How to participate in the International Social Studies Olympiad(ISSO)? | International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) for Class 7 PDF Download

What is the Social Studies Olympiad?

The ISSO, or International Social Studies Olympiad, is a yearly competition held by the Science Olympiad Foundation for school students. It's designed to showcase their scientific knowledge and skills on a national platform. The Olympiad focuses on History, Geography, and Civics, as well as testing critical thinking and logical reasoning abilities.

Different Olympiads you can Participate in:

• International Olympiads: These are competitions held at the international level, where students from different countries compete against each other. Examples include the International Science Olympiad (ISO), International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), and International Physics Olympiad (IPhO).
• National Olympiads: These are competitions held within individual countries, typically organized by educational institutions or government bodies. Examples include the National Science Olympiad (NSO) and the National Mathematics Olympiad (NMO).

National Science Olympiad 2023-24 Eligibility Criteria:

Level 1 Eligibility Criteria:
Students from Class 1 to Class 12 are eligible to participate in the Level 1 exams.
Minimum Marks: There is no minimum marks requirement for eligibility.

Level 2 Eligibility Criteria:

• Only students from Classes 3 to 12 are eligible for the Social Studies Olympiad Level 2 exam.
• Qualification: To be eligible for Level 2, students must qualify for the Level 1 exam.

Eligible Students Include:

• Top 5% Class-wise: The top 5% of students from each class who appear for the Level 1 exam.
• Zone-wise and Class-wise Top 25 Ranks: Students holding the top 25 ranks in their respective zones and classes.
• Class Toppers: Toppers from each participating school where a minimum of 10 students from a class appear in the Level 1 exam and achieve 50% qualifying marks.

Section-wise Registration:

• For section-wise registrations, students with the highest marks, regardless of the section, will qualify for the Level 2 exam.
• Gold medal winners in section-wise registrations do not need to qualify for the Level 2 exam.

Steps to Participate in ISSO

Welcoming participants from grades 1 to 12, the SOF International Social Studies Olympiad (ISSO) provides an exciting opportunity for students. To join, students can follow these simple steps:

Accessing Registration Forms:

• Interested students can obtain registration forms from their respective schools, which are registered with SOF. 
• The ISSO is typically organized through schools. Your school needs to register for the Olympiad with the Science Olympiad Foundation. If your school is not registered, you can encourage them to do so.
• Once your school is registered, the next step is individual registration. The school will provide details on how to register for the ISSO. This may involve filling out an application form and paying the required registration fee.

Completing and Returning Forms:

• Ensure that the registration forms are filled out accurately and returned to SOF by the specified deadline. This step is crucial for securing participation in the ISSO.

Roll Number Assignment:

• The school's coordinating teacher will generate students' Roll Numbers according to the given guidelines.
• A copy of the roll numbers, along with the Students' Registration Sheet (SRS) and School Registration Form (SRF), should be sent to the Foundation's office before the submission deadline.

Flexible Examination Dates:

• Students enjoy the flexibility of choosing a convenient date for the ISSO Level 1 exam, which is conducted on three different dates. 
• Each date presents a unique set of questions, adding to the excitement of the competition.

No Individual Registrations:

• It's important to note that individual student registrations are not accepted. Students should register through their respective schools to participate in the ISSO.

Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Levels of the Olympiad:

The SOF International Social Studies Olympiad comprises two levels:

• Level 1: Held in respective schools during school hours, featuring objective-type questions. The duration is 60 minutes, with 35 questions for classes 1 to 4 and 50 questions for classes 5 to 12. The question paper includes sections on History, Geography, Social and Political Life, and an Achiever Section.
• Level 2: Conducted for students from class 3 to class 12, with qualifiers determined by the top 5% of candidates class-wise, top 25 rank holders class-wise and zone-wise, and class toppers where at least 10 students participate, scoring 50% qualifying marks. Tie-breakers consider marks in different sections.

Marking Scheme: The exam pattern and the marking scheme has been outlined in the table.

Note: There is no negative marking

Syllabus:

• History (Section - 1): Sources of Medieval Indian History, New Kings and Kingdoms, The Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire, Mobile and Settled Communities, Bhakti Movement, Sufism and Regional Cultures, New Political Formations in the Eighteenth Century
• Geography (Section - 2): Earth and Our Environment,  Air and Water, Human-Environment Interactions (Life in the Tropical and the Sub-tropical Regions, Deserts)
• Social and Political Life (Section - 3): Democracy and Equality, State Government, Unpacking Gender, Understanding Media, Markets Around Us
• Higher Order Thinking Questions (Section - 4): Syllabus as per Section – 1, 2 & 3.

