 100 meritorious students earning the 4th rank receive Tablets OR ₹8,000.

Prizes

Laptops, Tablets & Medals

Laptops are awarded to 10 students who stand subsequent to second rank holders on the national level. Tablets are awarded to 100 meritorious students who earn the 4th rank. Excellence Medal Awards are also allotted to eligible students.

LaptopsTabletsExcellence Medal Awards

Certificate

Certificate of Participation & Merit

All participants receive a Certificate of Participation. Top performers receive Merit Certificates and Special Recognition Certificates with rank details.

Opens doors to

Participation demonstrates strong academic aptitude and a passion for science, which can be beneficial for admissions to prestigious colleges and universities in science and engineering programs, providing a competitive edge in higher education.

Career pathways

Participation in ISO lays a strong foundation for careers in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) by fostering early interest and strong analytical skills, providing a competitive edge in future job markets.

Recognition

National Level Recognition

Skills your child builds

Scientific ReasoningProblem SolvingData InterpretationCritical ThinkingAnalytical SkillsObservation SkillsLogical ReasoningConceptual UnderstandingHigher-Order Thinking Skills

Key dates

Registration opened
1 May 2026
Registration closes
10 Nov 2026
Competition
4 Dec 2026 to 8 Jan 2027
Results
31 Mar 2027
  • Admit Card Release (Round 1)

    Admit cards for Round 1 will be released approximately 15-20 days before the examination window. Participants should download and print their admit cards from the official website.

  • Round 1 Result Announcement

    Results for Round 1 will be announced, and qualified students will be notified for Round 2. This is a tentative date, and actual announcement may vary slightly.

  • Round 2 Exam Date

    The second level examination will be conducted in the first or second week of February 2027 for students who qualify Round 1.

  • Scholarships and Prize Awards Dispatch

    Scholarships and prize awards for top-performing students and schools will be dispatched by this date.

Online · N/A

How to apply

  1. 1Schools need to register with Indian Talent Olympiad and submit participant names and classes.
  2. 2Individual registration is possible via the official Indian Talent Olympiad website (indiantalent.org) by filling out the registration form and paying the fee online.
  3. 3For offline exams, schools will receive OMR answer sheets and question papers.
  4. 4Students registering individually will follow the online exam schedule.

Rules and guidelines

  • Participants must adhere to the scheduled exam dates and timings provided by the school or ITO.
  • Offline exams are conducted within school premises using OMR answer sheets and question papers.
  • Students must complete the OMR answer sheet by filling in the correct options within the given time limit.
  • Use of unfair means or electronic devices during the examination is strictly prohibited.
  • All decisions made by the Indian Talent Olympiad examination committee regarding results and awards are final.
  • Minimum 40 students per school should be enrolled for school applications to be accepted.
  • Top three medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) and awards class-wise will be given only if the student count is more than or equal to 10 per class per subject.

Technology requirements

  • For offline exams, no specific technology is required by the student beyond standard writing instruments.

Fees and financial support

Fee details

The individual entry fee for students from Class 1 to Class 10 is ₹240 for Round 1 and ₹ 175 for school registration. Students who qualify for the 2nd Round need to pay an additional ₹120 as a registration fee for the second round. Schools may have a consolidated fee structure, typically ₹125 per student per subject for school registrations.

Refund policy

Refund policy details are typically available on the Indian Talent Olympiad official website or can be inquired about by contacting their support.

About this opportunity

The International Science Olympiad (ISO), conducted by the Indian Talent Olympiad (ITO), is a national-level competition designed to assess and enhance students' knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. This offline examination aims to promote scientific curiosity, analytical skills, and innovative thinking among students from Class 1 to Class 10.

The ISO is based on applied science and aligns with the school curriculum, covering topics from CBSE, ICSE, and various state boards. It features two levels of examination, with the first round typically held in November. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and includes sections on subjective knowledge, logical reasoning, and higher-order thinking skills.

Participation in ISO helps students strengthen their conceptual understanding, improve problem-solving abilities, and prepare for future academic challenges. ITO has a wide network, associating with over 33,175 schools and reaching over one crore students across India.

The Olympiad provides a platform for students to test their skills against peers nationally and receive recognition for their achievements. This competition is ideal for students passionate about science and looking to challenge themselves beyond regular school academics.

Exam format

Duration
65 minutes
Format
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). For Classes 1-4, there are 35 questions. For Classes 5-10, there are 50 questions. Each question carries 1 mark.
Language
English

Rounds and format

The ISO exam has two levels. Round 1 is conducted in two slots, typically in December and February. Students who qualify in Round 1 are eligible to appear for Round 2 (Final Round).

How entries are judged

Ranks are determined based on marks scored in different sections of the exam. In case of a tie, priority is given to marks in specific sections (Science, Logical Reasoning). Time taken to complete the exam and negative marking (0.25) may also be used as tie-breakers.

Selection process

Students qualify for the 2nd level if they are among the top 20% of students who appeared for the 1st level exam, or if they are a class topper (minimum 10 students from a class appear and score at least 50% marks).

How to prepare

  • Olympiad workbooks provided by Indian Talent Olympiad (available for purchase).
  • Previous years' question papers (available for purchase).
  • School textbooks and curriculum materials.

Academic details

PhysicsChemistryBiologyLogical Reasoning

Difficulty: Mixed Levels

What's covered

The syllabus is based on the school curriculum, covering topics from CBSE, ICSE, and various state boards. It includes subjective questions, logical reasoning, and higher-order thinking questions. Detailed class-wise syllabi are available on the Indian Talent Olympiad website.

Frequently asked questions

How can students effectively manage exam pressure during the International Science Olympiad?

Students can manage exam pressure by practicing regularly with sample papers, understanding the exam pattern, and developing a consistent study routine. Engaging in relaxation techniques and maintaining a positive mindset also contributes to better performance.

What are the common mistakes participants make in science competitions and how can they be avoided?

Common mistakes include misinterpreting questions, poor time management, and neglecting logical reasoning sections. Participants can avoid these by carefully reading instructions, practicing under timed conditions, and focusing on developing strong analytical skills.

How does participation in the ISO benefit students in their long-term academic and career goals?

Participation in the ISO enhances scientific aptitude, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for STEM careers. It provides national recognition, boosts confidence, and offers a competitive edge for higher education admissions.

What is the significance of the two-level examination structure in identifying scientific talent?

The two-level structure allows for a comprehensive assessment, filtering a larger pool of students in Round 1 and then challenging the top performers with more advanced questions in Round 2. This ensures a robust identification of truly talented individuals.

What is the recommended preparation timeline for the International Science Olympiad?

A preparation timeline of 3-6 months is recommended. This allows students to thoroughly cover the syllabus, practice with previous year papers, and revise key concepts without feeling rushed. Consistent daily study is more effective than last-minute cramming.

Are there any special provisions for students with disabilities during the examination?

Students with disabilities should contact the Indian Talent Olympiad support team or their school coordinator well in advance of the registration deadline to inquire about any special provisions or accommodations that may be available.

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Organization

Indian Talent Olympiad (ITO)

View organization

Categories

Science & TechnologyCompetitive ExamsTalent Based Awards

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