International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA)
Imagine gazing at the stars and uncovering the mysteries of the universe, all while competing among the best young minds from around the world. This is the essence of the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA), a prestigious annual competition that challenges high school students in astronomy and astrophysics.
The International Olympic Committee organises the IOAA and uses innovative methods to assess participants' understanding of space and astronomy. Each year since 2007, different member countries have hosted the event, creating a global platform for young talents to exchange ideas and converge.
The 2026 event will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam from September 25 to October 05, 2026. In addition to the competitive aspect, the IOAA provides a variety of workshops, lectures, and hands-on observational sessions to enrich participants' experiences.
1.0About the International Astronomy Olympiad 2026
The International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics is a yearly event for high school students who are passionate about these sciences. The 2026 competition will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam in September 2026, following the previous year's event in Mumbai, India.
Highlights of the IOAA 2026 Examination
There is a table of highlights in which we have mentioned all the key details about the IOAA 2025 exam:
Category | Details |
Name of the Exam | The International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) |
Organising Authority | The International Olympic Committee |
IOAA 2026 Organising Country | Hanoi, Vietnam |
Website | The official website for the 2026 IOAA will open in March 2026. https://ioaastrophysics.org/ |
Eligibility | Participation is through national teams selected by a national Olympic committee. Contact your local astronomy or science olympiad organization for information on eligibility and selection procedures. |
Competition Format | The competition includes theoretical (written) and observational tests covering various topics in astronomy and astrophysics. |
Awards | Participants can earn medals (gold, Silver, Bronze) and certificates based on performance. |
2.0IOAA 2026: Exam Schedule
Knowing the complete exam schedule is the first step in your journey to prepare for an exam. The IOAA exam dates allow you to plan your preparation routine effectively, helping you allocate the necessary time for each stage of your learning journey. The dates for the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics should be July through December.
Here, we have compiled all the important dates for the IOAA 2026 exam:
IOAA 2026 Exam Dates |
Event | Event Dates |
IOAA 2026 Exam Dates | 25 September to 05 October 2026 |
Exam date for IOAA-Jr | Notified Later |
Date of Registration | 12th March to 12th April 2026 |
3.0IOAA Syllabus 2026
The IOAA syllabus encompasses a broad spectrum of topics within astronomy and astrophysics. It primarily focuses on key areas such as celestial mechanics, observational astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology.
4.0IOAA Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the IOAA, students must meet both of the following criteria:
- They must be under 20 years old before July 1st of the competition year.
- They must not have finished high school (grade 12) before January 1st of the competition year.
Also Read: National Standard Examination in Astronomy
5.0How do I participate in the International Astronomy Olympiad?
These sections of the IOAA 2026 statutes provide clear guidelines on how teams are formed, the criteria for team leaders, and the necessary steps for both regular and remote registration:
Team Composition and Registration
- Each participating country is allowed one regular team of up to five students, selected through a fair process.
- Students must be high school students or recent graduates under twenty years old as of July 1st of the competition year.
- Up to two adults may accompany each team as team leaders, depending on the team size.
- Team leaders should be capable educators or scientists fluent in English and be considered part of the International Board for the Olympiad.
- Participating teams must submit a list of contestants with personal details and school certificates confirming their eligibility.
Remote Participation
- Countries unable to send a team in person may participate remotely if the IOAA Executive Committee (EC) approves.
- Remote teams must register in the same manner as in-person teams and follow strict guidelines to maintain the integrity of the competition.
- Marks from remote teams are recognised differently regarding medal allocation but can earn diplomas labeled "Online."
6.0Exam Pattern for International Astronomy Olympiad 2026
The IOAA test pattern consists of two papers lasting 5 hours each. The theory component includes rapid, intermediate-length, and lengthy questions. The practical component involves various sections and assigned tasks in observation, paper-based practical problems, computer-based problems, and planetarium simulation.
- Duration: Each paper has a duration of 5 hours.
- Number of Exams: There are two papers in total.
- Type: The IOAA consists of both theory and practical components.
Theory Component:
- Theoretical Portion: The first component of the IOAA is the theory section.
- Question Types: The theory section includes both lengthy and short questions.
- Rapid Questions: There are five rapid questions in this section.
- Intermediate-Length Questions: There are five intermediate-length questions.
- Lengthy Questions: There are two or three lengthy questions.
Practical Component:
- Practical Paper: The practical component is a significant part of the IOAA.
- Sections: The practical paper is divided into multiple sections.
- Assigned Tasks: Students are assigned tasks in one or more categories, as the question papers define.
- Practical Assignments: Students may also receive a practical assignment on all four locations.
- Topics: The IOAA curriculum covers the following issues in the practical component:
- Observation
- Paper-based practical problem
- Computer-based problem
- Planetarium simulation
Also Read: Indian National Astronomy Olympiad
7.0IOAA Past Years’s Question Papers
The official website of the International Olympiad in Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) provides access to previous years' question papers. Individual question papers for the IOAA (for students over 16) and IOAA-Jr. (for students under 16) are available for download in PDF format. The available years are 2016–2019, 2018–2019, and IOAA–Jr. 2023.
8.0IOAA Result 2026
After the conclusion of the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA), the official website provides access to the results. You can easily find your test results by clicking on the provided link.
The IOAA Results page displays your performance, ranking, and other significant details, allowing you to evaluate your achievements in the competition.
9.0IOAA 2026 Exam Awards and Certificates
Here's a concise version of the information regarding the scoring and awards for IOAA:
A) Reference Score (M): Defined as the lower of 50% of the absolute score or the median score of all contestants.
B) Medal Scores
- Bronze: Determined by examining 1 score above and 3 scores below the reference score M. The highest score among the two consecutive scores with the largest difference is set as the lowest-scoring Bronze medal score.
- Silver: Determined similarly by examining 1 score above and 3 scores below 1.3M.
- Gold: Determined similarly by examining 1 score above and 3 scores below 1.6M.
C) Honourable Mention: Awarded to participants not receiving a medal but whose score in either the theoretical (MT) or practical (MP) parts meets or exceeds the adjusted reference score for that part.
D) Special Prizes
- The highest overall scorer receives a special prize and certificate.
- The top two scorers in the Theoretical and Practical parts each receive special certificates and may receive additional prizes.
E) Participation Certificates: Awarded to all remaining participants.
F) Adjustments: Organizers may adjust the factors 1.3 and 1.6 if there’s a significant imbalance in medal counts, subject to approval by the International Board.
Explore: Science Olympiads
