International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) 2025
IGKO Olympiad 2025 – The International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) is an annual academic competition hosted by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students in grades 1–10. This exam assesses students’ understanding of current events, social and political trends, history, geography, science, and life skills. IGKO, which is designed to cultivate curiosity and awareness, offers young learners a platform to improve their academic skills and create a competitive mindset.
According to the National Education Policy (NEP), Olympiads assist students improve their problem-solving ability, critical thinking, and cognitive capabilities. IGKO encourages students to keep updated about global events while also creating confidence for future academic and professional difficulties.
This article provides all the essential details regarding IGKO Olympiad 2025, including exam dates, registration process, syllabus, rewards, and participation guidelines. The goal is to encourage students to showcase their talent and broaden their general knowledge to achieve success in their educational journey and beyond.
- What is IGKO
- IGKO Olympiad 2025 Exam Overview
- IGKO Olympiad 2025 Exam Pattern
- Syllabus of IGKO
- IGKO Olympiad 2025 Registration Process
- IGKO Olympiad Awards and Recognition
- IGKO Olympiad 2025 Admit Card
- How to Prepare for IGKO?
- Why Take the SOF IGKO Exam?
- IGKO Olympiad Books
What is IGKO?
The International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) is a worldwide recognized exam that evaluates students’ general knowledge and abilities. It covers a variety of topics, including current events, history, geography, science, sports, and life skills. This competitive exam pushes pupils to improve their analytical thinking, decision-making abilities, and overall awareness of their surroundings.
Key Features of IGKO:
- Open to kids in grades 1-10.
- Held once a year at schools throughout India and overseas.
- Improves students’ general knowledge, thinking skills, and understanding of global issues.
- Top performers are recognized at the school, zonal, and international levels with awards, scholarships, and diplomas.
IGKO Olympiad 2025 Exam Overview:
Learn vital information regarding the SOF International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) exam-
| Exam Organizing Body | Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) |
| Eligibility | Students from classes 1 to 10, enrolled in a school recognized by SOF, are eligible for IGKO. |
| Exam Level | Intermediate |
| Application Process | Via School Authorities |
| Exam Dates | Level 1 Exam Date 1: September, 2025 (Tentative)
Level 1 Exam Date 2: October, 2025 (Tentative) Level 1 Exam Date 3: October, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Fee of registration | ₹ 125 |
| Frequency of Conduct | Once a year |
| Objective | To foster a passion for General Knowledge |
| Languages | English |
| Duration | 1 hour |
IGKO Olympiad 2025 Exam Pattern
The IGKO exam is designed to test students based on their academic level. The number of questions and the marking scheme vary by class.
| Class | Total Questions | Marks |
| 1-4 | 35 | 40 |
| 5-10 | 50 | 60 |
Sections in IGKO:
- General Awareness – Covers current events, science, sports, history, geography, and the environment.
- Current Affairs – Covers national and international events and trends.
- Life Skills – Evaluates social skills, leadership abilities, and emotional intelligence.
- The Achievers- Section contains higher-order thinking and reasoning-based questions.
Syllabus of IGKO
The IGKO syllabus is categorized based on different class levels:
Classes 1-2
- General Awareness: Knowledge of the environment, plants, animals, basic science, transportation, and communication.
- Current affairs: include news, personalities, and major events.
- Life Skills: include good habits, social awareness, and personal hygiene.
- Achievers Section: Application-oriented questions.
Classes 3-5
- General awareness: includes India’s states, landmarks, famous people, sports, inventions, and discoveries.
- Current events: international and national news.
- Life Skills: Include decision-making, teamwork, and moral values.
- Achievers Section: High-level analytical questions.
Classes 6-8
- General knowledge includes Indian and global history, geography, science, economics, and sports.
- Current events: International events, awards, and discoveries are all part of current affairs.
- Life skills: Include leadership and social responsibility.
- Achievers Section: Advanced Analytical Reasoning.
Classes 9-10
- General Knowledge: Indian and international affairs, science, economics, and history.
- Current affairs: Include business, politics, and technological advancements.
- Life Skills: Include critical thinking and ethical decision-making.
- Achievers Section: Complex problem-solving questions.
IGKO Olympiad 2025 Registration Process
IGKO registration is done through schools across the country. The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) sends the registration prospectus to already affiliated schools. Unregistered schools can still participate by contacting SOF via email at info@sofworld.org or calling 0124-4951200 to register for free.
Key Points for Registration:
- Schools must submit completed registration forms by the deadline.
- The SOF generates roll numbers for all students using the School Registration Form (SRF) and Students’ Registration Sheet.
- Students whose schools are not registered can participate individually for a fee of Rs.125 per student.
- Students whose parents were killed in military operations and those with physical disabilities are exempt from the registration fee.
