The International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO), organized annually by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF), is a prestigious academic competition designed for students in classes 1 to 10. This Olympiad is intended to assess and enhance students' knowledge and skills in computers and information technology. By participating in ICSO, students have the opportunity to develop critical problem-solving abilities, sharpen their logical reasoning, and strengthen their cognitive skills.
To take part in ICSO, students must register through their schools. The syllabus is aligned with the school curriculum and focuses on building a strong foundation in mental aptitude, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking. Winners of the ICSO are recognized through awards and scholarships, celebrating their outstanding achievements.
International Computer Science Olympiad Important Dates
To participate in the ICSO, students need to register through their respective schools. The syllabus is closely aligned with the school curriculum, emphasizing the development of mental aptitude, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking skills. Top performers in the ICSO are honored with awards and scholarships, recognizing their exceptional accomplishments.
ICSO Olympiad Exam Dates
Name of Event | Date of Event |
ICSO First Exam Date | 20 December 2024 |
ICSO Second Exam Date | 21 January 2025 |
ICSO Result Date | To be notified |
Key Features of the SOF International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO)
Get an in-depth overview of the SOF International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO) exam, covering all the critical details you need to know.
Exam Organizing Body | Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) |
Eligibility | Students from classes 1 - 10, enrolled in a school recognized by SOF are eligible for ICSO. |
Exam Level | Matriculate |
Application Process | Via Respective School Authorities |
Exam Dates | Level 1 Exam Date 1: 20th December, 2024 Level 1 Exam Date 2: 21st January 2025 |
Exam Mode | Offline |
Fee of Registration | ₹ 125 |
Frequency of Conduct | Once a year |
Objective | To identify & foster passion for technology. |
Languages | English |
Duration | 1 hour |
Syllabus of International Computer Science Olympiad
The syllabus outlines the key topics and concepts you need to study for the exams. If you plan to participate in the International Computer Science Olympiad, it's crucial to thoroughly understand the entire syllabus.
classes wise Section and Topics
SOF ICSO SYLLABUS CLASS 1:
Section – 1: Logical Reasoning
Patterns, Odd One Out, Geometrical Shapes, Spatial Understanding, Analogy, Measuring Units, Ranking Test, Grouping, Problems based on Figures.
Section – 2: Computer Science
Introduction to Computers, Parts of Computer, Uses of Computer, Keys and Keyboard, Computer Mouse, Starting and Shutting down the Computer, Introduction to MS-Paint.
Section - 3: IT
IT Gadgets, Devices, Apps, Computerization, and other Developments in the Field of IT.
Section – 4: Achievers Section
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Sections 2 and 3.
SOF ICSO SYLLABUS CLASS 2
Section – 1: Logical Reasoning
Patterns, Odd One Out, Analogy, Ranking Test, Measuring Units, Geometrical Shapes, Grouping of Figures, Embedded Figures, Coding-Decoding.
Section – 2: Computer Science
Computer-a Smart Machine, General Information about Computers, Parts of Computer, Uses of Computer, Learning to use Keyboard and Mouse, MS-Paint.
Section - 3: IT
IT Gadgets, Devices, Apps, Computerization, and other Developments in the Field of IT.
Section – 4: Achievers Section
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Sections 2 and 3.
SOF ICSO SYLLABUS CLASS 3
Section – 1: Logical Reasoning
Patterns,Analogy & Classification, Coding-Decoding, Ranking Test, Mirror Images, Alphabet Test, Geometrical Shapes, Grouping of Figures and Figure Matrix, Embedded Figures, Days and Dates, & Possible Combinations.
Section – 2: Computer Science
Fundamentals of Computer, General Information about Computers, Storage Devices, Parts of Computer, Uses of Computer, Input and Output Devices, Introduction to Internet, MS-Paint, Introduction to MS-Word (Opening, Closing, Saving and Printing a Word document, Components of MS-Word window, Editing commands like Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo and Redo, Moving in a document using Home and End Keys).
Section - 3: IT
IT Gadgets, Devices, Apps, Computerization, and other Developments in the Field of IT.
Section – 4: Achievers Section
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Sections 2 and 3.
SOF ICSO SYLLABUS CLASS 4
Section – 1: Logical Reasoning
Patterns, Embedded Figures, Alphabet Test, Coding-Decoding, Ranking Test, Mirror Images, Geometrical Shapes and Solids, Analogy and ClassificationDirection Sense Test, Days and Dates & Possible Combinations.
Section – 2: Computer Science
About Computers (General Information), Evolution of Computers, Parts of Computer, Input and Output Devices, Hardware, Software, MS-Word(Formatting a Word document, Font group, Format Painter, Search using Find and Replace option, Checking Spelling and Grammar using Thesaurus), Using Windows 10, Introduction to Internet and Its Uses, Computer Networks, MS-Paint.
