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INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL STUDIES OLYMPIAD (ISSO)

International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO)

The International Social Studies Olympiad 2024-25 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 2024-25: Key Features and Highlights

Students appearing for the ISSO Exam 2024-25 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:

ISSO Highlights

Name of the Exam

ISSO

ISSO Full Form

International Social Studies Olympiad

Name of Parent Organization

SilverZone Foundation

Popularly known as

International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO)

Mode of Reference

Online

Mode of Examination

OMR Or Computer Based Test

2.0Exam Dates of ISSO 2024-25 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. 

SOF ISSO 2024-25 Examination Dates

Name of Event

Date of Event 

SOF ISSO First Exam Date

10th December 2024 (Tuesday)

SOF ISSO Second Exam Date

23rd January 2025 (Thursday)

ISSO Result Date

To be Notified

3.0Latest Syllabus for ISSO Exam 2024

The ISSO Exam 2024-25 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 2024.

SOF International Social Studies Olympiad

CLASS

SECTION

Syllabus

3rd & 4th

Section – 1: Social Studies

Basic Needs, People Who Help Us, Festivals and Celebrations, Solar System and Our Earth, Our Environment, India – Our Motherland, India – Our Heritage, Our Ancestors – Early Life and Civilization, Connecting People

Section – 2: Achievers Section

Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 1.       

5th 

Section – 1: Social Studies

Our Earth, Our Environment, Weather and Climate, Our Country, The United Nations, Inventions and Discoveries, Freedom Struggle, Great Achievers, Agriculture and Industries, Transport and Communication, Evolution of Mankind

Section – 2: Achievers Section

Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 1.                    

6 to 8

Section – 1: History

Studying the Past, The Early Humans, The First Cities, the Vedic Age, The Early Kingdoms and New Ideas, Life in Towns and Villages, The Post-Mauryan Period, The First Empire of the Maurya, New Empires and Kingdoms, Culture, and Science.

Section – 2: Geography

Planet Earth, Its Major Domains and Landforms, Globes and Maps, Our  Country – India (Physical and Political Divisions, Climate, Vegetation and Wildlife)

Section – 3: Social and Political Life

Diversity and Discrimination, Government and Key Elements of a Democratic Government, Local Government and Administration, Livelihoods – Rural and Urban

Section – 4: Achievers Section

Higher Order Thinking Questions-Syllabus as per Section – 1, 2 & 3.

9 & 10

Section – 1: History

Nationalism in Europe and India,  Globalisation and Industrialisation,  Print Culture and the Modern World

Section – 2: Geography

Resources and Development, Forest, Wildlife and Water Resources, Agriculture and Industries, Minerals and Energy Resources, Life Lines of National Economy

Section – 3: Political Science

Power Sharing and Federalism, Democracy, Gender, Religion and Caste, Popular Struggles and Movements, Political Parties, Outcomes and Challenges of Democracy

Section – 4: Economics

Sectors of the Indian Economy and Development, Money and Credit, Globalisation and Consumer Rights

Section – 5: Achievers Section

Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 1, 2, 3 & 4.

4.0Eligibility Criteria for ISSO Exam 2024-25

The eligibility criteria for the ISSO Exam 2024-25 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 2024-25?

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 2024-25:

Registration of Students:

  • Schools can register as examination centers 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 2024-25

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.

Class/Grade

Official Link of PDF of ISSO Sample Paper

SOF ISSO SAMPLE PAPER CLASS 3

Available soon

SOF ISSO SAMPLE PAPER CLASS 4

Available soon

SOF ISSO SAMPLE PAPER CLASS 5

Available soon

SOF ISSO SAMPLE PAPER CLASS 6

Available soon

SOF ISSO SAMPLE PAPER CLASS 7

Available soon

SOF ISSO SAMPLE PAPER CLASS 8

Available soon

SOF ISSO SAMPLE PAPER CLASS 9

Available soon

SOF ISSO SAMPLE PAPER CLASS 10

Available soon

7.0SOF ISSO Results 2024-25

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 2024-25

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.

AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL

RANK

SCHOLARSHIPS

NO. OF AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS

1st

Rs.50,000/- Each + International Gold Medal + Certificate of Outstanding Performance

8

2nd

Rs.25,000/- Each + International Silver Medal + Certificate of Outstanding Performance

8

3rd

Rs.10,000/- Each + International Bronze Medal + Certificate of Outstanding Performance

8

AT ZONAL LEVEL

RANK

SCHOLARSHIPS

NO. OF AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS

1st

Rs 5000/- Each + Zonal Gold Medal** + Certificate of Zonal Excellence

208

2nd

Rs 2500/- Each + Zonal Silver Medal+ Certificate of Zonal Excellence

208

3rd

Rs 1000/- Each + Zonal Bronze Medal+ Certificate of Zonal Excellence

208

4th to 10th

Gifts worth Rs 500/- Each + Medal of Distinction+ Certificate of Distinction

1456

11th to 25th     

Medal of Distinction+ Certificate of Distinction

3120

Rank 26+

Participation Certificate + Student Performance Report

All

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.

ISSO faq

Students preparing for the ISSO exam can benefit from referring to NCERT books or course materials prescribed by their respective educational boards, such as CBSE, ICSE, or state boards. Additionally, for Olympiad preparation, students may find the following books and materials helpful: Workbooks available for each class by MTG Publications (Applicable for Classes 3 to 10) and E-Quiz modules designed for ISSO exam preparation.

Yes, students with physical disabilities can take the ISSO Exam. They are exempt from paying the registration fee, and special assistance may be provided to ensure their participation.

This single-level exam is open to students in grades 3 to 10 who are eligible to take the SOF ISSO. There are no other eligibility requirements.

The International Social Studies Olympiad is a single-level exam conducted annually for students in Classes 3 to 10 from any recognized school in India.

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