INTERNATIONAL COMPUTER SCIENCE OLYMPIAD (ICSO)

Q: What is SOF ICSO?

The SOF International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO) is a computer science competition conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students from Classes 1 to 10. It helps students develop computer knowledge, logical thinking, coding awareness, and problem-solving skills while preparing them for the digital world.

Q: Who can participate in SOF ICSO?

Any student studying in Class 1 to Class 10 can participate in the SOF ICSO through their school. Schools register interested students, making it easy for them to appear for the exam.

Q: What is the syllabus for SOF ICSO?

The SOF ICSO syllabus is based on the computer science curriculum taught in schools. It includes topics such as computer fundamentals, hardware and software, operating systems, internet and cybersecurity, programming concepts (as per class level), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Logical Reasoning, and the Achievers Section. The syllabus varies according to the student's class.

International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO), earlier known as National Cyber Olympiad (NCO) is the exam to test children’s expertise in cyber or technology. This exam helps the student to enhance the logical reasoning, computer knowledge, and mental ability.

Benefits of ICSO Exam

Spreading the awareness about computers education
Understanding of computer-oriented world at early age
Understanding on the latest technologies in a fast changing environment.

Registration Form

ICSO has only one level for exam and conducted in the respective schools of the participants during school hours.

There are 35 objective-type (Multiple Choice) questions for class 1 to class 4 and 50 objective-type (Multiple Choice) questions for class 5 to class 10 of 60 minutes duration.
The question paper consists of four sections:
- For Class 1 to Class 2
  - Section-1: Logical Reasoning
  - Section-2: Computer Science
  - Section-3: Information Technology
  - Section-4: Achievers Section Question
- For Class 3 to Class 10
  - Section-1: Logical Reasoning
  - Section-2: Computer Science
  - Section-3: AI, Robotics and Information Technology
  - Section-4: Achievers Section
The paper is different for each date of exam.
English is the Medium of the test.
Test paper are prepared based on CBSE, ICSE/ISC and State Board syllabus.
The exam is conducted during school hours.

How to participate

Registration of Students

Student of class 1st to 10th can participate in the exam.

Any school can be registered themselves as a center for SOF ICSO Level 1 and there is no fee for the institution to become a registered examination centre.

Mark Distribution

Classes 1–2

Section	No. of Questions	Marks per Question	Total Marks
Logical Reasoning	5	1	5
Computer Science	25	1	25
Achievers Section	5	2	10
Total	35	—	40

Classes 3–10

Section	No. of Questions	Marks per Question	Total Marks
Logical Reasoning	10	1	10
Computer Science	35	1	35
Achievers Section	5	3	15
Total	50	—	60

Awards

To know about the awards and recognition received by the participants, please click here.

FAQs

What is SOF ICSO?

The SOF International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO) is a computer science competition conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students from Classes 1 to 10. It helps students develop computer knowledge, logical thinking, coding awareness, and problem-solving skills while preparing them for the digital world.

Who can participate in SOF ICSO?

Any student studying in Class 1 to Class 10 can participate in the SOF ICSO through their school. Schools register interested students, making it easy for them to appear for the exam.

What is FAQ?

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What is the syllabus for SOF ICSO?

The SOF ICSO syllabus is based on the computer science curriculum taught in schools. It includes topics such as computer fundamentals, hardware and software, operating systems, internet and cybersecurity, programming concepts (as per class level), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Logical Reasoning, and the Achievers Section. The syllabus varies according to the student's class.

Is there a Level 2 in SOF ICSO?

No. SOF ICSO has only one level of examination. Students from Classes 1 to 10 appear for Level 1, and there is no Level 2 for this Olympiad.

How are SOF ICSO rankings decided?

SOF ICSO rankings are based on the total marks scored by students in the exam. If two or more students score the same marks, SOF uses a tie-breaking process by comparing marks in important sections of the paper. This ensures that the final rankings are fair and accurate.

What computer concepts should students know?

Students should have a clear understanding of the basic computer concepts taught in their school curriculum. Important topics include:

Computer hardware and software
Input and output devices
Operating systems
MS Office and basic computer applications
Internet and cybersecurity
Programming and coding concepts (as per class level)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) basics
Logical reasoning and problem-solving

How should students practice for SOF ICSO?

Taking mock tests, revising important topics, and practising logical reasoning questions can improve speed, accuracy, and confidence. Regular practice is the best way to achieve a high score in the SOF ICSO exam.