International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) is a national-level exam held every year by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF). The exam is open to students from Classes 3 to 10 across various education boards.
The Olympiad helps students improve their understanding of social science topics while also developing their thinking and reasoning skills. The exam follows the syllabus of CBSE, ICSE, and state boards, and includes both basic and higher-order questions.
International Social Studies Olympiad Overview
Below is an overview of the important details of the ISSO Exam 2025–26. This will help students understand the exam format and how it is conducted.
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International Social Studies Olympiad Overview
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Feature
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Details
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Name of the Exam
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ISSO
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Full Form
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International Social Studies Olympiad
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Organizing Body
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Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)
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Also Known As
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International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO)
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Mode of Reference
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Online
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Mode of Examination
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OMR (Paper-based) or Computer-Based Test (CBT)
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Student Feedback Form
International Social Studies Olympiad Exam Dates 2025-26
ISSO 2025–26 exam will be held on two different dates. Schools can choose either of the dates based on their convenience. The results will be declared a few weeks after the exam.
Below is the schedule for the ISSO 2025–26 exam:
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International Social Studies Olympiad Exam Dates 2025-26
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Name of Event
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Date
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SOF ISSO First Exam Date
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11th November 2025
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SOF ISSO Second Exam Date
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3rd December 2025
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ISSO Result Date
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February/March 2026
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International Social Studies Olympiad Eligibility
To take part in the ISSO Exam 2025–26 students must meet certain eligibility rules. The exam is open to students studying in Classes 3 to 10. They must be enrolled in schools that are affiliated with CBSE, ICSE or any recognized state board.
There are no extra qualifications or age limits. Any student from the eligible classes who is interested in social studies can apply through their school.
Olympiad Preperation Tips
SilverZone ISSO Syllabus
ISSO Exam 2025–26 syllabus is created to test a student's understanding of important topics in social sciences, including history, geography, civics, and economics.
Below is the class-wise syllabus for the International Social Studies Olympiad:
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SilverZone ISSO Syllabus
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Class
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Section
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Syllabus
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Class 3 & 4
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Section 1: Social Studies
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Basic Needs, People Who Help Us, Festivals, Solar System and Earth, Environment, India – Our Motherland, India – Our Heritage, Early Life and Civilizations, Connecting People
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Section 2: Achievers Section
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Higher Order Thinking Questions based on Section 1
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Class 5
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Section 1: Social Studies
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Our Earth, Environment, Weather and Climate, Our Country, United Nations, Inventions, Freedom Struggle, Great Achievers, Agriculture, Industries, Transport, Evolution of Mankind
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Section 2: Achievers Section
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Higher Order Thinking Questions based on Section 1
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Class 6 to 8
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Section 1: History
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Studying the Past, Early Humans, First Cities, Vedic Age, Early Kingdoms, Mauryan and Post-Mauryan Period, Culture and Science
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Section 2: Geography
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Planet Earth, Major Domains and Landforms, Maps, India’s Divisions, Climate, Vegetation, and Wildlife
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Section 3: Social and Political Life
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Diversity and Discrimination, Democratic Government, Local Government, Urban and Rural Livelihoods
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Section 4: Achievers Section
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Higher Order Thinking Questions based on Sections 1, 2 & 3
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Class 9 & 10
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Section 1: History
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Nationalism in Europe and India, Globalisation, Industrialisation, Print Culture
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Section 2: Geography
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Resources, Forests, Water, Agriculture, Industries, Minerals, Economy
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Section 3: Political Science
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Power Sharing, Democracy, Gender, Religion and Caste, Political Parties, Challenges in Democracy
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Section 4: Economics
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Indian Economy, Development, Money and Credit, Globalisation, Consumer Rights
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Section 5: Achievers Section
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Higher Order Thinking Questions based on Sections 1, 2, and 3
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Olympiad Toppers & Achivers
How to Apply for ISSO?
To take part in the International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) students must go through a simple application process. The registration is usually done through schools. Here are the steps:
Registration of Students
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Schools can register as exam centers for SOF ISSO Level 1 at no extra cost.
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Registered schools receive a prospectus with forms from SOF.
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Non-registered schools can request the prospectus through email or phone.
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The school must fill out the forms and send them to SOF before the deadline.
Roll Numbers
Registration Fee
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Students from India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh must pay ₹125 per student (including GST).
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Schools may charge an extra ₹25 per student to cover exam-related costs.
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Fee exemption is given to:
ISSO Class-Wise Papers and Sample Questions
To prepare well, students should practice from ISSO class-wise papers and previous year question papers. These papers help students:
