SOF Olympiads 2026–27 · Classes 1 to 12
Olympiad Preparation in Ambala: IMO, ISO and IEO Guidance
An olympiad paper is often the first time a child meets a question the textbook never asked. At Atulya Defence Academy, Ambala Cantt, we use the SOF Olympiads (the International Mathematics Olympiad, International Science Olympiad and International English Olympiad) to build clear thinking, not to chase certificates. The same habits carry straight into RIMC, Sainik School, RMS and Navodaya entrance papers.
- Conducted by
- Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)
- Who can appear
- Classes 1 to 12
- Rounds
- Level 1 in school; Level 2 for Classes 3–12
- Paper
- 60 minutes, objective (OMR)
What the SOF Olympiads Are
The Science Olympiad Foundation holds a set of subject olympiads every academic year. Schools register their students, the paper is written in the school itself, and every class gets its own question paper. For 2026–27 SOF has listed eight olympiads. These are the three we prepare students for:
| Olympiad | Subject | Classes | Level 2 | 2026–27 date options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMO – International Mathematics Olympiad | Mathematics | 1–12 | Classes 3–12 | 23 Oct, 26 Nov, 10 Dec 2026 |
| ISO – International Science Olympiad | Science | 1–12 | Classes 3–12 | 30 Oct, 19 Nov, 3 Dec 2026 |
| IEO – International English Olympiad | English | 1–12 | Classes 3–12 | 30 Sep, 27 Oct, 17 Nov 2026 |
Each school picks one of the three dates for an olympiad and cannot change it later. Level 2 dates are usually announced in December, with the paper expected in February 2027. SOF’s other olympiads this year are IGKO (general knowledge), ICSO (computer science), ISSO (social studies), IHO (Hindi) and ICO (commerce).
IMO Exam Pattern at a Glance
The International Mathematics Olympiad paper is split into four sections. The first three check reasoning and everyday maths; the last one carries the hardest questions and usually decides the top ranks.
Logical Reasoning
Series, patterns, coding–decoding, direction sense and figure puzzles.
Mathematical Reasoning
Using a known concept in an unfamiliar way, often in two or three steps.
Everyday Mathematics
Money, time, measurement and simple data, the maths a child meets at home and in the market.
Achievers Section
Fewer questions, higher difficulty and more marks per question.
Classes 1 to 4 answer 35 questions and Classes 5 to 12 answer 50, all within 60 minutes. ISO and IEO follow the same idea: a reasoning block first, subject depth next and an achievers block at the end.
How We Prepare Students at Atulya
Syllabus first, guide book later
We match the SOF syllabus with the child’s CBSE chapters, so olympiad work feels like a deeper version of school work, not a second burden.
Reasoning every week
Short timed sets on series, analogies and figure puzzles. Reasoning is where most children lose easy marks.
Previous papers under exam conditions
Sixty minutes, an OMR sheet and a silent room. Children get used to the clock long before the real day.
Harder sets for Level 2 aspirants
Students who are scoring well get separate achievers-level practice instead of repeating easy questions.
An error notebook
Every wrong answer is written down with its reason: a concept gap, a careless slip or time pressure. The notebook becomes the revision guide.
A short note for parents
After each mock, parents hear what improved and what still needs work, in plain words.
Why Olympiads Help Defence School Aspirants
RIMC, AISSEE (Sainik Schools), RMS CET and JNVST all reward what olympiads train: quick reasoning, accurate arithmetic and reading a question fully before marking an answer.
- Reasoning practice overlaps with the Intelligence section of the Sainik School exam and the Mental Ability Test in JNVST.
- Everyday mathematics builds the speed a timed OMR paper demands.
- IEO reading passages sharpen the English and language sections.
- Writing an outside exam early takes away the fear of the big entrance day.
If your child is preparing for a defence school, see our Sainik School, RIMC and JNV programs.
A Simple Olympiad Year
- April – JuneFoundation
School concepts in maths and science, reasoning basics and daily reading.
- July – AugustPractice
Topic-wise tests and the first full-length paper.
- September – DecemberLevel 1
Weekly mocks around the date chosen by the school.
- January – FebruaryLevel 2
Achievers-level practice for students who qualify.
Olympiad FAQs
Which classes can take IMO, ISO and IEO?
Students from Class 1 to Class 12 can appear in Level 1. Level 2 is open to students of Classes 3 to 12 who qualify in Level 1.
How does a student register for an SOF Olympiad?
Registration is done through the school. If your child’s school has not registered for the current session, speak to our office and we will explain the options available.
How long is the olympiad paper?
The Level 1 paper is 60 minutes long. Classes 1 to 4 get 35 questions and Classes 5 to 12 get 50 questions in IMO.
Is there negative marking in SOF Olympiads?
SOF Level 1 papers have not carried negative marking in recent years. Still, always read the instructions printed on the paper on exam day.
What are the SOF Olympiad dates for 2026–27?
IMO: 23 October, 26 November or 10 December 2026. ISO: 30 October, 19 November or 3 December 2026. IEO: 30 September, 27 October or 17 November 2026. Your school chooses one date for each olympiad.
What is Level 2 and when is it held?
Level 2 is the second round for the best performers of Level 1 in IMO, ISO and IEO. It is expected in February 2027. If Level 2 cannot be held, SOF treats the Level 1 result as final.
Do olympiads help in the Sainik School or RIMC entrance exam?
Yes. The reasoning, arithmetic speed and careful reading that olympiads build are tested directly in AISSEE, RIMC, RMS CET and JNVST papers.
How should a Class 5 child prepare for IMO at home?
Twenty to thirty minutes a day is enough: one reasoning set, one maths concept and some reading. In the last six weeks, switch to full previous papers with a timer.
Which olympiad should my child start with?
Start with the subject your child enjoys most. Many children begin with IMO and add ISO or IEO in the next year.
Will olympiad practice affect school studies?
No. The olympiad syllabus follows school chapters closely, so the practice usually improves school marks as well.
Plan Your Child’s Olympiad Year
Tell us your child’s class and the olympiad you have in mind. We will suggest a practice plan that fits school and entrance preparation.