Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad: Syllabus and Eligibility
Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad (UCTO) is an annual global exam for Classes 2–11 that tests logical reasoning and high-order thinking skills (HOTS). Based on previous years' curriculum, UCTO includes MCQs across Classic and Scholar sections, held online or through schools, with awards for top performers. Eligibility is open to students from all education boards.
Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad (UCTO) is a global-level competition designed to test students’ logical and analytical thinking. It is conducted by Unicus Olympiads for students from Class 2 to 11. This Olympiad is unique because it is based on concepts from previous classes, helping students build a strong foundation in reasoning and problem-solving.
Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad Overview
Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad (UCTO) helps students improve their reasoning and problem-solving skills. Here is an overview of the exam details:
|
Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad Overview |
|
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Name of Exam |
Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad (UCTO) |
|
Conducting Body |
Unicus Olympiads |
|
Classes Eligible |
Class 2- 11 |
|
Subjects Covered |
Logical Reasoning and High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) |
|
Exam Format |
Online |
|
Exam date |
9th Jul / 18th Jul 2026 |
|
Exam Sections |
Classic Section and Scholar Section |
|
Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
|
Total Time |
60 minutes |
|
Marking Scheme |
1 mark for standard questions, 2 marks for HOTS questions |
What is UCTO?
UCTO short for Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad, is an annual competitive exam that tests a student’s ability to think logically, solve problems, and apply reasoning in practical situations. Unlike other subject-based Olympiads, UCTO focuses on critical thinking, which is important in all areas of learning.
The exam is conducted in both online and offline modes. Offline exams are available only through schools, while online exams can be taken from home using a computer with a webcam and internet connection.
UCTO Eligibility
UCTO eligibility criteria are simple and open to a wide range of students. Here are the key points:
-
Students from Class 2 to 11 can take part in the exam.
-
It is open to students from all education boards – including CBSE, ICSE, state boards, and international boards.
-
Students can register individually or through their schools.
-
For online exams, students must have access to a laptop/desktop with a webcam and good internet.
UCTO Syllabus
UCTO syllabus is based on the curriculum of the previous academic years, making it different from traditional exams. It includes logical reasoning topics and High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). Here is what students can expect:
|
UCTO Syllabus |
||
|
Class |
Classic Section Topics |
Scholar Section Topics |
|
2 |
Spatial Understanding, Grouping of Figures, Measuring Units, Analogy, Geometrical Shapes, Patterns, Odd One Out, Ranking Test |
HOTS questions based on Classic Section |
|
3 |
All Class 2 topics plus: Series Completion, Coding-Decoding, Embedded Figures |
HOTS questions based on Classic Section |
|
4 |
Patterns, Grouping of Figures, Geometrical Shapes, Measuring Units, Series Completion, Odd One Out, Embedded Figures, Analogy and Classification, Mirror & Water Images, Direction Sense Test, Ranking Test, Alphabet Test, Puzzle Test, Logical Sequence of Words, Coding-Decoding |
HOTS questions based on Classic Section |
|
5 |
Patterns, Analogy and Classification, Mirror & Water Images, Puzzle Test, Coding-Decoding, Ranking, Alphabet Test, Logical Sequence, Geometrical Shapes and Solids, Embedded Figures, Direction Sense Test, Days & Dates, Possible Combinations |
HOTS questions based on Classic Section |
|
6 |
Patterns, Coding-Decoding, Ranking Test, Alphabet Test, Logical Sequence, Mirror & Water Images, Embedded Figures, Days & Dates, Analogy and Classification, Geometrical Shapes and Solids, Direction Sense, Puzzle Test |
HOTS questions based on Classic Section |
|
7 |
