INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SCIENCE OLYMPIAD (ISSO)

The International Social Studies Olympiad, a test of competence and proficiency in History, Geography and Civics is held annually at the National and International levels based on syllabus prescribed by CBSE/ICSE and the State Boards.

The SOF ISSO is open to the students of classes 3 to 10. Students should register through their respective schools.

Benefits of ISSO Olympiad Exam

The ISSO enhances the knowledge of student for global history, geography, political science and economics.

The test is organized in the respective schools of the participants during school hours. ISSO has only one level for exam.

There are 35 objective-type (Multiple Choice) questions for class 3 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 class wise sections:
- For Class 3 to Class 8
  - Section 1: Social Studies
  - Section 2: Achievers Section
- For Class 9 & Class 10
  - Section 1: History
  - Section 2: Geography
  - Section 3: Political Science
  - Section 4: Economics
  - Section 5: Achievers Section
SOF conducts exam on three dates and each school may select a date for conducting the ISSO as per their convenience. Question paper is different for each date of exam. SOF does not permit the change of date for conducting the exam.
Question 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.

How to participate

Registration of Students

Student of class 3rd to 10th can participate in the exam.

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

Mark Distribution

Classes 3–4

Section	No. of Questions	Marks per Question	Total Marks
Social Studies	30	1	30
Achievers Section	5	2	10
Total	35	—	40

Classes 5–8

Section	No. of Questions	Marks per Question	Total Marks
Social Studies	45	1	45
Achievers Section	5	3	15
Total	50	—	60

Classes 9–10

Section	No. of Questions	Marks per Question	Total Marks
History	15	1	15
Geography	10	1	10
Political Science	10	1	10
Economics	10	1	10
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 ISSO?

The SOF International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) is a Social Studies competition conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students from Classes 3 to 10. It helps students build a better understanding of History, Geography, Civics, and current affairs, while improving their analytical thinking and awareness of the world around them.

Who can participate in SOF ISSO?

Any student studying in Class 3 to Class 10 can participate in the SOF ISSO through their school. Schools register interested students, making it easy for them to appear for the exam.

What is the syllabus for SOF ISSO?

The SOF ISSO syllabus is based on the Social Studies curriculum taught in schools. It includes topics from History, Geography, Civics, Economics (where applicable), Current Affairs, Logical Reasoning, and the Achievers Section. The syllabus is different for each class and follows the student's academic level.

Is there a Level 2 in SOF ISSO?

No. SOF ISSO has only one level of examination. Students from Classes 3 to 10 appear for Level 1, and there is no Level 2 for this Olympiad.

How are SOF ISSO rankings decided?

SOF ISSO 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.

Which chapters require special attention?

Extra attention should be given to important events, maps, government, environment, and application-based questions.

How important are maps in SOF ISSO?

Maps are an important part of SOF ISSO, especially in Geography. Students should practise locating countries, capitals, states, rivers, mountains, and continents, as map-based questions are commonly asked.