Everything You Want to Know About SOF IEO (International English Olympiad)

The International English Olympiad (IEO) is an English language and Grammar competition for students of class 1 to class 12. It is conducted by Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) in collaboration with British Council. The content of the tests is designed to focus on communication and use of English language, rather than rote learning and correct grammar only.

If you are preparing for the IEO or want to understand its structure, here’s everything you need to know about SOF IEO, including exam dates, syllabus, paper pattern, and preparation tips with the help of SOF Olympiad Trainer.

What is the IEO Exam and Who can Participate?

The SOF International English Olympiad (IEO) is an annual competitive exam for Classes 1 to 12, designed to evaluate students’ proficiency in English. The exam goes beyond classroom learning, encouraging students to improve their usage, comprehension, and practical understanding of the language.

All students from Classes 1 to 12 studying in recognized schools are eligible to participate in the SOF IEO. Schools can register their students by choosing one of the official NSO exam dates announced by SOF.

The IEO Exam is divided into two levels:

1. Level 1: Conducted at the school level, this round is open to all students who register through their respective schools.
2. Level 2: Top performers from Level 1 are invited to participate in Level 2, which determines the final rankings and awards.

Ranking and eligibility criteria :

Students fulfilling either of the following 3 criteria will qualify for 2nd level Olympiads exams:

(a) Top 5% of students class wise, who appear for the 1st level exam,
(b) State wise top 25 rank holders class wise, and
(c) Class topper from each participating school where at least 10 students from a class appear in the exam & scores 50% qualifying marks.

How to Prepare for the IEO Exam

To excel in the IEO, students should:

• Understand the Syllabus:The IEO syllabus is aligned with the school curriculum but goes beyond to include higher-level English Grammer concepts. Familiarizing yourself with the syllabus is the first step to effective preparation.
• Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to success in the IEO. Solve previous years' question papers, take mock tests, and work on sample papers to build confidence and improve problem-solving speed.
• Use Quality Study Material: Utilize online resources and books, and study guides specifically designed for IEO preparation. Resources from the SOF Olympiad Trainer provide targeted practice and concept clarification.
• Join Online Classes: For additional support, consider joining IEO online classes that offer structured guidance and expert tips for cracking the IEO.

IEO Content

Why Participate in the SOF IEO Exam?

Participating in the SOF IEO Exam offers numerous benefits:

• Global Recognition: Excelling in the IEO allows students to gain recognition on a national and international level, enhancing their academic profiles.
• Scholarships and Awards: High-performing students have the chance to win scholarships, medals, and certificates, as well as other prestigious awards.
• Skill Enhancement: The IEO helps students develop essential skills such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving, which are crucial for success in future academic and professional endeavours.
• Competitive Edge: Preparing for the IEO gives students an edge in other competitive exams and builds a strong foundation for higher education in mathematics and related fields.

IEO Exam Dates (2025-26)

Please refer to this page Exam Dates for exact IEO Dates for the year 2025-26. The SOF IEO 2025 exam is generally held in September, October and November every year in three sets. Please confirm the set with your school.