Olympiad Awards 2026: Prizes, Scholarships, Medals & Rank-Wise Rewards

The Olympiad Awards and Prizes offered by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) are among the most generous in the school-level competition ecosystem. For the academic year 2025-26, SOF spent over ₹24 crores on awards, scholarships, gifts, and felicitations across all its Olympiad exams. This page covers the complete award structure — from international rank prizes to zonal, district, and school-level recognition.

SOF Olympiad Awards: An Overview

SOF distributes awards at multiple levels to ensure broad recognition:

• International Level — Top performers globally

• Zonal Level — Top performers within each of the 26 zones/states

• School Level — Top performers within each participating school

• Class Toppers — Highest scorer in each class at each school

• Teachers & Principals — Recognition for guiding top-performing students

Every student who appears for a SOF Olympiad receives at minimum a Participation Certificate. Students qualifying for Level 2 receive a Merit Certificate. Top performers at each level receive cash awards, medals, and certificates.

International Level Awards: NSO, IMO, IEO (Classes 3–12)

International and Zonal awards for NSO, IMO, and IEO are based on Level 2 performance for Classes 3–12. For Classes 1–2 (single-level exams), awards are based on Level 1 results.

Tie Rule: If up to 10 students share the same rank, the cash award is divided equally. If 11 or more students share the same rank, each receives a gift worth ₹1,000 plus a medal and certificate.

Zonal Level Awards: NSO, IMO, IEO

Note: If up to 5 students share the same zonal rank, the award is divided equally. Each also receives a medal and certificate.

Awards for Single-Level Olympiads (IGKO, ICSO, ISSO, IHO, ICO)

For exams conducted at a single level, awards are given based on Level 1 performance. The structure is similar to that of NSO/IMO international awards:

School-Level Awards

Every participating school distributes recognition at the school level:

Special Scholarships from SOF

In addition to rank-based awards, SOF runs special scholarship programmes:

Note: Schools may recommend students for the SOF Academic Excellence and Defence Scholarships by sending nominations to SOF.

Awards Summary Across All SOF Olympiads

How Are Awards Distributed?

• SOF organises award distribution functions at the school level.

• Top-ranked students at zonal and international levels may be felicitated at special events.

• Cash awards and medals are sent to the school, which then distributes them to students.

• Teacher and principal awards are also distributed through schools.

Why Olympiad Awards Matter Beyond the Prize Money

The recognition that comes with Olympiad awards has long-term value:

• Academic profiles: International rank certificates strengthen school applications and scholarship forms.

• College admissions: Top ranks in NSO and IMO are recognised in applications to premier institutes.

• Self-confidence: Competing at a national/international level and receiving recognition builds resilience and drive.

• Career readiness: Olympiad participation develops analytical thinking valued by future employers and institutions.

SOF's award structure is one of the most comprehensive in school-level competitive exams, ensuring recognition at every performance tier — from the international topper to every student who participates.

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