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By Swati Singh
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Updated on 2 Feb 2026, 11:26 IST
The ISSO full form is International Space Science Olympiad, ISSO Olympiad is a prestigious competition that challenges students worldwide in the field of space science. Participants showcase their knowledge and skills in various aspects of astronomy, astrophysics, and space exploration, fostering a passion for space sciences among young minds.
The International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) is an annual exam organized by the science olympiad foundation (SOF) to promote students' competitive aptitude in social sciences. It aims to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and metacognition skills, The ISSO olympiad aims to foster a deeper understanding of astronomy, astrophysics, and space exploration among young minds, encouraging them to pursue careers in these dynamic and ever-evolving disciplines. The ISSO awards medals, certificates, and scholarships to recognize outstanding performance at school, zonal, and international levels.
International Social Studies Olympiad Overview | |
Feature Unlock the full solution & master the concept Get a detailed solution and exclusive access to our masterclass to ensure you never miss a concept | Details |
Name of the Exam Ready to Test Your Skills? Check Your Performance Today with our Free Mock Tests used by Toppers! Take Free Test | ISSO |
Full Form ![]() create your own test YOUR TOPIC, YOUR DIFFICULTY, YOUR PACE start learning for free | International Social Studies Olympiad |
Organizing Body Best Courses for You![]() JEE ![]() NEET ![]() Foundation JEE ![]() Foundation NEET ![]() CBSE | Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) |
Also Known As Ready to Test Your Skills? Check Your Performance Today with our Free Mock Tests used by Toppers! Take Free Test | International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) |
Mode of Reference ![]() create your own test YOUR TOPIC, YOUR DIFFICULTY, YOUR PACE start learning for free | Online |
Mode of Examination | OMR (Paper-based) or Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Olympiad | Exam Type | Key Dates |
| SOF International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) | Level-1 Social Studies Exam | 18 Sep 2025, 20 Nov 2025, 23 Jan 2026 |
| Indian Space Science Olympiad (ISSO) | Final Level Workshop & Exam | 27–29 Dec 2025 |
| Olympiad | Registration Method | Fees | Deadline / Notes |
| SOF International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) | Register only through your school (schools submit forms to SOF) | ₹125 per student (India, Bangladesh, Bhutan & Nepal) / USD 11 per student (other countries) | Schools need to submit forms ahead of exam dates (usually ~15+ days before each Level‑1 date) |
| Indian Space Science Olympiad (ISSO) | Register online via the official ISSO website | Final Level 3‑day Workshop + Exam Fee: ₹10,000 (excludes optional lunch/snacks) | Final Level registration closes ~08 October 2025 or earlier if slots fill |
By registering for the ISSO Olympiad, participants gain access to:
To take part in the International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) students must go through a simple application process. The registration is usually done through schools. Here are the steps:
Registration of Students
Schools can register as exam centers for SOF ISSO Level 1 at no extra cost.
Registered schools receive a prospectus with forms from SOF.
Non-registered schools can request the prospectus through email or phone.
The school must fill out the forms and send them to SOF before the deadline.
Roll Numbers
The school coordinating teacher fills the School Registration Form (SRF) and Students’ Registration Sheet (SRS).
These are sent to SOF to generate roll numbers for each student.
Registration Fee
Students from India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh must pay ₹125 per student (including GST).
Schools may charge an extra ₹25 per student to cover exam-related costs.