Section - 3: IT
IT Gadgets, Devices, Apps, Computerization, and other Developments in the Field of IT.
Section – 4: Achievers Section
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Sections 2 and 3.
SOF ICSO SYLLABUS CLASS 5
Section – 1: Logical Reasoning
Patterns, Mirror and Water Images, Direction Sense Test, Ranking Test, Alphabet Test, Analogy and Classification, Geometrical Shapes, Logical Sequence of Words, Puzzle Test, Coding-Decoding.
Section – 2: Computer Science
Input and Output Devices, Hardware, Software, Storage Devices, Memory –Primary & Secondary Memory, MS-Paint, Introduction to Multimedia, MS-Word (Paragraph formatting Using Paragraph group, Drop Cap, Document Views, Inserting Graphics-Pictures and Shapes, Screenshots, Symbols, SmartArt, Multimedia Objects, Text Box, Inserting Header and Footer in a document and exploring its features), Introduction to MS-PowerPoint(Component of MS-PowerPoint window and its features, Inserting Graphics-Pictures and Shapes, Screenshots, Symbols, SmartArt, Multimedia Objects, Text Box, Inserting Header & Footer and exploring its features, Running slide shows, Presentation Views), Internet, Computer Networks, Using Windows 10.
Section - 3: IT
IT Gadgets, Devices, Apps, Computerization, and other Developments in the Field of IT.
Section – 4: Achievers Section
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Sections 2 and 3.
SOF ICSO SYLLABUS CLASS 6
Section – 1: Logical Reasoning
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Section – 2: Computer Science
History and Generation of Computers, Types of Computers, MS-Windows 10, MS-Word(Working with Charts and Tables, Using Layout tab, Arranging multiple windows of a document), MS-PowerPoint(Creating presentation using Animation, Working with Animations and Transitions, Creating new slides using Slides pane, Working with Handouts and Notes Master, Arranging multiple windows of a presentations, Working with Charts and Tables), Networking and Cyber Safety, Introduction to QBasic, Hardware, Software, Input & Output Devices, Memory & Storage Devices.
Section – 3: AI, Robotics and Information Technology
AI, Robotics, IT Gadgets, Devices, Apps, Computerization, and other Developments in the Field of IT.
Section – 4: Achievers Section
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Sections 2 and 3.
SOF ICSO SYLLABUS CLASS 7
Section – 1: Logical Reasoning
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Section – 2: Computer Science
Fundamentals of Computer, Evolution of Computers, Memory & Storage Devices, Algorithms & Flowcharts (Introduction and Basic Symbols), Using Windows 10, MS-Word(Links, Mail Merge, Macros, Exploring Styles group), MS-PowerPoint (Working with Slides Master and Themes, Advancing slides using Hyperlink and Actions, Customizing Slide Shows), MS-Excel (Components of MS-Excel window, Editing and formatting cells in a worksheet, Introduction to Formulas, Sorting and filtering data, Macros, Features of Insert and Page layout tabs), Programming in QBasic, Networking and Cyber Safety.
Section – 3: AI, Robotics and Information Technology
AI, Robotics, IT gadgets, Devices, Apps, Computerization, and other Developments in the Field of IT.
Section – 4: Achievers Section
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Sections 2 and 3.
SOF ICSO SYLLABUS CLASS 8
Section – 1: Logical Reasoning
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Section – 2: Computer Science
Fundamentals of Computers, Algorithms & Flowcharts (Advanced symbols), HTML & CSS [Html, Head, Title, Body (Attributes: Background, Bgcolor, Text, Link, Alink, Vlink), Font (Attributes: Color, Size, Face), Center, BR, HR (Attributes: Size, Width, Align, Noshade, Color), Comment tag(<!-- -->), <H1>..<H6>, <P>, <B>, <I>, <U>, <IMG>, Html Elements: A, Ul and Ol (Attributes: Type, Start), Li], Flash CS6, MS-Access, Networking, MS-Word (Exploring File tab, Language and Translate options, Tracking features -Comments, Reviewing Pane, Tracking Changes, Comparing, Combining and Protecting documents, Working with References), MS-PowerPoint (Exploring File tab and Slide Show tab, Comparing, Combining and Protecting presentations), MS-Excel(Exploring File tab, Useful Formulas and Functions - IF,Even, Odd, LCM, GCD, Power, Product, Round, Sqrt, Sum, Min, Max, Average, Count, Upper, Lower And Replace, Cell referencing, Using Defined Names group ), Memory & Storage Devices, Number System (Introduction), Cyber Safety, Operating Systems(Introduction, Features, Types-single user and multi-user).