IGKO Olympiad Awards and Recognition
Students who excel in IGKO are rewarded at various levels:
At International Level
| Rank | Number of Awards Given | Awards, Medals and Scholarships |
| 1st Position | 10 | Rs.50,000/- Each, International Gold Medal, and Certificate of Outstanding Performance |
| 2nd Position | 10 | Rs.25,000/- Each, International Silver Medal, and Certificate of Outstanding Performance |
| 3rd Position | 10 | Rs.10,000/- Each, International Bronze Medal, and Certificate of Outstanding Performance |
At Zonal Level
| Rank | Number of Awards Given | Awards, Medals and Scholarships |
| 1st Rank | 260 | Gifts valued at Rs.1000/-, Zonal Gold Medal, and Certificate of Excellence |
| 2nd Rank | 260 | Gifts worth Rs.1000/-, Zonal Silver Medal, and Certificate of Excellence |
| 3rd Rank | 260 | Gifts worth Rs.1000/-, Zonal Bronze Medal, and Certificate of Excellence |
| 4th – 11th Rank | 1820 | Gifts Valued Rs.500/-, Medal of Distinction, and Certificate of Distinction |
| 12th – 25th Rank | 3900 | Medal of Distinction and Certificate of Distinction |
| Rank above 26 | All Participants | Participation Certificate |
At School Level
- The top-ranked student in each class of 5 to 9 students (Grades 1–10) receives the Gold Medal of Excellence.
- The top three rank holders in classes of 10 to 25 students each receive the Gold Medal of Excellence.
- The top 10% rank holders in classes with more than 25 students receive the Gold Medal of Excellence.
IGKO Olympiad 2025 Admit Card
- When admit cards become available, go to the SOF’s official website.
- Click the Admit Card button.
- Choose “IGKO Level 1 Admit Card”.
- Enter your roll number, class code, and school code (which are provided after registration).
- Download and print the admissions card.
- In the event of an error, contact the school coordinator immediately.
How to Prepare for IGKO?
1. Follow a Study Plan.
- Read newspapers, magazines, and general knowledge books regularly.
- Stay up to date on current affairs.
- Use the Olympiad workbooks and sample papers.
2. Use online resources.
- Use mock tests and quizzes to practice.
- Consult the SOF-provided syllabus and books.
3. Improve life skills and logical thinking.
- Participate in discussions about global issues.
- Improve your problem-solving and decision-making skills.
4. Solve previous year papers.
- Understand exam patterns and difficulty levels.
- Identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
WHY TAKE THE SOF IGKO EXAM?
Participating in the SOF IGKO Exam provides numerous benefits-
- Global Recognition: Students who excel in the IGKO can gain national and international recognition, which improves their academic profiles.
- Scholarships and Awards: High-achieving students have the opportunity to win scholarships, medals, and certificates, among other prestigious awards.
- Skill Development: The IGKO assists students in developing critical skills such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving, all of which are required for success in future academic and professional endeavors.
- Competitive Edge: Preparing for the IGKO gives students an advantage in other competitive exams while also laying a solid foundation for higher education in mathematics and related fields.
Olympiad Trainer For preparation for IGKO:
Olympiad Trainer is an online learning platform that helps students prepare for Olympiad exams such as the IGKO. It provides mock tests, sample papers, previous year questions, interactive quizzes, and study materials to help students prepare for exams. The platform offers real-time performance analysis and AI-powered recommendations for improving weak areas.
Why Use Olympiad Trainer for IGKO?
Comprehensive study materials covering all IGKO sections.
- Interactive tests that simulate the actual exam.
- Performance tracking helps to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Previous year papers can help you better understand the exam pattern.
- AI-Based Learning for Personalized Improvements.
Students can use Olympiad Trainer to boost their confidence and knowledge before the IGKO.
Official Website for IGKO Olympiad Trainer: https://www.sofolympiadtrainer.com/
IGKO Olympiad Books
NSO books for class 1 include the following study materials and books-
- Workbook and reasoning book combo for NSO-IGKO-IEO-NCO-IGKO
- IGKO daily online practice sets class 1
- IGKO 2 years e-book download
- Learning and knowing class 1
- International General Knowledge Olympiad Workbook- Class 1
To better prepare, see SOF IGKO class 2 below-
- Workbook and reasoning book combo for NSO-IGKO-IEO-NCO-IGKO
- IGKO daily online practice sets class 2
- IGKO 2 years e-book download
- Learning and Knowing Class 2
- International General Knowledge Olympiad Workbook- Class 2
IGKO Class 3 is given below-
- Workbook and reasoning book combo for NSO-IGKO-IEO-NCO-IGKO
- IGKO daily online practice sets class 3
- IGKO 2 years e-book download
- Learning and knowing Class 3
- International General Knowledge Olympiad Workbook- Class 3
A list of IGKO books for class 4 is provided below-
- Workbook and reasoning book combo for NSO-IGKO-IEO-NCO-IGKO
- IGKO daily online practice sets
- IGKO 2 years e-book download
- Learning and Knowing Class 4
- International General Knowledge Olympiad Workbook- Class 4
Below is a list of all the SOF IGKO preparation books for class 5-.
