The Science Olympiad Foundation or SOF is an educational non-profit organisation established in the year 1996. The organisation promotes science, mathematics, basic general knowledge, computer knowledge and English language skills through conducting examinations for school students. In order to promote scientific attitude and knowledge through innovative learning activities, students benefit a lot from the SOF Olympiads. These are qualitative and quantitative assessments conducted at the national or international level to build up the information technology and scientific talent pool. Also, what could be better than earning a participation certificate?
Through this blog, we will take a look at the different SOF Olympiads, their pattern of question and their marking schemes.
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What are the Eligibility Criteria of SOF Exams?
Exam | Grade |
NCO | Only for students of classes 1-10 |
IGKO | |
NSO | Every student of classes 1-12 |
IMO | |
IEO | |
ICO | Only for students of classes 11 and 12 |
What is the Syllabus of SOF Exams?
There is no set curriculum for these exams. To create their exam papers, the SOF Olympiad follows the curriculum of CBSE, ICSE, and several state boards. For example, if a student wishes to participate in the NSO (National Science Olympiad), they can do so by following the course for their grade level. The SOF International Olympiad exam pattern differs from competition to competition. In the National Cyber Olympiad, for example, a student has 60 minutes to complete their paper. It comprises 35 MCQ-type questions for students in grades 1–4 and 50 questions for students in grades 5–12.
What is the Pattern of SOF Exams?
Exam Name | Pattern | Time | Level |
NCO | 35 MCQs for classes 1-4, and 50 for Classes 5-10/12 | 60 | Single Level |
NSO | Two levels | ||
IMO | Two Levels | ||
IEO | Two Levels | ||
IGKO | Single Level | ||
ICO | 50 MCQs for Class 11-12 | Single Level |
How to Register for SOF Exams?
Students can only participate in this competition if they register through their schools. Individual registration applications are not accepted by the SOF authorities. The following are the SOF Olympiad registration details:
- To participate, a school must register a minimum number of students. It changes depending on the exam.
- The SOF will then mail a prospectus with the registration form to each registered school.
- Following that, schools must complete this application form and submit it by the deadline.
SOF Exams Registration
Exam | Minimum no. of Students |
NCO | 5 |
NSO | 10 |
IMO | 10 |
IEO | 10 |
ICO | 10 |
IGKO | 5 |
List of SOF Olympiads
Every year, the foundation organized different SOF Olympiads namely:
- National Cyber Olympiad (NCO)
- National Science Olympiad (NSO)
- International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
- International English Olympiad (IEO)
- International Commerce Olympiad (ICO)
- International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO)
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Every year, millions of students appear for these olympiads organized by the SOF Olympiad. Now, let us study these olympiads one by one.
National Cyber Olympiad (NCO)
This SOF Olympiad is a national-level evaluating exam that helps to nurture cyber talent amongst the young generation. Being a national-level competition it evaluates candidates on the basis of logical, analytical, mental and reasoning ability in computers & IT. Below is the syllabus and marking scheme of SOF NCO:
Class | Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
I to IV | Logical Reasoning | 5 | 1 | 5 |
Computer & Information Technology | 25 | 1 | 25 | |
Achievers Section | 5 | 2 | 10 | |
Total | 35 | 40 |
Class | Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
V to XII | Logical Reasoning | 10 | 1 | 10 |
Computer & Information Technology | 35 | 1 | 35 | |
Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 | |
Total | 50 | 60 |
National Science Olympiad (NSO)
It was the first official SOF Olympiad conducted in 1996 and is now administered with the partnership with Techfest. Students of all classes are welcome to take the olympiad. Below is the syllabus and marking scheme of SOF NSO:
Class | Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
I to IV | Logical Reasoning | 5 | 1 | 5 |
Science | 25 | 1 | 25 | |
Achievers Section | 5 | 2 | 10 | |
Total | 35 | 40 |
Class | Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
V to X | Logical Reasoning | 10 | 1 | 10 |
Science | 35 | 1 | 35 | |
Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 | |
Total | 50 | 60 |
Class | Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