Section – 3: AI, Robotics and Information Technology
AI, Robotics, IT Gadgets, Devices, Apps, Computerization, and other Developments in the Field of IT.
Section – 4: Achievers Section
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Sections 2 and 3.
SOF ICSO SYLLABUS CLASS 9
Section – 1: Logical Reasoning
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Section – 2: Computer Science
Algorithms and Flowcharts in Programming, Number System (Binary to decimal and decimal to binary conversion), Visual Basic, Animations, HTML & CSS (Links, Anchors and Table tags), MS Word, MS Excel(Formula Auditing, Data Tools, Protecting and Sharing workbooks/worksheets, Working with cell range), MS-PowerPoint, Hardware, Software, Input & Output Devices, Memory & Storage Devices, Flash CS6, Multimedia, Networking, Cyber Safety, Operating Systems (Types-Interactive (GUI based), Real Time and Distributed, Commonly used OS), Using Windows 10, Introduction to Scratch, Introduction to Python 3.11 (as of December 2022).
Section – 3: AI, Robotics and Information Technology
AI, Robotics, IT Gadgets, Devices, Apps, Computerization, and other Developments in the Field of IT.
Section – 4: Achievers Section
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Sections 2 and 3.
SOF ICSO SYLLABUS CLASS 10
Section – 1: Logical Reasoning
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Section – 2: Computer Science
Fundamentals of Computer, Number System, Operating System, MS-Word, Networking, MS-PowerPoint, MS-Excel, HTML & CSS, Cyber Safety, Database Management System(Functions, Types, MS-Access), Using Windows 10, Programming in Scratch, Programming in Python 3.11 (as of December 2022).
Section – 3: AI, Robotics and Information Technology
AI, Robotics, IT Gadgets, Devices, Apps, Computerization and other Developments in the Field of IT.
Section – 4: Achievers Section
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Sections 2 and 3.
ICSO Eligibility Criteria
There are no specific eligibility requirements for the International Computer Science Olympiad. Students from grades 1 to 10 are eligible to participate in the SOF ICSO, with no additional criteria like minimum marks needed.
How to Apply for the International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO)
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the ICSO registration process:
1. Initiating Registration
For Affiliated Schools: SOF distributes a prospectus along with registration forms to all affiliated schools.
For Non-affiliated Schools: Schools that are not affiliated can request a prospectus by contacting SOF directly.
2. Completing Registration
School Responsibility: A designated teacher at each school must complete the School Registration Form (SRF) and the Students’ Registration Sheet.
Submission: These forms should be submitted to SOF by the specified deadline.
3. Fee Details
Local Schools (India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal): The registration fee is ₹125 per student (including GST).
International Schools: The fee is US$9 per student.
Additional Charges: Schools may add an extra ₹25 per student to cover administrative and teaching support.
Fee Waivers: Available for students with significant disabilities or those who are children of martyred defense personnel.
International Computer Science Olympiad Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam structure is key to excelling in any test. While mastering each topic is important, having a clear grasp of the exam pattern is essential for thorough preparation.
Here’s an overview of the ICSO Exam Pattern to help you prepare effectively:
Exam Location and Timing: The exam is conducted at students' schools during regular school hours.
Format and Duration: The test is an objective-type exam with a duration of 60 minutes. It consists of multiple-choice questions:
Grades 1 to 4: 35 questions
Grades 5 to 10: 50 questions
Exam Sections: The paper is divided into three sections:
Logical Reasoning
Computers and Information Technology
Achievers Section
Exam Papers: Each exam date features a unique set of questions.
Language: The exam is conducted in English.
Curriculum Alignment: The questions are based on the CBSE, ICSE/ISC, and State Board Syllabus.
Timing: The test is scheduled during school hours.
SOF ICSO Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
CLASS | TOPIC/ SECTION | NO. OF QUESTIONS | MARKS PER QUESTION | TOTAL MARKS |
1st to 4th | Logical Reasoning Computer Science Information Technology Achievers Section GRAND TOTAL | 5 20 5 5 35 | 1 1 1 2 | 5 20 5 10 40 |
5th | Logical Reasoning Computer Science Information Technology Achievers Section GRAND TOTAL | 10 30 5 5 50 | 1 1 1 3 | 10 30 5 15 60 |
6th to 10th | Logical Reasoning Computer Science Information Technology Achievers SectionGRAND TOTAL | 10 30 5 5 30 | 1 1 1 3 | 10 30 5 15 60 |
International Computer Science Olympiad Question Papers
Attempting the previous year's papers is an effective way to understand the exam pattern, question distribution, and difficulty level. The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF), the organizing body of the ICSO, provides sample papers, question papers and other study materials on its official website.