Fee exemption is given to:
Students with physical disabilities
Students whose parents were martyred in defense operations
| Class | Topic / Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
| 3rd & 4th | Social Studies | 30 | 1 | 30 |
| Achievers Section | 5 | 2 | 10 | |
| GRAND TOTAL | 35 | 40 | ||
| 5th | Social Studies | 45 | 1 | 45 |
| Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 | |
| GRAND TOTAL | 50 | 60 | ||
| 6th to 8th | History | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Geography | 15 | 1 | 15 | |
| Social and Political Life | 10 | 1 | 10 | |
| Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 | |
| GRAND TOTAL | 50 | 60 | ||
| 9th & 10th | History | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| Geography | 10 | 1 | 10 | |
| Political Science | 10 | 1 | 10 | |
| Economics | 10 | 1 | 10 | |
| Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 | |
| GRAND TOTAL | 50 | 60 |
Section 1:
Section 2:
Section 1:
Section 2:
Section 1:
Section 2:
Section 1: History
Section 2: Geography
Section 3: Social and Political Life
Section 4:
Section 1: History
Section 2: Geography
Section 3: Social and Political Life
Section 4:
Section 1: History
Section 2: Geography
Section 3: Social and Political Life
Section 4:
Section 1: History
Section 2: Geography
Section 3: Political Science
Section 4: Economics
Section 5:
Section 1: History
Section 2: Geography
Section 3: Political Science
Section 4: Economics
Section 5:
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The ISSO (International Science Students Olympiad) is a prestigious international competition aimed at encouraging and recognizing talented students in the fields of science. The exam tests the participants' knowledge and problem-solving skills in various science subjects. It aims to promote scientific curiosity and foster global collaboration in science education.
Registration for the ISSO Olympiad is typically done through your school or educational institution. Some countries may also offer individual registration through their official ISSO representative. Be sure to check the official ISSO website or your local science education authority for specific registration guidelines and deadlines.
The ISSO Olympiad usually covers a variety of science subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Depending on the level and country, additional subjects such as Environmental Science or Computer Science may also be included.
The ISSO Olympiad exam consists of multiple rounds, typically starting with regional or national levels and culminating in the international finals. The exam includes both theoretical and practical components, focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific knowledge. Each subject may have its own specific format, but it generally includes multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and experimental tasks.
Eligibility criteria for the ISSO Olympiad can vary slightly by country or region. However, participants are typically required to be secondary school students (or equivalent) within a specific age range, often between 14 and 18 years old. Be sure to check the official guidelines for age limits and other specific requirements.
To prepare for the ISSO Olympiad, you should focus on strengthening your understanding of the core scientific subjects, engage in regular practice problems, and conduct experiments where applicable. Reviewing past papers and textbooks, as well as seeking guidance from teachers or mentors, can also be very helpful. Consider joining a study group or participating in mock exams to simulate the test environment.
Participating in the ISSO Olympiad provides numerous benefits, such as enhancing your scientific knowledge, improving problem-solving skills, and gaining international recognition. It also opens up opportunities for scholarships, university admissions, and networking with like-minded students from around the world.
Yes, many online resources are available for ISSO Olympiad preparation. These include online courses, video tutorials, practice exams, and forums where you can interact with other participants and mentors. Many websites also offer practice materials specific to ISSO subjects, as well as general science Olympiad preparation.
The ISSO Olympiad is known for its challenging level of difficulty, designed to test participants' advanced knowledge and analytical abilities. The exam questions often require creative problem-solving and a deep understanding of scientific concepts. The difficulty level increases as you advance from regional to national and finally to international rounds.
The ISSO Olympiad typically takes place annually. The exact dates may vary by country and region, but it is generally held in the spring or summer. Be sure to check your local ISSO representative or official website for the specific schedule.
To improve your chances of winning the ISSO Olympiad, consistent practice is key. Focus on mastering the fundamentals, solving past exam papers, and participating in mock exams. Also, try to stay updated with the latest developments in science and practice time management during the exam to maximize performance.
Winners of the ISSO Olympiad are selected based on their performance in both the theoretical and practical components of the exam. High scores in problem-solving tasks, experimental challenges, and overall scientific knowledge contribute to the final rankings. The winners typically receive gold, silver, and bronze medals, and may also be awarded scholarships or other honors.
Yes, many universities and organizations offer scholarships to ISSO Olympiad participants, especially those who excel in the competition. These scholarships can help with tuition fees, research opportunities, and even travel costs for attending international events or further scientific studies.
Yes, you can participate in the ISSO Olympiad multiple times, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each year. Many students participate in the Olympiad for several years, with each participation offering opportunities for improvement and learning.
The winners of the ISSO Olympiad receive prestigious awards, including medals (gold, silver, and bronze) and certificates of achievement. In addition to medals, winners may also receive scholarships, travel grants, and invitations to exclusive events. The top participants often gain recognition from academic institutions and the scientific community.