International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO)

The International Social Studies Olympiad 2025-26 is conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation for students from Class 3 to Class 10. This Science Olympiad Foundation(SOF) Exam aims to motivate them towards the study of History, Geography, and Civics in the subject area of social sciences. ISSO has the potential to improve concepts, critical skills, and problem-solving capabilities of utmost concern to such students who are interested in studying social sciences or humanities.

In this article, we shall examine the ISSO exam, syllabus, structures following CBSE/ICSE and state boards, and the advantages for participants. We are also going to address dates of the exam, the enrolment procedure, a few common questions, and thrilling awards waiting for sharp minds willing to take up the challenge in this world of social science.

1.0ISSO Exam 2025-26: Key Features and Highlights

Students appearing for the ISSO Exam should be aware of the critical details related to the exam to ensure a smooth experience from registration to the day of the exam. Therefore, we have provided the highlights of the exam:

2.0Exam Dates of ISSO 2025-26 Exam

The SOF ISSO will be scheduled on two different dates by the officials. Schools can select one of these dates based on their convenience for conducting the exam. 

3.0Download ISSO Mock Test Papers with Solutions (Silver Zone Foundation)

4.0Download ISSO Mock Test Papers with Solutions (SOF)

5.0Latest Syllabus for ISSO Exam 2025

The ISSO Exam 2025-26 syllabus is designed to test students' understanding of scientific principles in social sciences. Studying this revised syllabus will help you prepare well for the exam, making you a better knowledge and analytical skills holder in the subject.

Take a look at the table below to study the comprehensive syllabus of the ISSO Exam 2025.

6.0Eligibility Criteria for ISSO Exam 2025-26

ISSO Exam 2025-26 Eligibility criteria list the qualifications for students to participate in the Olympiad+ test. Students who study in selected class levels, usually up to classes 3 through class 10, may apply to attend. Other requirements include student enrollments within schooling boards acknowledged as CBSE, ICSE, or state boards.

7.0How to Apply for the ISSO Exam 2025-26?

To participate in the exam, students must first complete the application process. Below, you'll find the complete steps for applying to the ISSO Olympiad:

Registration of Students:

• Schools can register as examination centres for SOF ISSO Level 1 without a fee.
• A prospectus with registration forms is distributed to registered schools. Non-registered schools can request a prospectus via email or phone.
• Schools must submit filled registration forms to SOF before the due date.

Roll Numbers:

• Coordinating teachers must complete the School Registration Form (SRF) and Students' Registration Sheet (SRS) and send them to SOF before the deadline.
• SOF will register the school and generate roll numbers based on the Students' Registration Sheet.

Registration Fee:

• Schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan & Nepal pay a registration fee of Rs 125* (including GST) per student.
• Additionally, schools may charge Rs 25 per student for various expenses.
• Students with significant physical disabilities or those whose parents were martyred during defence operations are exempt from fees.

Note: The registration fee may be subject to change. Verify the latest fee structure from SOF.

8.0Sample Papers for ISSO Exam 2025-26

The ISSO sample papers are also helpful material to acclimatise the student with the syllabus and exam pattern. They also give an idea about the marking scheme, which again will prepare the student in a better way. We have given here a table of the official links of ISSO Sample papers for Grades 3rd to 10th.

9.0SOF ISSO Results 2025-26

SOF announces the results of each examination within eight weeks on its official website. The result will also be sent directly to the respective schools. The SOF ISSO 2025-26 result depicts the performance of a candidate in the International Social Studies Olympiad. Merit achievers from Classes 3 to 10 will be awarded rewards and scholarships.

After logging into the ISSO, candidates can check their rank and score for the SOF ISSO exam. Next, they have to take a print of the same scorecard and then follow up with the instructions by the Science Olympiad Foundation regarding the rewards and scholarship process.

10.0Awards and Recognitions for ISSO Exam 2025-26

International, Zonal and Class topper awards will be provided to SOF ISSO winners. ISSO is a single-level exam and will be conducted for classes 3 to 10. Those who score well on the ISSO exam 2025 are awarded many prizes.

The ISSO Olympiad awards include certificates, cash prizes of up to 10,000, laptops, wristwatches, and many other prizes.

Explore the details of awards and ranks for students, presented in the following table for your reference.

11.0At the School Level

• Medals to School/Class Toppers.
• All students scored 100% marks.
• For 5 to 9 students writing the exam/class – Gold Medal of Excellence to the top ranked holder in class.
• For 10 to 25 students writing the exam/class – Gold Medal of Excellence to top 3 rank holders.
• For more than 25 students writing the exam/class – Gold Medal of Excellence to the top 10% rank holders in class.

Note: Refer to the official website for detailed information about the ISSO Exam Awards and recognition.