International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) by SOF for Indian Students
by Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)
₹50,000 Cash Prize
International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) by SOF for Indian Students is a competition by Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students in Class 1–10, open to students across India. Registration closes 4 Oct 2026.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Class 1–10
Fee
₹170
Duration
1 hour
Format
Individual
Time needed
60 minutes for the exam
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Jun 2026
- Registration closes
- 4 Oct 2026
- Competition
- 22 Sept 2026 – 3 Nov 2026
- Results
- 15 Feb 2027
Participating Schools, Across India, Various States
About This Opportunity
The International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) is an annual competition organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students in classes 1-10. This Olympiad aims to assess and develop students' knowledge of current affairs, social and political developments, history, geography, and other related subjects. It provides a platform for young students to identify and nurture their academic talents in general knowledge, preparing them for a competitive world from an early age.
Students from classes 1 to 10, enrolled in a school recognized by SOF and affiliated with a certified education board (CBSE, ICSE, ISC, or State Board), are eligible to participate. There are no minimum marks criteria to apply for the SOF IGKO. Special fee exemptions apply for students with significant physical disabilities or those whose parents were martyred in defense operations.
Participants gain national and international recognition, enhancing their academic profiles. High-performing students have the chance to win scholarships, cash prizes, medals, and certificates, along with other prestigious awards. The IGKO helps students develop essential skills such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving, which are crucial for future academic and professional endeavors.
The competition is a single-level exam conducted during school hours within the participant's school. It promotes healthy competition, curiosity, and a love for general knowledge, empowering students to think analytically and solve problems with confidence.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 1–10
- Age Range
- 6 - 15 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Enrolled in a school recognized by SOF and affiliated with a certified education board (CBSE, ICSE, ISC, or State Board).
Students in classes 1-10 (ages 6-15) from SOF-recognized schools affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, ISC, or State Boards are eligible. There are no minimum marks required. Fee exemptions are available for students with significant physical disabilities or those whose parents were martyred in defense operations.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The syllabus covers a wide range of topics including Me and My Surroundings, Plants and Animals, India and the World, Science and Technology, Language and Literature, Earth and Its Environment, Sports, Maths Fun, Life Skills (Kindness, Soft Skills, Social Skills, Do's & Don'ts), and Current Affairs. The Achievers Section includes Higher Order Thinking Questions from the given syllabus. The curriculum aligns with CBSE, ICSE/ISC, and State Board syllabi.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
₹50,000 Cash Prize
Cash prizes up to ₹50,000 for top international rank holders. For up to 5 students with the same rank, the award amount will be distributed equally. If 6 or more students share the same rank, each will receive gifts worth ₹1,000, a medal, and a certificate.
Prizes
Medals & Gifts
Gold, silver, and bronze medals for international, zonal, and class toppers. Gifts worth ₹1,000 for students sharing certain ranks.
Certificate
SOF Certificates
Certificates of Participation for all students, Certificates of Outstanding Performance, Zonal Excellence, and Distinction for rank holders, recognized by the Science Olympiad Foundation.
Career pathways
Develops foundational skills essential for competitive exams and various professional fields, providing a competitive edge in future academic and professional endeavors.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Single-level exam for all participants
- Comprehensive Student Performance Report (SPR) provided to each student
- Awards and recognition at international, zonal, and school levels
- Exemption from fees for students with physical disabilities or defense martyrs' children
Exam format
- Total marks
- 60
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Language
- English
Rounds & format
The IGKO is a single-level exam conducted during school hours. For classes 1 to 4, the exam consists of 35 objective-type questions. For classes 5 to 10, there are 50 objective-type questions. The duration for all classes is 60 minutes.
How entries are judged
Participants are ranked based on marks obtained in the objective-type test. Performance is evaluated at school, city, zonal, and international levels. Higher scores lead to higher ranks and awards.
Selection process
Students are selected based on their performance in the single-level objective-type examination. Higher scores lead to better ranks at school, city, zonal, and international levels.
How to apply
- 1Students must register through their respective schools. Schools receive prospectus and registration forms from SOF.
- 2The school's coordinating teacher will complete the School Registration Form (SRF) and Students' Registration Sheet (SRS) and submit them to the SOF office before the deadline.
- 3Individual registrations are not accepted. Schools must ensure a minimum of 10 students are registered for feasibility.
How to prepare
- Textbooks of the respective class
- Olympiad preparation books for theory concepts
- Reference books for practicing MCQs
- Previous Year Question Papers of SOF IGKO
- Sample papers and mock tests for IGKO exam
Fees & financial support
Fee details
A registration fee of ₹170(including GST) per student is charged for schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Students with significant physical disabilities or Indian students whose parents were martyred during defense operations are exempt from the fee.
Financial support
Cash awards and scholarships are provided to international, zonal, and class toppers. Specific exemptions from the registration fee are available for students with significant physical disabilities or those whose parents were martyred during defense operations.
Refund policy
Not specified.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) by SOF for Indian Students?
The registration deadline is 4 Oct 2026.
Is International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) by SOF for Indian Students free?
₹170 registration
Who can participate in International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) by SOF for Indian Students?
Students in Class 1–10. children aged 6-15.
What will my child gain from International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) by SOF for Indian Students?
Cash prizes up to ₹50,000 for top international rank holders.. Gold, silver, and bronze medals for international, zonal, and class toppers.. Certificates of participation for all students.. Certificates of Outstanding Performance, Zonal Excellence, and Distinction for rank holders.. Student Performance Report (SPR) detailing strengths and areas for improvement.. National and international recognition for academic achievement.. Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.. Enhanced general awareness and current affairs knowledge.. National and international recognition from the Science Olympiad Foundation.. Development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and general knowledge skills..
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