The ICSO exam 2026-27 is near and lots of students from Classes 1-10 are getting ready for the exam. ICSO is the International Computer Science Olympiad. This examination is conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) annually. It is an international level Olympiad but students write it in their school. ICSO is a single-level exam; there is no second round in ICSO. The result of your performance in this paper will determine your school, city, zonal and international ranking. Students from class 1 to class 10 can appear, provided the school is registered with SOF. SOF holds the ICSO 2026-27 exam on two dates, 24 September 2026 and 17 December 2026. The paper is based on logical reasoning, basic computer skills, AI, robotics and higher order thinking skills.
In this blog, we explain everything in a very simple way. You will find the ICSO exam date, eligibility, registration, exam pattern, syllabus, sample papers, preparation tips, result and awards.
Read More:
- List of Olympiad Exams Conducted in India 2026-27 – Math & Science Olympiad Foundation
- SOF Results 2026-27: Check IMO, NSO, IEO, IGKO Result Date, Level 1 & 2 Results @sofworld.org
What is the International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO) 2026-27?
The International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO) is a yearly computer exam by SOF for students of Class 1 to 10. It checks how well students understand computers, IT and logical thinking.
SOF sets the paper as per the CBSE, ICSE and State Board syllabus. Its aim is to find young students who enjoy technology.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam name | International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO) |
| Conducting body | Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) |
| Classes | Class 1 to 10 |
| Exam level | Single level (no Level 2) |
| Exam dates | 24 September 2026 and 17 December 2026 |
| Mode | Offline, in school during school hours |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Questions | 35 (Class 1 to 4) and 50 (Class 5 to 10) |
| Language | English |
| Registration fee | ₹170 per student |
| Official website | sofworld.org |
When is the ICSO Exam Date 2026-27?
SOF holds the ICSO exam 2026-27 on two dates: 24 September 2026 and 17 December 2026. The first date is now over. So, students who still want to appear should aim for the 17 December exam.
Your school picks one date. Each date has a separate question paper. Once the school selects a date, it cannot change it.
| Event | ICSO 2026-27 Date |
| ICSO exam Date 1 | 24 September 2026 (over) |
| ICSO exam Date 2 | 17 December 2026 |
| Last date for school registration | At least 30 days before the chosen exam date |
| ICSO result | Expected in early 2027 |
Who is Eligible for the ICSO Exam 2026-27?
The ICSO eligibility criteria are very simple. Any student in Classes 1 to 10 can appear if the school is registered with SOF.
- Students must study in Classes 1 to 10.
- The school must register with SOF. Students cannot apply on their own.
- A student can write only the paper of their own class.
- SOF does not ask for any minimum marks or age limit.
- Students from India and other countries can take (take with a grain of salt idiom synonym) part.
- Students who appeared last year can appear again and improve their rank.
How to Register for the ICSO Exam 2026-27?
ICSO registration 2026-27 happens only through schools.
- SOF sends the prospectus and registration forms to registered schools.
- If your school has not registered yet, your principal can email info@sofworld.org. Any school can become an exam centre for free.
- The Olympiad teacher fills the School Registration Form (SRF) and Students’ Registration Sheet (SRS).
- The school chooses Date 1 or Date 2 for the exam.
- The school sends the forms and fees to SOF at least 30 days before the exam.
- SOF creates roll numbers and sends the question papers to the school.
What is the ICSO Registration Fee?
Schools in India, Bhutan and Nepal pay ₹170 per student to SOF. There may also be an extra charge for local costs up to ₹30 under the school. The cost of a student studying abroad is US$11, plus up to US$1. If a student suffers from a major physical handicap, SOF will not charge a fee. This is also applicable to Indian students whose parents were lost in defence operations.
What is the ICSO Exam Pattern 2026-27?
