International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) 2026-27
ISSO is the social studies olympiad that SOF (Science Olympiad Foundation) runs for Classes 3 to 10. It has one round.
When is ISSO 2026-27?
30 Nov 202619 Jan 2027
On paper, in their own school during school hours. The school picks one of the dates.
How do I register my child, and what does it cost?
Through the school only (no individual registration). If your school doesn't run it, it can sign up free. Last date: usually 30 days before the exam date. Fee: ₹170. School may add up to ₹30. Outside India: US$11. It is free for children with a major physical disability, and for a child of a soldier martyred in defence operations.
What is in the paper?
Classes 3 and 4: 35 questions, 40 marks. Class 5 up: 50 questions, 60 marks (questions in Achievers, the hardest section, carry 2 to 3 marks each). It takes 60 minutes. Sections: Classes 3 to 8: Social Studies, Achievers. Classes 9 and 10: History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, Achievers. Negative marking: not published. Language: English.
What is the syllabus?
CBSE, ICSE/ISC and state boards. Split: 70% current, 30% previous (Achievers, the hardest section, is from the current class only).
The topics, class by class, as the organiser lists them:
Class 3
Section – 1 : Basic Needs, Festivals and Celebrations, People Who Help Us, Solar System and Our Earth, Our Environment, India – Our Motherland, India – Our Heritage, Our Ancestors – Early Life and Civilisation, Connecting People. · Section – 2 : Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 1.
Class 4
Section – 1 : Our Country – Physical and Political Divisions, India – Resources and Climate, Our Rich Heritage, People Who Made a Difference, Our Constitution and Government, Our History, Earth and Environment, Transport and Communication. · Section – 2 : Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 1.
Class 5
Section – 1 : Our Earth, Our Environment, Weather and Climate, Our Country, Our Freedom Struggle, Great Achievers, The United Nations, Inventions and Discoveries, Agriculture and Industries, Transport and Communication, Evolution of Mankind. · Section – 2 : Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 1.
Class 6
Section – 1 : Locating Places on the Earth, Oceans and Continents, Landforms and Life, Studying the Past, The Beginnings of Indian Civilisation, India's Cultural Roots, Unity in Diversity, Family and Community, Governance at Central Level, Local Government in Rural Areas, Local Government in Urban Areas, Economic Life Around Us. · Section – 2 : Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 1.
Class 7
Section – 1 : Climate and Geographical Diversity of India, Understanding the Weather, India’s Agricultural Journey, India and Its Neighbouring Countries, Cities, States and the Rise of Empires, The Age of Reorganisation, The Gupta Era: A Legacy of Art, Science, and Literature, Empires and Kingdoms: 6th to 12th Century, India - A Sacred Land, The State and the Types of Governments, The Constitution of India, Barter, Money and the Banks, Understanding Markets, Infrastructure: Lifeline of India’s Development. · Section – 2 : Higher Order Thinking Questions-Syllabus as per Section – 1.
Class 8
Section – 1 : Natural Resources and Their Use, Reshaping India’s Political Map: 11 th to 15 th Century, Reshaping India’s Political Map: 16 th to 18 th Century, The Rise of the Marathas, The Rise of European Trading Companies, Revolts and Regional Resistances During Colonial Period, Our Cultural Heritage and Knowledge Traditions, Universal Franchise and India’s Electoral System, The Parliamentary System: Legislature and Executive, Factors of Economic Production. · Section – 2 : Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 1.
Syllabus topics and a sample question for your child's class:
Is there a Level 2?
No, there is one level.
How does my child get the admit card?
Roll number and admit card come through the school. If missing, the school asks SOF for a duplicate.
Is there an official ISSO answer key?
Not published on SOF's own website.
When do results come, and what can my child win?
Within 8 weeks: sent to the school, and on SOF's results page.
- Every child: a certificate and a progress report
- Zonal top 25 per class: gold medal of distinction
- School gold medals
- Cash awards for international and zonal top ranks
Where can I find ISSO sample papers and previous year papers?
One free sample paper per class to download on SOF's own website. Olympiad Owl does not share the papers themselves. Our class pages above have a free sample question each, and the app has full mock papers in the previous year paper pattern.
How can my child prepare for ISSO?
A few questions a day in the real pattern, and one full timed paper a week, works better than a last-minute rush.
From SOF's own website · SOF's results page, 25 Oct 2026.
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