Patterns, Analogy and Classification, Geometrical Shapes and Solids, Mirror & Water Images, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Series Completion, Missing Characters, Blood Relations, Logical Venn Diagrams, Alpha-Numeric Puzzle, Ranking and Time Sequence, Alphabet & Puzzle Test, Mathematical Operations, Analytical Reasoning, Embedded Figures, Figure Formation, Figure Matrix, Squares Construction, Grouping Figures, Paper Folding & Cutting, Cubes and Dice, Dot Situation |
HOTS questions based on Classic Section |
|
8 |
Series Completion, Missing Characters, Analogy and Classification, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Logical Venn Diagrams, Alpha-Numeric Puzzle, Ranking & Time Sequence, Alphabet Test, Mathematical Operations, Analytical Reasoning, Mirror & Water Images, Embedded Figures, Figure Formation, Matrix, Squares Construction, Grouping Figures, Paper Folding & Cutting, Cubes and Dice, Dot Situation |
HOTS questions based on Classic Section |
|
9 |
Same as Class 8 |
HOTS questions based on Classic Section |
|
10 |
Same as Class 9 with Spotting Embedded Figures |
HOTS questions based on Classic Section |
|
11 |
Series Completion, Missing Characters, Analogy and Classification, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Sequential Output Tracing, Direction Sense, Logical Venn Diagrams, Alphabet & Logical Tests, Alpha-Numeric, Number, Puzzle Test, Mathematical Operations, Analytical Reasoning, Mirror & Water Images, Paper Folding & Cutting, Cubes and Dice, Dot Situation, Embedded Figures, Spotting Embedded, Figure Formation and Analysis, Construction of Squares and Triangles, Grouping of Figures, Figure Matrix |
HOTS questions based on Classic Section |
Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad Exam Pattern
Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad (UCTO) exam pattern varies based on the class level. It is divided into two main sections: the Classic Section and the Scholar Section each designed to test different levels of reasoning and thinking skills.
Here is the detailed exam pattern by class:
|
Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad Exam Pattern |
|||||
|
Classes |
Sections |
No. of Questions |
Marks per Question |
Total Marks |
Time (Minutes) |
|
2 |
Classic Section – Class 1 |
30 |
1 |
30 |
60 |
|
Scholar Section – Class 1 |
5 |
2 |
10 |
||
|
Total |
35 |
40 |
60 |
||
|
3 to 5 |
Classic – Previous Class |
23 |
1 |
23 |
60 |
|
Classic – Previous to Previous Class |
7 |
1 |
7 |
||
|
Scholar – Previous Class |
7 |
2 |
14 |
||
|
Scholar – Previous to Previous Class |
3 |
2 |
6 |
||
|
Total |
40 |
50 |
60 |
||
|
6 to 11 |
Classic – Previous Class |
28 |
1 |
28 |
60 |
|
Classic – Previous to Previous Class |
12 |
1 |
12 |
||
|
Scholar – Previous Class |
7 |
2 |
14 |
||
|
Scholar – Previous to Previous Class |
3 |
2 |
6 |
||
|
Total |
50 |
60 |
60 |
||
Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad Registration Process
Students can register in two ways:
1. Through School:
-
Schools get a prospectus with registration forms.
-
Forms must be submitted at least one month before the exam.
2. Individual Registration:
-
Students can register online through the official Unicus Olympiad website.
-
Online exams must be taken on a laptop or desktop (not a phone).
-
A webcam is required as the exam will be monitored (proctored).
Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad Awards and Recognition
Students who perform well in the UCTO exam receive various awards:
-
Gold Medal for students scoring 95 percentile or above.
-
Merit Certificates for the top 15%.
-
Scholar’s Trophy for top 3 rankers (overall).
-
Medal of Excellence for top 3 students from schools with 25+ participants.
-
Participation Certificate for all students (digital).
How to Prepare for UCTO?
Here are a few tips for students preparing for the Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad:
-
Understand the UCTO syllabus and exam pattern.
-
Practice with sample papers and mock tests from the official website.
-
Solve puzzles and reasoning problems daily.
-
Improve time management by practicing timed tests.
-
Focus on concept clarity rather than just theory.
PW provides Olympiad exam content, including Olympiad Exams Updates, sample papers, mock tests, guidance sessions, and more. Also, enroll today in the Olympiad Online Batches for preparation.
Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad FAQs
What is the Unicus Critical Thinking Olympiad (UCTO)?
Who can participate in UCTO?
What is the syllabus for UCTO?
What is the total duration of the exam?
Is the exam conducted online or offline?
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
