Olympiad Exam Pattern 2026: NSO, IMO & All SOF Olympiad Question Paper Pattern
The Olympiad Exam Pattern 2026 is a critical resource for students preparing for SOF Olympiads. Knowing the exam structure, number of questions, sections, and time duration allows students to prepare strategically and manage their time effectively during the actual exam. This page covers the complete exam pattern for NSO, IMO, IEO, IGKO, and other SOF Olympiads for the 2026-27 sessions.
Overview of SOF Olympiad Exam Format
All SOF Olympiad exams share a common structural framework:
-
Mode: Offline (pen and paper), conducted within school premises
-
Duration: 60 minutes for all classes and all Olympiads
-
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) only
-
Language: English (for IHO, questions are in Hindi)
-
Levels: Level 1 (for Classes 1–12) and Level 2 (for Classes 3–12 qualifiers, applicable for NSO, IMO, IEO)
NSO Exam Pattern 2025-26
The NSO exam is divided into sections that progressively test reasoning, science knowledge, and advanced thinking.
NSO Level 1 Exam Pattern
|
Classes |
Section |
No. of Questions |
Marks per Question |
Total Marks |
|
1 to 4 |
Logical Reasoning |
5 |
1 |
5 |
|
Science |
25 |
1 |
25 |
|
|
Achievers Section |
5 |
2 |
10 |
|
|
Total |
35 |
— |
40 |
|
|
5 to 8 |
Logical Reasoning |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Science |
35 |
1 |
35 |
|
|
Achievers Section |
5 |
3 |
15 |
|
|
Total |
50 |
— |
60 |
|
|
9 to 12 |
Logical Reasoning |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Science |
35 |
1 |
35 |
|
|
Achievers Section |
5 |
3 |
15 |
|
|
Total |
50 |
— |
60 |
NSO Level 2 Exam Pattern (Classes 3–12)
|
Section |
No. of Questions |
Marks per Question |
Total Marks |
|
Science |
40 |
1 |
40 |
|
Achievers Section |
10 |
2 |
20 |
|
Total |
50 |
— |
60 |
IMO Exam Pattern 2025-26
The IMO exam pattern mirrors the NSO structure, with the subject section focused on Mathematics instead of Science.
IMO Level 1 Exam Pattern
|
Classes |
Section |
No. of Questions |
Marks per Question |
Total Marks |
|
1 to 4 |
Mathematical Reasoning |
5 |
1 |
5 |
|
Mathematics |
25 |
1 |
25 |
|
|
Achievers Section |
5 |
2 |
10 |
|
|
Total |
35 |
— |
40 |
|
|
5 to 8 |
Mathematical Reasoning |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Mathematics |
35 |
1 |
35 |
|
|
Achievers Section |
5 |
3 |
15 |
|
|
Total |
50 |
— |
60 |
|
|
9 to 12 |
Mathematical Reasoning |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Mathematics |
35 |
1 |
35 |
|
|
Achievers Section |
5 |
3 |
15 |
|
|
Total |
50 |
— |
60 |
IEO Exam Pattern 2025-26
|
Classes |
Section |
No. of Questions |
Marks per Question |
Total Marks |
|
1 to 4 |
Word and Structure Knowledge |
15 |
1 |
15 |
|
Reading |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
|
Achievers Section |
5 |
2 |
10 |
|
|
Total |
30 |
— |
35 |
|
|
5 to 12 |
Word and Structure Knowledge |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
Reading |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
|
Spoken and Written Expression |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
|
Achievers Section |
5 |
2 |
10 |
|
|
Total |
55 |
— |
60 |
IGKO Exam Pattern 2025-26 (Single Level)
|
Classes |
Section |
No. of Questions |
Marks per Question |
Total Marks |
|
1 to 4 |
General Knowledge |
30 |
1 |
30 |
|
Achievers Section |
5 |
2 |
10 |
|
|
Total |
35 |
— |
40 |
|
|
5 to 10 |
General Knowledge |
40 |
1 |
40 |
|
Achievers Section |
5 |
2 |
10 |
|
|
Total |
45 |
— |
50 |
Olympiad Question Paper Pattern: Key Characteristics
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Question Format |
4 options per MCQ (A, B, C, D) |
|
Medium |
English (IHO in Hindi) |
|
Duration |
60 minutes for all exams |
|
Negative Marking |
None |
|
Calculator |
Not permitted |
|
Difficulty Split |
60% from current class, 40% from previous class (Levels 1, Classes 5–12) |
|
Achievers Section |
Higher difficulty, higher marks per question |
Level 1 vs Level 2 Exam Pattern Comparison
|
Parameter |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
|
Eligibility |
All students (Class 1–12) |
Qualifiers from Class 3–12 |
|
Reasoning Section |
Included |
Excluded |
|
Science/Maths Section |
Mixed syllabus |
Current class only |
|
Achievers Section |
Included |
Included |
|
Total Questions |
35 (Classes 1–4) / 50 (Classes 5–12) |
50 |
|
Total Marks |
40 (Classes 1–4) / 60 (Classes 5–12) |
60 |
|
Exam Venue |
Student's own school |
Student's own school |
Preparation Tips Based on Exam Pattern
-
Prioritise the Achievers Section: These questions carry 2–3 marks each versus 1 mark for regular questions. Even 5 correct answers here can significantly boost your rank.
-
Practice Logical Reasoning: This section tests analytical thinking and is not directly curriculum-based, so dedicated practice is needed.
-
Work on Speed: With 50 questions in 60 minutes, you get slightly over a minute per question. Timed mock tests are essential.
-
No guessing penalty: Since there is no negative marking, attempt all questions. Never leave a question blank.
-
Use SOF sample papers: Past exam papers closely reflect the actual question paper pattern.
The SOF Olympiad exam pattern is designed to be fair and comprehensive. Understanding it well gives you a clear advantage in preparation and performance.