The ICSO exam pattern has four sections and only multiple-choice questions. The paper lasts 60 minutes. Classes 1 to 4 students get 35 questions for 40 marks. Class 5 to 10 students get 50 questions for 60 marks.
| Section | Class 1 and 2 | Class 3 and 4 | Class 5 to 10 |
| Logical Reasoning | 5 Qs, 5 marks | 5 Qs, 5 marks | 10 Qs, 10 marks |
| Computer Science | 20 Qs, 20 marks | 20 Qs, 20 marks | 30 Qs, 30 marks |
| Information Technology (AI, Robotics and IT from Class 3) | 5 Qs, 5 marks | 5 Qs, 5 marks | 5 Qs, 5 marks |
| Achievers Section | 5 Qs, 10 marks | 5 Qs, 10 marks | 5 Qs, 15 marks |
| Total | 35 Qs, 40 marks | 35 Qs, 40 marks | 50 Qs, 60 marks |
This Achievers Section requires special attention. If there is 5 questions from its in class 5 to 10, then it will be 15 out of 60 marks. It also makes decisions on ties. In the event of two students achieving the same total, the student with more Achievers marks is given the higher rank. It then tests Computer Science, IT and finally Logical Reasoning.
There is yet an additional rule to help plan: 60% of the questions relate to the class syllabus in which you are currently taking the course, and 40% relate to the class you took last year. Only the current class syllabus is used in the Achievers Section.
What is the ICSO Syllabus 2026-27 for Class 1 to 10?
The ICSO syllabus follows the CBSE, ICSE and State Board books. The table below gives the main Computer Science topics for each class group.
ICSO Syllabus 2026-27: Section-Wise Topics for Class 1 to 10
| Section | Classes | Topics Covered |
| Section 1: Logical Reasoning | Class 1 to 3 | Patterns, odd one out, measuring units, geometrical shapes, spatial understanding, grouping, analogy, ranking test, mirror images, coding-decoding, embedded figures |
| Class 4 to 10 | Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, series, direction sense test, mathematical operations, alphabet test, number and ranking sequences, blood relations | |
| Section 2: Computer Science and IT | Class 1 and 2 | Introduction to computers, parts of a computer (keyboard, mouse, CPU, monitor), uses of computers, starting and shutting down, basic MS Paint |
| Class 3 to 5 | Windows 10/11, MS Word basics, storage devices, introduction to the internet, MS Paint and MS Office features | |
| Class 6 to 8 | Computer fundamentals, operating systems, advanced MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, introduction to HTML and CSS, algorithms, Scratch programming | |
| Class 9 and 10 | Programming fundamentals, Python, networking, database management systems (DBMS), cyber safety, object-oriented concepts | |
| Section 3: AI, Robotics and IT Gadgets | All classes | Everyday IT gadgets, smartphones, tablets, modern electronic devices, basic AI concepts, uses of robotics |
| Section 4: Achievers Section | All classes | Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions from Sections 2 and 3 of the current class |
For the full topic list, check the class-wise ICSO syllabus page on sofworld.org.
Where Can You Download ICSO Sample Papers for Class 1 to 10?
SOF shares free ICSO sample papers on its official website. They show the real question style and help you check your level. We have provided the sample paper links in the table below for your convenience, so you can use the links below:
| Class | Official Sample Paper Link |
| Class 1 | ICSO Sample Paper Class 1 |
| Class 2 | ICSO Sample Paper Class 2 |
| Class 3 | ICSO Sample Paper Class 3 |
| Class 4 | ICSO Sample Paper Class 4 |
| Class 5 | ICSO Sample Paper Class 5 |
| Class 6 | ICSO Sample Paper Class 6 |
| Class 7 | ICSO Sample Paper Class 7 |
| Class 8 | ICSO Sample Paper Class 8 |
| Class 9 | ICSO Sample Paper Class 9 |
| Class 10 | ICSO Sample Paper Class 10 |
Which Books and Resources Help in ICSO Preparation?
These resources actually help ICSO students.
- SOF sample papers: They follow the latest pattern. Solve them first to understand the paper.
- ICSO previous year papers: MTG, the official academic partner of SOF, publishes these. They show which topics come again and again.
- MTG ICSO Olympiad Workbook: This is for your reference, SOF recommends these class-wise workbooks ranging from class 1 to class 10. The chapters are in line with the syllabus of ICSO.