Other International Olympiad Exams

• IEO – International English Olympiad
• IMO – International Maths Olympiad
• IGKO – International General Knowledge Olympiad

Benefits and Preparation Tips & Tricks

The Benefits of Participating in Olympiad Exams

Olympiad competitions offer cash prizes and various other benefits to participants, which can serve as additional incentives for students to excel. Some of these benefits include:

• Cash Prizes: Winning students may receive cash rewards or scholarships as recognition for their outstanding performance in Olympiad exams. These prizes can vary in amount depending on the competition and the level of achievement.
• Scholarships: Some Olympiad organizations provide scholarships to top-performing students, which can be used to fund their further education or related academic pursuits.
• Internships and Research Opportunities: High achievers in Olympiad exams may gain access to prestigious internships or research opportunities with renowned institutions or companies, allowing them to further develop their skills and explore their interests.
• Recognition and Awards: Successful participants often receive certificates, medals, or other forms of recognition from Olympiad organizations, schools, or governments, which can enhance their academic resumes and future prospects.
• Travel Opportunities: In some cases, top-performing students may be invited to attend international Olympiad events or conferences, providing them with valuable networking opportunities and cultural experiences.
• Career Advancement: Excelling in Olympiad competitions can bolster students' resumes and academic profiles, increasing their chances of admission to prestigious universities or securing competitive jobs in their chosen fields.
• Exposure and Visibility: Winners and high achievers in Olympiad exams often receive media coverage and public recognition, which can raise their profile and open doors to further opportunities in academia, industry, or other sectors.

These benefits, along with the intellectual growth and personal development that come from participating in Olympiad competitions, make them highly rewarding experiences for students.

Preparation Tips and Tricks

Approaching the Class 7 Social Studies Olympiad may feel challenging, but it's a thrilling opportunity. Consider it more than just a test; see it as an adventure to explore the wonders of science. With enthusiasm and commitment, you can tackle it effectively, enjoying the journey of learning and problem-solving. To assist you on this exciting path, we've prepared some helpful tips and tricks:

Preparation:

• Master the NCERT: It's your foundation! Thoroughly understand the concepts explained in your NCERT textbooks for History, Geography, and Social &Political Life. You can find NCERT books for the preparation here on the EduRev app.
• Go beyond the textbook. Foster curiosity and a love for learning by exploring beyond the prescribed syllabus. Dive into reference books, online resources, and science magazines to gain deeper insights and discover advanced concepts that may not be covered in your regular coursework. Find an array of resources on EduRev.
• Active practice is key to success. Regularly solve past Olympiad papers and sample questions to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern. Analyze your mistakes and use them as learning opportunities. To access more sample papers, explore the thoughtfully selected resources available on EduRev, which can further elevate your preparation.
• Embrace curiosity and self-learning. Cultivate a curious mindset and a passion for self-learning. The Olympiad is not just about exams; it's about exploring the fascinating world of science. Stay curious, ask questions, and seek answers beyond the curriculum. Use your natural curiosity as a driving force in your preparation.

Exam Strategies:

• Stay calm and focused. Don't panic! Take deep breaths and read instructions carefully before you begin.
• Divide your time effectively for each section (History, Geography, and Social & Political Life) based on your strengths and the number of questions.
• Read carefully. Don't jump to conclusions! Analyze each question clearly before attempting to answer. Look for keywords and hidden meanings.
• Elimination technique. If unsure about an answer, eliminate the options you know are wrong. This increases your chances of guessing the right one.
• Double-check Before submitting, quickly review your answers to avoid silly mistakes.

Bonus Tips:

• Stay curious! A natural curiosity towards science is your greatest asset! Ask questions, experiment, and explore the world around you.
• Enjoy the journey. Learning science shouldn't feel like a chore. Find fun ways to learn, like watching science documentaries, participating in science fairs, or even conducting simple experiments at home.
• Believe in yourself. Confidence is crucial. Trust your preparation and give it your best shot!

Remember:

• The ISSO is a challenging but rewarding experience. Focus on learning and enjoying the process, not just on winning.
• Celebrate your achievements, learn from your mistakes, and keep your passion for science burning bright!