Everything you want to know About ISO (International Science Olympiad) (Formerly NSO)

The International Science Olympiad (ISO), formerly known as National Science Olympiad (NSO), is one of India's most prestigious science competitions for school students, organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF). The ISO aims to nurture scientific curiosity and aptitude among students, encouraging them to develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and theories. This Olympiad provides a platform for students to showcase their knowledge and compete at a national level, paving the way for academic excellence in science.

What is the ISO Exam and Who can Participate?

The International Science Olympiad (ISO) is an annual school-level competitive exam that tests students on their knowledge and application of scientific principles. The questions go beyond textbooks, challenging students to apply what they’ve learned in new and practical ways.

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

The ISO 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 ISO Exam

To excel in the ISO, students should:

• Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the ISO syllabus, which is aligned with the school curriculum but goes deeper into scientific concepts.
• Use ISO Study Material: Utilize ISO preparation online resources like Chapter-wise Test Banks that cover all topics and provide suficient practice questions.
• Practice Regularly: Solve previous years' ISO question papers and take mock tests to build confidence and improve speed.
• Join ISO Online Classes: Collaborate with peers to discuss challenging topics and share knowledge.

ISO Study Material

Why Participate in the SOF ISO Exam?

Participating in the SOF ISO Exam offers numerous benefits:

• Global Recognition: Excelling in the ISO 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 ISO 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 ISO gives students an edge in other competitive exams and builds a strong foundation for higher education in mathematics and related fields.

ISO Exam Dates (2026-27)

Please refer to this page Exam Dates for exact ISO Dates for the year 2026-27. The SOF ISO 2026 exam is generally held in October, November and December every year in three sets. Please confirm the set with your school.