- Your school computer books: Read both your current and previous class books. This covers the 60:40 rule.
- SOF Olympiad Trainer app and OSDS: SOF recommends these for online practice and mock tests.
- MTG Olympiad Reasoning book: It builds speed for the Logical Reasoning section.
- A real computer: Open MS Word, Excel and Paint and try each tool. Many questions ask where an option sits.
- Scratch and Python: Class 6 to 8 students can try Scratch online. Class 9 and 10 students should write small Python programs.
How to Prepare for the ICSO Exam 2026-27?
These ICSO preparation tips come from how the paper actually works.
- Start with the Achievers Section. It gives the most marks per question and also breaks ties.
- Revise last year’s computer book too. About 40% of the questions come from it.
- Make a one-page shortcut sheet. Write keys like Ctrl + C, Ctrl + Z and Ctrl + S, and revise it daily.
- Learn which tab in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint holds each option. Students often lose easy marks here.
- Practise with a timer. Class 5 to 10 students get about 72 seconds per question. Class 1 to 4 students get about 100 seconds.
- Solve at least two full sample papers in the last two weeks. Check every wrong answer and note the reason.
- For Class 1 and 2, parents can read questions aloud during practice. Many young kids know the answer but read slowly.
- Read about new gadgets and AI once a week. The IT section often asks about devices we use every day.
When Will SOF Declare the ICSO Result 2026-27?
SOF says it declares Olympiad results within 8 weeks of each exam. Last session, the ICSO result came out on 2 March 2026. So, students can expect the ICSO result 2026-27 around February to March 2027.
Keep your roll number safe after the exam. You need it later. To check your result, visit (idioms dictionary) results.sofworld.org and enter your roll number. Your school also receives the result. It shows your school, city, zonal and international rank. Every student also gets a Student Progress Report (SPR). This report shows your strong and weak areas.
What Awards Do ICSO 2026-27 Winners Get?
ICSO is a single-level exam and hence, SOF awards all international and zonal awards based on this single paper. The following is a list of the official 2026-27 SOF Awards.
- International Rank 1 to 5: ₹25,000, ₹10,000, ₹7,500, ₹5,000 and ₹2,500 respectively. The top 3 also get gold, silver and bronze medals with a Certificate of Outstanding Performance.
- Zonal Rank 1 to 3: ₹5,000, ₹2,500 and ₹1,000, with zonal medals and a Certificate of Zonal Excellence.
- Zonal Rank 4 to 10: A gift valued at ₹500 and a Certificate of Zonal Excellence.
- Zonal Rank 11 to 25: A Certificate of Zonal Excellence. The top 25 zonal rankers also get a Gold Medal of Distinction.
- School level: A Gold Medal of Excellence is awarded to the top rankers of each class. All students who achieve 100% also receive one.
- Every student: A Certificate of Participation and a Student Progress Report.
- Teachers and principals: Cash awards, trophies and citations for strong school results.
Is ICSO the Same as the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI)?
No, they are different tests. SOF ICSO is an MCQ-based Computer Knowledge Test for Classes 1-10th. International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) is a worldwide coding competition for high schoolers. Indian Students take admission in IOI via a separate selection process. ICSO is designed for students who wish to explore computer fundamentals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ICSO Exam 2026-27
Q1. What is the full form of ICSO?
ICSO stands for International Computer Science Olympiad. SOF conducts it every year for Class 1 to 10.
Q2. Can I give the ICSO exam without my school?
No, SOF accepts ICSO registration only through schools. Ask your school to register with SOF.
Q3. Is the ICSO exam online or offline?
ICSO is an offline exam. Students write it in their own school during school hours.
Q4. Is there a Level 2 in ICSO?
No, ICSO is a single-level exam. The rank you achieve depends on your Level 1 marks.
Source note: We checked all dates, fees, exam pattern, syllabus and awards against the official SOF website, sofworld.org. We did this in September 2026. SOF may update some details, so confirm the final information with your school.
Written By: Saumya Sarin (Content Writer at Motion Education)
Last updated: October, 2026
