SOF Olympiad Exams
SOF is an educational organisation that supports the development of school children's competitive spirit and popularises academic competition. Leading academics, scientists, and media figures founded SOF with the intention of advancing professional courses as well as Science, Math, Computer Education, English, Social Studies, General Knowledge, and Hindi. For more than 25 years, the Science Olympiad Foundation has worked to encourage a scientific mindset and disposition in school children worldwide by involving them in creative learning activities and utilising technology in the classroom.
1.0Exams Conducted by SOF
SOF organizes a variety of Olympiads for kids in grades 1 to 12 which are usually held at several levels, beginning in the school and progressing to higher national and international domains. Top performers in these tests receive certificates, medals, scholarships, and other rewards and recognition. Students who participate in SOF Olympiads not only receive recognition but also improve their analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and overall academic performance. The foundation conducts the following Olympiads:
1. SOF International Computer Science Olympiad
The SOF International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO) is a renowned competition that evaluates and improves students' computer science abilities in classes 1 through 12. The ICSO covers a wide range of subjects, such as problem-solving, programming, and computational thinking. It is designed to spark students' curiosity about computer science and help them build solid foundations in the subject.
2. SOF International Science Olympiad
The SOF National Science Olympiad (NSO) is a well-known competition that aims to develop students' scientific literacy and critical thinking skills in classes 1 to 12. Numerous scientific subjects are covered by the NSO, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. The Olympiad is designed to stimulate curiosity and scientific inquiry while promoting a deeper comprehension of scientific ideas.
3. SOF International Mathematics Olympiad
The SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is a well-known competition that aims to encourage students in Classes 1 through 12 to excel in mathematics. Mathematical topics covered in the IMO include geometry, algebra, arithmetic, and problem-solving. The purpose of this Olympiad is to help students develop strong analytical and logical thinking skills as well as a love of mathematics.
4. SOF International English Olympiad
The SOF International English Olympiad (IEO) is a renowned competition designed to assess and improve students' English language proficiency in classes 1 through 12. The IEO concentrates on a number of English language skills, such as writing, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. This Olympiad encourages students to build strong communication skills while promoting a deeper appreciation and understanding of the English language.
5. SOF International Commerce Olympiad
The SOF International Commerce Olympiad (ICO) is a renowned competition that evaluates and improves students in Classes 11 and 12's commercial and business acumen. A wide range of business-related subjects is covered by the ICO, such as economics, accounting, finance, and business studies. The purpose of this Olympiad is to help students gain a deeper comprehension of business principles and to strengthen their analytical and problem-solving abilities in the field of commerce.
6. SOF International General Knowledge Olympiad
A well-known competition, the SOF International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) evaluates and improves students' general knowledge and awareness in classes 1 through 12. A wide range of subjects is covered by the IGKO, such as sports, culture, science, geography, history, and current events. The objectives of this Olympiad are to promote curiosity and global awareness while developing a well-rounded knowledge base.
7. SOF International Social Studies Olympiad
The SOF International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) is a renowned competition created to assess and improve students' social studies comprehension in classes three through ten. Numerous subjects are covered by the ISSO, such as geography, history, civics, and economics. With the help of this Olympiad, students hope to gain a greater understanding of social studies and strengthen their analytical and critical thinking abilities.
8. SOF International Hindi Olympiad
The SOF International Hindi Olympiad (IHO) is a renowned competition designed to evaluate and improve students' Hindi language proficiency in classes 1 through 10. The IHO focuses on a number of Hindi language skills, such as writing, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. With the goal of encouraging students to acquire strong communication skills in Hindi, this Olympiad seeks to promote a deeper appreciation and understanding of the language.
2.0SOF Exam Schedule 2026-27
Schools may choose one day to hold their school's Olympiad exam. A date change is not allowed. Different dates have different question papers. Registrations may be sent by schools up to 30 days prior to the exam date of choice. You have the option of sending registrations for each exam separately or all at once.
Schedule of Olympiad exams for 2026-27 is as under.
First Level Exams 2026-27
Second Level Exams 2026-27
- The dates of the second-level curriculum examination will be released in January 2026.
- Students in classes 3 through 12 will take the SOF IEO, SOF NSO, and SOF IMO second-level exams.
- There will be single-level exams for SOF ISSO, SOF IGKO, SOF ICO, SOF IHO, and SOF ICSO.
3.0Registration for the SOF Olympiad 2026
Students can register for any SOF through their respective schools by contacting the person in charge to get the form. Individual student registrations are not accepted.
Note: The SOF Olympiad registration form must be submitted by the schools 15 days prior to the scheduled exam date. It is advised that participants register for the tests as soon as possible to avoid any technical difficulties that may arise due to Roll No., Exam Links, or Mock-Test-related issues, since the adjustments may take some time.
Registration Fee:
Schools in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and India pay INR 125 (including GST) per student, per Olympiad as the registration fee to SOF. Schools may impose an additional INR Rs 25 per student to cover other costs, the appearance fee of the person in charge, and teacher compensation for instructing and guiding. If a student has a major physical disability or is an Indian student whose parent was killed during defence operations, there is no fee.
For schools in other countries, the registration fee for SOF Olympiads is USD 9 per student, per Olympiad. USD 1 is for students who are sponsored, underprivileged, or come from economically weaker sections as identified and supported by their respective schools. This fee is a part of SOF's initiative to ensure inclusive participation.
4.0SOF Olympiads Syllabus
Each SOF Olympiad exam covers a wide range of topics and has a unique syllabus designed to evaluate students' knowledge and abilities across a variety of academic subjects. The CBSE, ICSE, and various state boards' curriculum serve as the foundation for the question paper structure of the SOF Olympiad Exams. For example, students who want to take part in the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) can study according to the curriculum for their grade level in order to be ready for the exam.
Also Check: Best Books For Olympiad
5.0Advantages of SOF Olympiads
Students can benefit greatly from participating in SOF Olympiads, which can improve both their academic and personal growth. Here are some key benefits:
1. Academic Excellence: Academically, it broadens their knowledge by boosting a deeper comprehension of the subject and focuses their analytical abilities through problem-solving and critical-thinking activities. This allows for the development of conceptual clarity, which is beneficial for regular school examinations.
2. Competitive Edge: Olympiads give students a competitive advantage by introducing them to national and international competition, extending their horizons, and enhancing their self-assurance. For competitive examinations like JEE and NEET in the future, this early preparation is invaluable.
3. Recognition and Awards: Scholarships, medals, and certificates are given to students, which enhances their morale and offers them financial support for further education.
4. Holistic Development: Olympiads provide the opportunity for self-evaluation, promote curiosity outside of the classroom, and help students develop time management and discipline skills through consistent preparation.
5. Learning Resources: Along with access to top quality study materials, sample questions, and past years' exam questions, participants also gain from a thorough performance analysis that enables them to recognise their mistakes and continue improving.
6. Inclusivity: Olympiads give students from a variety of backgrounds the chance to participate, and they also offer special programs like discounted fees for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to make sure that money is not a barrier.
7. School Benefits: Schools receive recognition for their exceptional Olympiad performance, and teachers are also recognised and gain experience for their student-training efforts.