XI to XII | Physics & Chemistry | 25 | 1 | 25 |
Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 | |
Mathematics or Biology | 20 | 1 | 20 | |
Total | 50 | 60 |
International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
IMO is one of the most common Mathematics SOF Olympiad conducted at two different levels: Level 1 is organised in the respective schools that consists of objective-type questions conducted for a duration of 60 minutes and Level 2 is for students from classes III to XII. Below is the syllabus and marking scheme of SOF IMO: break neck IMO is one of the most common Mathematics SOF Olympiad conducted at two different levels: Level 1 is organised in the respective schools that consists of objective-type questions conducted for a duration of 60 minutes and Level 2 is for students from class III to XII. Below is the syllabus and marking scheme of SOF IMO:
Class | Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
I to IV | Logical Reasoning | 10 | 1 | 10 |
Mathematical Reasoning | 10 | 1 | 10 | |
Everyday Mathematics | 10 | 1 | 10 | |
Achievers Section | 5 | 2 | 10 | |
Total | 35 | 40 |
Class | Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
V to XII | Logical Reasoning | 15 | 1 | 15 |
Mathematical Reasoning | 20 | 1 | 20 | |
Everyday Mathematics | 10 | 1 | 10 | |
Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 | |
Total | 50 | 60 |
International English Olympiad (IEO)
The IEO is a written objective-type assessment conducted at 2 levels designed in partnership with the British Council. This SOF Olympiad focuses on the practice of English communication and language instead of correct grammar and rote learning. Below is the syllabus and marking scheme of SOF IEO:
International Commerce Olympiad (ICO)
The International Commerce Olympiad is meant for only those students who have opted for Commerce in their 11th and 12th. Below is the syllabus and marking scheme of SOF ICO:
Class | Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
XI to XII | Economics | 15 | 1 | 15 |
Business Studies | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
Accountancy | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 | |
Total | 50 | 60 |
International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO)
This is a more specialised SOF Olympiad that lays emphasis on the importance of day-to-day knowledge about current happenings and trends in India and the world. These cover basic general knowledge related to Science, Geography, Science, etc. Below is the syllabus and marking scheme of SOF ICKO:
Class | Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
I to IV | General Awareness | 20 | 1 | 20 |
Current Affairs | 5 | 1 | 5 | |
Life Skills | 5 | 1 | 5 | |
Achievers Section | 5 | 2 | 10 | |
Total | 35 | 40 |
Class | Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
V to XII | General Awareness | 30 | 1 | 30 |
Current Affairs | 10 | 1 | 10 | |
Life Skills | 5 | 1 | 5 | |
Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 | |
Total | 50 | 60 |
FAQs
The SOF Olympiad tests are exclusively available to high school students. The Olympiad is only open to students in grades 1 through 12. Furthermore, there is no demand for minimum marks or any other similar criterion.
Level 2 Olympiads are undoubtedly more difficult and extensive, but with consistent practise, hard effort, and planning, you can get a good rank.
Achieving a rank in the Olympiad at a higher level than the school will boost confidence. Students will also identify their own faults and strengths. They will also learn how to plan and arrange their resources. Managing their time effectively would aid students in future exams offered around the country.
For any further details regarding the in-depth syllabus and the important dates of different SOF Olympiads, click here. We at Leverage Edu help students to achieve their dreams of studying abroad, where English is a very important language to communicate well. Besides, learning the procedures and the nitty-gritty of the ways to prepare for English for the competitive exams, we can help you in choosing the right course and university that matches your field of interest.
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4 comments
I was looking for Olympiad exams that provide individual registration and online exam mode for students. I found CREST and Unicus Olympiads provides this. Does any site provide this facility too?
Hi Moushumi,
Get free 30 minutes consultation with our experts and resolve all your doubts about the same. Give us a call on 1800572000!
I am amazed by this informational post and I would love to read more informational posts like this one.
Thankyou.