International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO)

The International Social Studies Olympiad is organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation for students of Classes 3 to 10 with the purpose of encouraging them towards the learning of History, Geography, and Civics in the field of the social sciences. ISSO can play a vital role in enhancing concepts, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills of paramount interest to those students who want to pursue social sciences or humanities.

In this article, we will discuss the ISSO exam, its syllabus, structures aligned to CBSE/ICSE and state boards, and benefits accruable to participants. We are also going to cover the dates of the exams, the registration process, some frequently asked questions, and exciting awards that await bright minds ready for the challenge in this social science world.

1.0ISSO Exam: Key Features and Highlights

Students appearing for the ISSO Exam should be aware of the critical details related to the exam to ensure a smooth experience from registration to the day of the exam. Therefore, we have provided the highlights of the exam:

2.0Exam Dates of ISSO Exam

The SOF ISSO will be scheduled on two different dates by the officials. Schools can select one of these dates based on their convenience for conducting the exam. 

3.0Latest Syllabus for ISSO Exam

The ISSO Exam syllabus aims to assess students' grasp of scientific concepts in social sciences. Familiarizing yourself with this updated syllabus will enable you to prepare thoroughly for the exam, enhancing your knowledge and analytical abilities in the field.

Explore the table below to review the detailed syllabus for the ISSO Exam.

4.0Eligibility Criteria for ISSO Exam

The eligibility criteria for the ISSO Exam outline the conditions students must meet to participate in the examination. Students from certain grade levels, typically ranging from grades 3 to 10, are eligible to participate. Additionally, students must be enrolled in schools recognized by educational boards such as CBSE, ICSE, or state boards.

5.0How to Apply for the ISSO Exam?

To participate in the exam, students must first complete the application process. Below, you'll find the complete steps for applying to the ISSO Olympiad:

Registration of Students:

• Schools can register as examination centres for SOF ISSO Level 1 without a fee.
• A prospectus with registration forms is distributed to registered schools. Non-registered schools can request a prospectus via email or phone.
• Schools must submit filled registration forms to SOF before the due date.

Roll Numbers:

• Coordinating teachers must complete the School Registration Form (SRF) and Students' Registration Sheet (SRS) and send them to SOF before the deadline.
• SOF will register the school and generate roll numbers based on the Students' Registration Sheet.

Registration Fee:

• Schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan & Nepal pay a registration fee of Rs 125* (including GST) per student.
• Additionally, schools may charge Rs 25 per student for various expenses.
• Students with significant physical disabilities or those whose parents were martyred during defense operations are exempt from fees.

Note: The registration fee may be subject to change. Verify the latest fee structure from SOF.

6.0Sample Papers for ISSO Exam

The ISSO sample papers are useful resources for familiarizing the student with the syllabus and pattern of the exam. They also convey an idea about the marking scheme, which again will help the student be better prepared. Below, we have provided a table of the official links to ISSO Sample papers for Grades 3rd to 10th.

7.0SOF ISSO Results

SOF announces the results of each examination within eight weeks on its official website. The result will also be sent directly to the respective schools. The SOF ISSO 2024-25 result depicts the performance of a candidate in the International Social Studies Olympiad. Merit achievers from Classes 3 to 10 will be awarded rewards and scholarships.

After logging into the ISSO, candidates can check their rank and score for the SOF ISSO exam. Next, they have to take a print of the same scorecard and then follow up with the instructions by the Science Olympiad Foundation regarding the rewards and scholarship process.

8.0Awards and Recognitions for ISSO Exam

International, Zonal and Class topper awards will be provided to SOF ISSO winners. ISSO is a single-level exam and will be conducted for classes 3 to 10. Those who score well in the ISSO exam 2024 are awarded many prizes.

The ISSO Olympiad awards include certificates, cash prizes of up to 10,000, laptops, wristwatches, and many other prizes.

Explore the details of awards and ranks for students, presented in the following table for your reference.

9.0AT School Level

• Medals to School/Class Toppers.
• All students scoring 100% marks.
• For 5 to 9 students writing the exam/class – Gold Medal of Excellence to top rank holder in class.
• For 10 to 25 students writing the exam/class – Gold Medal of Excellence to top 3 rank holders.
• For more than 25 students writing the exam/class – Gold Medal of Excellence to the top 10% rank holders in class.

Note: Refer to the official website for detailed information about the ISSO Exam Awards and recognition.