How to Participate in GK Olympiad | GK Olympiad for Class 8 PDF Download

What is IGKO?

The International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO) is an exciting competition arranged by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students from grades 1 to 10. It's all about learning numbers and logical skills while having fun. The competition gives students a chance to grow their confidence and become better at building logics and have a good understanding of solving hard and complex problems.

IGKO 2023-24 Eligibility Criteria: 

• The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) mandates that schools register their students for participation.
• Schools not yet registered can complete the registration process by sending an email to the SOF.
• Eligibility for the IGKO is limited to pupils in grades 1 through 10.
• Application forms must be completed and submitted solely through the student's respective school; individual applications are not accepted by the Science Olympiad Foundation.
• General Knowledge is compulsory subjects for all students intending to participate. 
• Participation in the examination is restricted to students from recognized boards such as CBSE, ICSE, and state boards.

Steps to participate in IGKO

To take part, students simply need to follow these simple instructions:

Accessing Registration forms:

• Students in classes 1 to 10 are eligible to participate in the SOF IGKO.
• Registration forms are given to all the schools that are already part of SOF.
• Schools not yet registered can request prospectuses by emailing info@sofworld.org or making a phone call.

Completing and Returning Forms:

• After all the students have submitted their forms, schools are required to return the registration forms to SOF, completely filled out and in good order, by the specified deadline.

Roll Numbers:

• The school's coordinating teacher is responsible for completing the School Registration Form (SRF) and Students' Registration Sheet (SRS) following the provided guidelines.
• These forms should be sent to SOF's office before the designated submission deadline.
• Upon receipt of the Students' Registration Sheet (SRS) from the school, SOF will register the school and students.
• SOF will then generate roll numbers for all participating students.

Registration Fee Details:

• Schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, & Nepal pay a registration fee of Rs 125* (including GST) per student/Olympiad to SOF for the examination.
• An extra charge of Rs 25** per student may be added by schools for in-charge honorarium, teacher remuneration, and other expenses.
• For countries outside India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, & Nepal, the registration fee is US$9 per student/Olympiad*, with an additional US$1** per student for related expenses.
• *Includes GST.
• **Additional charge for related expenses.

Fee Exemption: 

• Students with major physical disabilities or Indian students whose parent was martyred during defense operations are exempt from fees.

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 IGKO.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Pattern:

• The IGKO exam comprises three stages for students.
• Section I covers General Awareness. 
• Section II focuses on Current Affairs. 
• Section III emphasizes on Life Skills.
• Section IV is the Achievers Section.
• The question paper includes 35 objective-type questions for Classes 1 to 4 and 50 for Classes 5 to 10.
• Duration: Students have 60 minutes to complete it.

Marking Scheme:

The exam pattern and the marking scheme has been outlined in the table below:

Note: There is no negative marking. 

Syllabus:

• General Awareness (Section - 1): Plants and Animals, India and the World, Science and Technology, Earth and its Environment, Universe, Language and Literature, Entertainment, Social Studies, Sports, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning.
• Current Affairs (Section - 2): This section contains Current Affairs. 
• Life Skills (Section 3): Empathy, Effective Communication, Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Coping with Stress, Decision Making, Problem Solving, Interpersonal Skills, Managing Emotions, Self-awareness.
• Achievers Section (Section 4): Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Sections 1, 2 and 3. 

Other SOF Olympiad Exams 

• IEO - International English Olympiad
• IMO - International Mathematics Olympiad

Benefits

1. Enhanced Knowledge Base: GK Olympiads cover a wide range of topics, helping students broaden their understanding of various subjects such as science, history, geography, current affairs, and more.

2. Improved Academic Performance: The preparation and participation in GK Olympiads can complement school curriculum, leading to better performance in academics due to the comprehensive knowledge gained.

3. Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: These competitions require students to think critically and analyze information quickly, enhancing their problem-solving and reasoning abilities.

4. Increased Awareness and Curiosity: Students develop a habit of staying updated with current events and trends, fostering a lifelong curiosity and awareness about the world around them.

5. Boosted Confidence: Performing well in a competitive environment can significantly boost a student’s confidence and self-esteem, encouraging them to participate in more such events.

6. Recognition and Awards: Olympiads often come with certificates, medals, and sometimes scholarships or other awards, which can be a source of motivation and recognition for students.

7. Development of Study Habits: Preparing for Olympiads instills disciplined study habits and time management skills, which are beneficial for overall academic success.

8. Exposure to Competition: Students get a chance to compete with peers at various levels (school, regional, national, and international), preparing them for future competitive exams and challenges.

9. Networking Opportunities: These events provide a platform to interact with like-minded peers and educators, facilitating the exchange of ideas and fostering a community of knowledge seekers.

10. Scholarship Opportunities: Some GK Olympiads offer scholarships to top performers, which can be helpful in supporting further education.

11. Enhanced Communication Skills: The process of preparing and sometimes presenting in these competitions can improve both written and verbal communication skills.

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

Preparing for the Class 8 General Knowledge Olympiad may seem difficult, but it's an exciting chance. Instead of just a test, view it as an adventure to discover the world of numbers and logic. With enthusiasm and dedication, you can approach it successfully, enjoying the process of learning and gaining knowledge. 

To support you on this journey, we've prepared some useful tips and tricks:

Preparation:

• Understand the syllabus thoroughly and plan to cover topics each day.
• Choose a consistent time and place for studying to maintain regularity.
• Focus on learning with a clear conceptual understanding.
• Take notes while studying, highlighting key points and important topics for easier revision.
• After completing the syllabus, practice chapter-wise questions and mock tests to identify strengths and weaknesses and improve accordingly.
• Once confident with the syllabus, solve previous year's question papers to understand the exam pattern, enhance time management skills, and improve speed and accuracy.

Exam Strategies:

• Stay calm and focused. Take deep breaths and read instructions carefully.
• Effective time management. Allocate time for each section based on strengths and question numbers.
• Careful reading. Analyze questions before attempting answers and identify keywords.
• Utilize the elimination technique. Eliminate wrong options if uncertain about an answer.
• Double-check. Review answers to avoid mistakes before submitting.

Bonus Tips:

• Stay curious! Experiment, ask questions, and explore the world of facts and knowledge.
• Encourage reading a daily newspaper. Focus on sections like current affairs, science, technology, sports, and editorials. Watch documentaries on diverse topics, which can be both informative and engaging. Utilize educational websites like BBC Bitesize, National Geographic Kids, and Quizlet for interactive learning. 
• Believe in yourself. Have confidence in your preparation and give your best effort.

Remember:

• IGKO is challenging yet rewarding; focus on learning and enjoying the journey.
• Celebrate achievements, learn from mistakes, and keep your passion alive.