SOF Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2026-27

The SOF exam pattern helps students understand the number of questions, sections, marks per question, and total marks in different Olympiads. The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) conducts Olympiads in subjects such as Mathematics, Science, English, General Knowledge, Computer Science, Commerce and Social Studies.

The SOF Olympiad exam pattern varies according to the Olympiad and the student's class. Most Level 1 papers have 35 questions for Classes 1 to 4 and 50 questions for higher classes, although the exact pattern depends on the examination. The SOF marking scheme also gives different weightage to sections, including the Achievers Section.

SOF Exam Pattern 2026-27 Overview

The following table gives a quick overview of the SOF Olympiads covered in the official question pattern.

Students should check the official pattern for their specific Olympiad and class before starting their preparation.

SOF Olympiad Exam Pattern: Level 1

The Level 1 SOF Olympiad exam pattern differs across subjects. The number of questions and marks assigned to each section depend on the Olympiad and class group.

SOF IGKO Exam Pattern

The International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) tests general awareness, current affairs and life skills, along with questions in the Achievers Section.

Classes 1 to 4

Classes 5 to 10

SOF IEO Exam Pattern

The International English Olympiad (IEO) assesses students' English language skills through word and structure knowledge, reading, and spoken and written expression.

Classes 1 to 4

Classes 5 to 12

SOF ISO Exam Pattern

The International Science Olympiad (ISO) tests scientific knowledge and logical reasoning. The subject distribution changes for senior classes.

Classes 1 to 4

Classes 5 to 10

Classes 11 and 12

SOF IMO Exam Pattern

The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) includes logical reasoning, mathematical reasoning, everyday mathematics, and the Achievers Section. The subject-wise distribution depends on the class group.

Classes 1 to 4

Classes 5 to 10

Classes 11 and 12

SOF ICSO Exam Pattern

The International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO) assesses computer science, information technology, and logical reasoning. Some classes also have questions related to AI and robotics.

Classes 1 and 2

Classes 3 and 4

Classes 5 to 10

SOF ISSO Exam Pattern

The International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) covers Social Studies for junior classes and separate History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics sections for Classes 9 and 10.

Classes 3 and 4

Classes 5 to 8

Classes 9 and 10

SOF IHO Exam Pattern

The International Hindi Olympiad (IHO) assesses students' Hindi language skills through word and grammar knowledge, creative expression, and the Achievers Section.

Classes 3 and 4

Classes 5 to 10

Students should check the official SOF IHO pattern for the relevant class before preparing.

SOF ICO Exam Pattern

The International Commerce Olympiad (ICO) is intended for Classes 11 and 12. Its question paper covers Accountancy, Economics, Business Studies and the Achievers Section.

Classes 11 and 12

SOF Olympiad Marking Scheme

The SOF Olympiad marking scheme assigns marks according to the question paper's sections and the student's class. In the Level 1 patterns listed above, the Achievers Section carries 2 marks per question for the relevant junior-class groups and 3 marks per question for most higher-class groups. 

Other sections generally carry 1 mark per question, although the supplied ICSO pattern for Classes 3 and 4 assigns 2 marks per Logical Reasoning question. The total marks are calculated by adding the marks for all sections. For example, the SOF IMO paper for Classes 5 to 10 has 50 questions and a maximum of 60 marks.

Students should use the marking scheme for their particular Olympiad rather than assuming that every SOF paper follows the same distribution.

SOF Level 2 Exam Pattern

According to the supplied SOF pattern, Level 2 examination details are listed for IEO, ISO and IMO. The question distribution differs from Level 1, with more emphasis on the main subject and the Achievers Section.

SOF IEO Level 2

The SOF IEO Level 2 exam pattern varies by class, with questions divided into Word and Structure Knowledge, Reading, and the Achievers Section. The table below shows the section-wise question distribution for Classes 3–4 and Classes 5–12.

Classes 3 and 4

Classes 5 to 12

SOF ISO Level 2

Classes 3 and 4

Classes 5 to 10

Classes 11 and 12

SOF IMO Level 2

The SOF IMO Level 2 exam pattern includes questions from the main Mathematics section and the Achievers Section. The section-wise question distribution and total marks vary by class group.

Classes 3 and 4

Classes 5 to 10

Classes 11 and 12

How to Prepare According to the SOF Exam Pattern

Knowing the SOF subject-wise exam pattern can help you plan your preparation and give enough time to each section.

• Understand the section-wise distribution: Check how many questions are asked from each section in your Olympiad.

• Practise the Achievers Section: It carries more marks per question in the patterns listed above, so practise higher-level questions from the relevant syllabus.

• Revise subject concepts: Focus on the topics relevant to your class and Olympiad.

• Solve sample papers: Practise papers in the same format to improve accuracy and time management.

• Check the official pattern: Refer to the latest information from SOF before the examination because the pattern can vary by Olympiad and class.

The SOF exam pattern and marking scheme vary by Olympiad and class. The papers listed here generally contain 35 questions for junior classes and 50 for higher classes, with total marks of 40 or 60. Students should pay attention to the section-wise distribution, especially the Achievers Section, and practise according to the relevant paper pattern.

Always confirm the applicable examination details through the official SOF website before beginning your final revision