Student can also excess ICSO sample papers to give a boost to their preparation for the exam day. You can access different sample papers here.
International Computer Science Olympiad Result
The results of the ICSO 2024 exam will be declared by the officials on the SOF's official website once it is successfully conducted. Students can access the ICSO result using their credentials. Each student who applied for the exam will receive a Student Participation Certificate and a Student Performance Report.
ICSO (International Computer Science Olympiad) Awards
The International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO) 2024 recognizes and celebrates the achievements of top performers at both international and zonal levels. Here’s a breakdown of the awards:
International Level Awards
Top 10 First-Place Winners: Each will receive ₹50,000, a gold medal, and an Outstanding Performance Certificate.
Top 10 Second-Place Winners: Each will receive ₹25,000, a silver medal, and an Outstanding Performance Certificate.
Top 10 Third-Place Winners: Each will receive ₹10,000, a bronze medal, and an Outstanding Performance Certificate.
Zonal Level Awards
260 First-Place Zonal Winners: Each will receive ₹1,000, a zonal gold medal, and a Certificate of Zonal Excellence.
260 Second-Place Zonal Winners: Each will receive ₹1,000, a zonal silver medal, and a Certificate of Zonal Excellence.
260 Third-Place Zonal Winners: Each will receive ₹1,000, a zonal bronze medal, and a Certificate of Zonal Excellence.
1820 Students Ranked 4th to 10th: Each will receive gifts valued at ₹500, a Medal of Distinction, and a Certificate of Merit.
3900 Students Ranked 11th to 25th: Each will receive a Medal of Distinction and a Certificate of Merit.
Students Ranked Above 26th: All will receive a Participation Certificate.
How Urja Talents Will Help You Crack the International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO) Exam
Preparing for the International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO) can be a challenging journey, but with the right guidance and resources, you can achieve outstanding results. At Urja Talents, we offer comprehensive support to help you excel in this prestigious competition. Here’s how we can assist you in cracking the ICSO exam:
1. Expert Guidance from Certified Teachers
Our team of highly qualified and experienced teachers specializes in computer science and information technology. They provide tailored coaching that aligns with the ICSO syllabus, ensuring that you grasp key concepts and skills required for the exam. Our experts will guide you through the intricacies of logical reasoning, computer fundamentals, and IT, providing valuable insights and strategies for tackling exam questions.
2. Personalized One-on-One Classes
At Urja Talents, we offer personalized one-on-one sessions to focus on your individual learning needs. This personalized approach allows our teachers to address your specific strengths and weaknesses, helping you build a strong foundation and improve your problem-solving abilities. With dedicated attention, you can better understand complex topics and enhance your performance in the ICSO exam.
3. Comprehensive Study Materials and Resources
We provide access to a range of study materials, including practice papers, sample questions, and detailed notes. These resources are designed to mirror the ICSO exam format and syllabus, enabling you to familiarize yourself with the type of questions you’ll encounter. Our materials help reinforce your learning and boost your confidence as you prepare for the exam.
4. Regular Assessments and Feedback
To track your progress, we conduct regular assessments and provide constructive feedback. These assessments simulate the actual exam conditions, allowing you to gauge your readiness and identify areas for improvement. Our feedback will guide you on how to refine your strategies and focus your efforts on key areas, ensuring you are well-prepared for the exam day.
5. Flexible Timings and Convenient Classes
Understanding the busy schedules of students, we offer flexible class timings that fit around your academic commitments. Our online and home tuition options provide convenience and ensure you can study at your own pace, making it easier to balance preparation with other responsibilities.
6. Encouragement and Motivation
We believe in fostering a positive and motivating learning environment. Our dedicated teachers will provide encouragement and support throughout your preparation journey, helping you stay focused and motivated. We understand the importance of mental well-being and strive to create a supportive atmosphere that enhances your learning experience.
With Urja Talents, you are not just preparing for an exam; you are embarking on a journey to achieve excellence in computer science. Let us help you unlock your potential and achieve success in the International Computer Science Olympiad. Contact us today to start your journey towards ICSO success!
Conclusion
The International Computer Science Olympiad (ICSO) is an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their skills and compete for prestigious awards. With a comprehensive range of prizes at both international and zonal levels, the ICSO recognizes and rewards the hard work and excellence of its participants.
To maximize your chances of success and excel in the ICSO, personalized preparation can make a significant difference. At Urja Talents, we offer expert one-on-one classes tailored to help students build a strong foundation in computer science and problem-solving skills. Our experienced teachers provide individualized attention to address each student's unique needs and strengths.
Enroll in Urja Talents’ one-on-one classes today to receive top-notch guidance and support, ensuring you are fully prepared for the ICSO. Let us help you reach your full potential and achieve your best in the International Computer Science Olympiad.
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