ISCO – International Science Challenge Olympiad

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What is ISCO?

The International Science Challenge Olympiad (ISCO) is an international academic competition designed to inspire students to explore science beyond the classroom. The Olympiad encourages scientific thinking, creativity, innovation, and real-world problem-solving through engaging and age-appropriate challenges.

ISCO provides students with an opportunity to showcase their scientific knowledge while competing with peers from around the globe.

Syllabus

Qualification Rounds Details

Participate in the official ISCO qualification examination and demonstrate your understanding of science concepts through engaging and age-appropriate challenges.
  • Animals and Biology
  • Living and Non-Living Things
  • Nature and Environment
  • Life Science
  • Matter and Materials
  • Simple Machines
  • Living and Non-Living Things
  • Earth and Space
  • Environment and Sustainable Development
  • Natural Environment
  • Energy
  • Matter, Energy, and Forces
  • Earth Science and Space
  • Human Body Structure and Function
  • Biodiversity and Ecosystems
  • Science Inquiry
  • Physics: Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Modern Physics
  • Chemistry: Physical, Organic, and Analytical Chemistry
  • Biology: Molecular Biology, Human Physiology, Ecology & Evolution
  • Space Science: Astrophysics, Planetary Science
  • Physics: Electricity, Magnetism, Dynamics
  • Chemistry: Elements and Compounds, Reactions, Acids & Bases
  • Biology: Ecosystems, Human Biology
  • Space Science: Atmosphere and Weather
  • Physics: Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Modern Physics
  • Chemistry: Physical, Organic, and Analytical Chemistry
  • Biology: Molecular Biology, Human Physiology, Ecology & Evolution
  • Space Science: Astrophysics, Planetary Science

Sample Questions

Explore the question formats, scientific concepts, and difficulty levels for each ISCO category before the competition.

ISCO 1

Grades 1–2

Introduction to basic science concepts including living things, nature, animals, plants, and everyday scientific observations.

ISCO 2

Grades 3–4

Build foundational scientific knowledge through questions on life science, physical science, the environment, and simple experiments.

ISCO 3

Grades 5–6

Develop scientific reasoning skills with topics covering matter, energy, ecosystems, technology, and scientific inquiry.

ISCO 4

Grades 7–8

Explore advanced junior-level science including biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and STEM applications.

ISCO 5

Grades 9–10

Strengthen analytical and problem-solving abilities through challenging questions in scientific concepts and real-world applications.

ISCO 6

Grades 11–12

Prepare for higher-level scientific thinking with advanced topics in biology, chemistry, physics, research methods, and innovation.

Practice with Previous ISCO Papers

Download qualification and global round papers from previous ISCO sessions to understand the examination format, question patterns, and scientific concepts assessed at each level.

ISCO 1

Grades 1–2

Past papers covering basic science concepts, observation skills, living things, and the natural world.

ISCO 2

Grades 3–4

Practice papers focused on life science, physical science, environmental awareness, and scientific exploration.

ISCO 3

Grades 5–6

Previous examination papers featuring matter, energy, ecosystems, scientific inquiry, and technology concepts.

ISCO 4

Grades 7–8

Past papers covering biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, and STEM-related challenges.

ISCO 5

Grades 9–10

Advanced secondary-level science papers designed to strengthen analytical thinking and scientific problem-solving skills.

ISCO 6

Grades 11–12

Comprehensive science papers emphasizing scientific reasoning, experimentation and innovation.

Rules & Policies

Ensuring Fair Competition, Scientific Integrity, and Equal Opportunities for Every Participant

The International Science Challenge Olympiad (ISCO) is committed to providing a transparent, fair, and academically enriching competition environment for students worldwide.

Eligibility Requirements
  • ISCO is open to students from Grade 1 to Grade 12.
  • Participants must register in the category corresponding to their current academic grade.
  • Each student may participate in only one category during a competition cycle.
  • Registration details must be accurate and complete.
Examination Regulations
  • Participants must complete the examination within the allotted time.
  • All questions must be answered independently by the registered participant.
  • Students should carefully read all instructions before starting the examination.
  • Late submissions may not be accepted after the official closing time.
  • Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the required device and internet access for online examinations.
Academic Integrity Policy
  • Cheating, plagiarism, impersonation, or any form of unfair assistance is strictly prohibited.
  • The use of unauthorized materials during the examination is not allowed unless specifically stated.
  • Any violation of competition rules may result in disqualification.
  • The organizing committee reserves the right to investigate suspicious activities and verify results.

Guidelines

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Participating in the International Science Challenge Olympiad (ISCO)

Choose your category

Select the ISCO level that matches your current grade. ISCO 1 (Grades 1–2) ISCO 2 (Grades 3–4) ISCO 3 (Grades 5–6) ISCO 4 (Grades 7–8) ISCO 5 (Grades 9–10) ISCO 6 (Grades 11–12) Each category is designed with age-appropriate science topics and challenges.

Register before the deadline

Register through your school coordinator or the official registration platform before the registration deadline. Make sure all personal and academic information is entered accurately to ensure smooth participation and certificate issuance.

Choose your sitting format

Review the topics covered in your category and understand the concepts that may appear in the examination.

Prepare with the resources above

Download official sample papers and previous competition papers to become familiar with: Question formats Difficulty levels Scientific problem-solving approaches Time management strategies Regular practice can significantly improve performance.

Sit the qualification round

Qualification rounds run between 26 October and 30 November 2025. Arrive (or log in) at least 15 minutes early to confirm your details and seating.

Receive your results and certificate

Results are announced on 15 December 2025. Medal and Diamond winners are notified of their Global Round eligibility and discount tier at the same time.