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IOS 2025 - 26 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

IOS 2025 - 26 Exam Pattern: The International Olympiad of Science (iOS) 2025 - 26 is a renowned examination held annually to assess students' scientific knowledge, reasoning skills, and aptitude. Conducted for students from Class 1 to Class 12, the exam follows a clear pattern and marking scheme tailored to each class group.

This article provides an in-depth look at the iOS 2025 - 26 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme with the latest official details, helping students and teachers prepare effectively.

iOS Medium and Mode of Examination

  • The language medium for the iOS exam is English only.
  • The examination is conducted within school premises during school hours.
  • The Olympiad is organized annually on two tentative dates, and schools can choose the preferred date.
  • A different question paper is prepared for each class.
  • OMR answer sheets are provided starting from Class 1 onwards.
  • Questions are of objective type (multiple-choice questions).
  • No negative marking is applied for wrong answers.

iOS 2025 - 26 Exam Pattern by Class Group

The exam pattern for iOS 2025 - 26 is divided into four class groups with varying numbers of questions and duration:

IOS 2025 Class 1 Exam Pattern

Unit

Chapter

No. of Questions

Marks per Question

Total Marks

Living & Non-Living

Living & Non-Living Things

2

3.5

7

Plants and Animals

Plants; Animals

5

3.5

17.5

Food and Clothes

Food we eat; Clothes we wear

2

3.5

7

Our Environment

Air; Water & its Resources

2

3.5

7

Our Surroundings

Family, Neighbourhood, Safety Rules

2

3.5

7

Human Body

Human Body

2

3.5

7

Reasoning & Aptitude

Reasoning and Aptitude

5

4

20

Scholar’s Zone

Scholar’s Zone

5

5.5

27.5

Total

 

25

 

100

IOS 2025 Class 2 Exam Pattern

Unit

Chapter

No. of Questions

Marks per Question

Total Marks

Living & Non-Living

Living & Non-Living Things

2

3.5

7

Plants and Animals

Plants; Animals

4

3.5

14

Food and Clothes

Food we eat; Clothes we wear

3

3.5

10.5

Our Environment

Air; Water & its Resources

2

3.5

7

Our Surroundings

Family, Neighbourhood, Safety Rules

2

3.5

7

Human Body

Human Body

2

3.5

7

Reasoning & Aptitude

Reasoning and Aptitude

5

4

20

Scholar’s Zone

Scholar’s Zone

5

5.5

27.5

Total

 

25

 

100

IOS 2025 Class 3 Exam Pattern

Unit

Chapter

No. of Questions

Marks per Question

Total Marks

Living & Non-Living Things

Living & Non-Living Things

2

3

6

Plants and Animals

Plant Kingdom

6

3

18

Matter, Motion, Transport

Matter and Motion

4

3

12

 

Transport

     

Environment & Universe

Our Environment, Air, Water, Weather, Universe

5

3

15

Human Body

Our Body

3

3

9

Reasoning & Aptitude

Reasoning and Aptitude

5

3.5

17.5

Scholar’s Zone

Scholar’s Zone

5

4.5

22.5

Total

 

30

 

100

IOS 2025 Class 4 Exam Pattern

Unit

Chapter

No. of Questions

Marks per Question

Total Marks

Human Body

Functioning of the Human Body

3

3

9

Rocks and Soil

Rocks

2

3

6

 

Minerals and Soil

     

Environment & Universe

Our Environment, Universe

4

3

12

Plants and Animals

Plant Kingdom, Animal Kingdom

6

3

18

Work, Force & Energy

Work, Force, and Energy

3

3

9

Matter

Matter

2

3

6

Reasoning & Aptitude

Reasoning and Aptitude

5

3.5

17.5

Scholar’s Zone

Scholar’s Zone

5

4.5

22.5

Total

 

30

 

100

IOS 2025 Class 5 Exam Pattern

Unit

Chapter

No. of Questions

Marks/Question

Total Marks

Matter

Matter

2

3

6

Environment and Natural Calamities

Our Environment, Natural Calamities

4

3

12

Housing

-

-

-

-

Plants and Animals

Plants, Animals

6

3

18

Light and Sound

Light and Sound

2

3

6

Our Body and Nutrition

Our Body and Nutrition

3

3

9

Work and Energy

Work, Force, Energy, and Simple Machines

3

3

9

Reasoning and Aptitude

Reasoning and Aptitude

5

3.5

17.5

Scholar’s Zone

Scholar’s Zone

5

4.5

22.5

Total

 

30

 

100

IOS 2025 Class 6 Exam Pattern

Unit

Chapter

No. of Questions

Marks/Question

Total Marks

Food

Components of Food

2

2.5

5

Materials

Sorting Materials into Groups

4

2.5

10

Living World

Body Movements, Getting to Know Plants, Characteristics

6

2.5

15

Motion and Measurement

Motion and Measurement of Distances

2

2.5

5

How Things Work

Electricity and Circuits

7

2.5

17.5

Air

Air Around Us

2

2.5

5

Reasoning and Aptitude

Reasoning and Aptitude

7

3

21

Scholar’s Zone

Scholar’s Zone

5

4.3

21.5

Total

 

30

 

100

IOS 2025 Class 7 Exam Pattern

Unit

Chapter

No. of Questions

Marks/Question

Total Marks

How Stuff Works

Light, Electric Current and its Effects

6

2.5

15

Living World

Respiration, Transport, Reproduction in Plants

6

2.5

15

Materials

Heat, Acids & Bases, Physical and Chemical Changes

6

2.5

15

Natural Resources

Wastewater Story, Forest

2

2.5

5

Food

Nutrition in Plants and Animals

3

2.5

7.5

Reasoning and Apt.

