International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) by SOF
by Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)
₹50,000 Cash Prize
International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) by SOF is a competition by Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students in Class 3–10, open to students across India. Registration closes 30 Oct 2026.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Class 3–10
Fee
₹170
Duration
60 minutes
Format
Individual
Time needed
1 hour for the examination and preparation time.
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Jun 2026
- Registration closes
- 30 Oct 2026
- Competition
- 30 Nov 2026 – 19 Jan 2027
- Results
- 15 Mar 2027
Participating Schools Across India, Nationwide, Various States
About This Opportunity
The International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) is an annual academic competition organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students in classes 3 to 10. This Olympiad aims to assess and enhance students' knowledge and skills in Social Studies, covering essential topics like history, geography, civics, and economics. The curriculum is designed to foster problem-solving, critical thinking, and cognitive skills, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) objectives.
Students from classes 3 to 10, who are enrolled in a school recognized by SOF, are eligible to participate. There are no other specific academic prerequisites like minimum marks. Applications must be submitted exclusively through respective school authorities, as individual registrations are not accepted for this competition.
Participants gain significant national and international recognition, which greatly enhances their academic profiles. High-performing students have the opportunity to win substantial cash prizes, prestigious medals, and valuable certificates. All participants receive a detailed Student Performance Report (SPR) to help them identify their strengths and weaknesses, along with a participation certificate.
The competition is a single-level examination conducted offline during school hours. It consists of multiple-choice questions and problem-solving tasks. The syllabus is carefully aligned with CBSE, ICSE/ISC, and various State Board curricula, ensuring relevance to Indian students.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 3–10
- Age Range
- 8 - 16 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Must be enrolled in a school recognized by SOF and affiliated with a certified education board (CBSE, ICSE, or State Board).
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with school curriculum in Social Studies
Open to students in classes 3-10 (ages 8-16) enrolled in SOF-recognized schools across India. No minimum marks required. Fee exemptions are available for students with major physical disabilities or children of martyred defense personnel.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The syllabus is aligned with CBSE, ICSE/ISC, and State Board syllabi. Questions are 70% from the current class syllabus and 30% from the previous class syllabus, with the Achievers Section focusing solely on the current class syllabus. Topics include power sharing, federalism, globalization, industrialization, lifelines of national economy, money and credit, forest, gender, religion and caste, and print culture.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
₹50,000
International rank 1 holders receive a cash prize of ₹50,000. Rank 2 receives ₹25,000 and rank 3 receives ₹10,000. Zonal toppers also receive cash awards up to ₹5,000.
Prizes
Medals & Gifts for Winners
International and zonal rank holders are awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals. Zonal rank holders from 4th to 10th position receive gifts worth ₹500 each.
Certificate
Certificate from SOF
All participants receive a participation certificate. Top performers receive Certificates of Outstanding Performance, Zonal Excellence, or Distinction based on their rank.
Opens doors to
Participation and achievements in SOF Olympiads are a valuable addition to a student's academic profile, showcasing their interest and proficiency in Social Studies, which can be beneficial for higher education applications.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Single-level exam format
- Student Performance Report (SPR) for all participants
- Awards for international, zonal, and school toppers
- Syllabus aligned with major Indian education boards
Exam format
- Total marks
- 60
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Language
- English
Rounds & format
The competition is a single-level exam conducted during school hours. It consists of objective-type (Multiple Choice) questions. For classes 3-4, there are 35 questions, and for classes 5-10, there are 50 questions. The duration of the exam is 60 minutes.
How entries are judged
Participants are ranked based on the marks obtained in the objective-type multiple-choice questions. The question paper includes a dedicated 'Achievers Section' with higher-order thinking questions, which typically carry more weightage.
Selection process
Students are selected based on their performance in the single-level objective-type examination. Rankings are determined at international, zonal, and school levels.
How to apply
- 1Students must register through their respective schools. Schools receive a prospectus with registration forms from SOF.
- 2The school's coordinating teacher fills out the School Registration Form (SRF) and Students' Registration Sheet (SRS) and submits them to SOF before the deadline.
- 3Individual registrations are not accepted; all applications must be routed through the school.
How to prepare
- SOF ISSO sample papers
- Previous years' question papers
- Olympiad preparation books
- Textbooks of the respective class
- Reference books for MCQs
Fees & financial support
Fee details
A registration fee of ₹170 (including GST) per student is payable to SOF for schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Refund policy
Not specified. It is advisable to check with the school or SOF directly for refund policies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) by SOF?
The registration deadline is 30 Oct 2026.
Is International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) by SOF free?
₹170 registration
Who can participate in International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) by SOF?
Students in Class 3–10. children aged 8-16.
What will my child gain from International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) by SOF?
Cash prizes up to ₹50,000 for international first rank holders. Gold, silver, and bronze medals for international, zonal, and school toppers. Certificates of outstanding performance, zonal excellence, or distinction. Student Performance Report (SPR) for all participants. National and international recognition. Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Enhanced understanding of social studies subjects. Improved analytical and cognitive abilities.
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