- Workbook and reasoning book combo for NSO-IGKO-IEO-NCO-IGKO
- IGKO daily online practice sets
- IGKO 2 years e-book download
- Learning and Knowing Class 5
- International General Knowledge Olympiad Workbook- Class 5
A list of all the IGKO preparation books for class 6 is provided below-
- Workbook and reasoning book combo for NSO-IGKO-IEO-NCO-IGKO
- IGKO daily online practice sets
- IGKO 2 years e-book download
- Learning and knowing
- International General Knowledge Olympiad Workbook- Class 6
IGKO books for class 7 Are Below-
- Workbook and reasoning book combo for NSO-IGKO-IEO-NCO-IGKO
- IGKO daily online practice sets class 7
- IGKO 2 years e-book download
- Learning and Knowing Class 7
- International General Knowledge Olympiad Workbook- Class 7
A list of all the books for SOF IGKO class 8 is provided below-
- Workbook and reasoning book combo for NSO-IGKO-IEO-NCO-IGKO
- IGKO daily online practice sets
- IGKO 2 years e-book download
- Learning and knowing
- International General Knowledge Olympiad Workbook- Class 8
The IGKO Olympiad class 9 exam book suggestion is given below.
- Workbook and reasoning book combo for NSO-IGKO-IEO-NCO-IGKO
- IGKO daily online practice sets
- IGKO 2 years e-book download
- International General Knowledge Olympiad workbook- Class 9
A list of all the books is provided below for class 10 –
- Workbook and reasoning book combo for NSO-IGKO-IEO-NCO-IGKO
- IGKO daily online practice sets class 10
- IGKO 2 years e-book download
- International General Knowledge Olympiad workbook
IGKO Olympiad 2025 FAQs
Q1. What is IGKO?
Ans. SOF IGKO is a prominent annual competition for international high school students interested in general knowledge. Participants compete in a series of difficult problems that assess their general awareness and knowledge about current events. The tournament aims to assess students’ ability in life skills, current events, and general awareness.
Q2. What is the price for the International General Knowledge Olympiad?
Ans. Schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal must pay an INR 125 registration fee to SOF, while other countries must pay USD 9 (including GST) per student / Olympiad to cover the cost of the examination.
Q3. How can I sign up for the International General Knowledge Olympiad?
Ans. Students can only register for the SOF IGKO International General Knowledge Olympiad at their particular schools. Individual registrations are not accepted.
Q4. Who is eligible for the Olympiads?
Ans. Students in grades 1 through 10 are able to participate in the SOF IGKO. There are no other eligibility criteria, such as minimum marks. SOF IGKO is a single-level exam.
Q5. I have already competed in the Olympiads while I was in lower school. Can I appear again?
Ans. Certainly. This will allow you to improve your prior rankings, and if you are successful, you will be eligible for certificates and prizes again.
Q6. Can I take more than one Olympiad examination?
Ans. Although organized by the same Foundation, ICSO, NSO, IMO, IEO, IGKO, ISSO, IHO, and ICO are all distinct tournaments. Students can register for all Olympiads in a year based on their class eligibility.
Q7. I still haven’t received my roll number, admit card, or participation certificate. I checked with my school authorities, and they likewise did not receive them. what to do?
Ans. Please suggest that your Principal or General Knowledge Teacher notify us of the aforesaid non-receipt. We will send duplicate copies to your school as soon as we hear back from them.
Q8. We have less than ten Students at our school who are interested in participating in a SOF IGKO. Can we still sign up for the test?
Ans. Yes. There is no minimum number of entries required from a school.
Q9. What is the Olympiad Trainer for IGKO?
Ans. Olympiad Trainer is an online learning platform that helps students prepare for Olympiad exams like the IGKO. Visit https://www.sofolympiadtrainer.com/.
Q10. What is the tentative date of the IGKO Exam?
Ans. Tentatively, the IGKO Olympiad exam will be held in September & October 2025
Conclusion
The International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) provides a wonderful opportunity for students to assess and improve their general knowledge, logical reasoning, and life skills. It encourages students to cultivate the habit of staying informed and critically understanding global events. Participation in IGKO not only prepares students for future competitive tests, but it also increases their confidence and decision-making skills.
To help students prepare, Olympiad Trainer provides online practice tests, study resources, and mock exams based on the IGKO syllabus. Students who prepare thoroughly and work hard can earn exceptional marks in this prestigious examination.
For further information and registration, go to https://sofworld.org/igko.