Reasoning and Aptitude

7

3

21

Scholar’s Zone

Scholar’s Zone

5

4.3

21.5

Total

 

35

 

100

IOS 2025 Class 8 Exam Pattern

Unit

Chapter

No. of Questions

Marks/Question

Total Marks

Food

Crop Production, Microorganism

4

2.5

10

How Stuff Works

Force, Friction, Light, Sound, Chemical Effects

8

2.5

20

Living World

Reproduction, Adolescence, Conservation

6

2.5

15

Materials

Coal, Petroleum, Combustion

3

2.5

7.5

Natural Phenomena

Some Natural Phenomena

2

2.5

5

Reasoning and Apt.

Reasoning and Aptitude

7

3

21

Scholar’s Zone

Scholar’s Zone

5

4.3

21.5

Total

 

35

 

100

IOS 2025 Class 9 Exam Pattern

Unit

Chapter

No. of Questions

Marks/Question

Total Marks

Matter

Matter in Our Surroundings

3

2

6

 

Is Matter Around Us Pure

-

-

-

Atoms & Molecules

Atoms and Molecules

5

2

10

 

Structure of Atom

-

-

-

Living World

Cell, Tissues

5

2

10

Food

Improvement in Food Resources

2

2

4

Force & Motion

Motion, Force and Laws of Motion

6

2

12

Work & Energy

Work and Energy

4

2

8

Sound

Sound

-

-

-

Reasoning & Aptitude

Reasoning and Aptitude

10

3

30

Scholar’s Zone

Scholar’s Zone

5

4

20

Total

 

40

 

100

IOS 2025 Class 10 Exam Pattern

Unit

Chapter

No. of Questions

Marks/Question

Total Marks

Chemical Elements & Properties

Chemical Reactions and Equations

8

2

16

 

Acids, Bases and Salts, Metals & Non-Metals, Carbon & Its Compound

-

-

-

Life Processes

Life Processes

6

2

12

 

Control & Coordination, Reproduction

-

-

-

Heredity and Evolution

Heredity

2

2

4

Light and Electricity

Reflection, Refraction, Human Eye, Electricity, Magnetic Effect

8

2

16

Environment

Environment

1

2

2

Reasoning & Aptitude

Reasoning and Aptitude

10

3

30

Scholar’s Zone

Scholar’s Zone

5

4

20

Total

 

40

 

100

IOS 2025 Class 11 (PCB) Exam Pattern

Subject

Chapters Covered

No. of Questions

Marks/Question

Total Marks

Physics

Units, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy, Gravitation, Thermo, Waves

10

2.5

25

Chemistry

Basic Concepts, Atom, Periodicity, Bonding, Thermo, Equilibrium, Organic, Hydrocarbons

10

2.5

25

Biology

Diversity, Structural Organisation in Plants & Animals

10

2.5

25

Reasoning & Aptitude

Reasoning and Aptitude

10

2.5

25

Total

 

40

 

100

IOS 2025 Class 11 (PCM) Exam Pattern

Subject

Chapters Covered

No. of Questions

Marks/Question

Total Marks

Physics

Unit & Measurement, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Power, Gravitation, Thermo, Oscillations, Waves

10

2.5

25

Chemistry

Basic Concepts, Atom, Periodicity, Bonding, Equilibrium, Redox, Organic Chemistry, Hydrocarbons

10

2.5

25

Mathematics

Sets & Functions, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Calculus, Statistics, Probability

10

2.5

25

Reasoning & Aptitude

Reasoning and Aptitude

10

2.5

25

Total

 

40

 

100

IOS 2025 Class 12 (PCB) Exam Pattern

Subject

Chapters Covered

No. of Questions

Marks/Question

Total Marks

Physics

Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetism, EMI, EM Waves, Optics, Dual Nature, Atoms, Devices

10

2.5

25

Chemistry

Solutions, Electrochemistry, Kinetics, d & f Block, Coordination, Organic (Halogens, O, N), Biomolecules

10

2.5

25

Biology

Reproduction, Genetics, Human Welfare, Biotechnology, Ecology

10

2.5

25

Reasoning & Aptitude

Reasoning and Aptitude

10

2.5

25

Total

 

40

 

100

IOS 2025 Class 12 (PCM) Exam Pattern

Subject

Chapters Covered

No. of Questions

Marks/Question

Total Marks

Physics

Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetism, EMI, EM Waves, Optics, Dual Nature, Atoms, Devices

10

2.5

25

Chemistry

Solutions, Electrochemistry, Kinetics, d & f Block, Coordination, Organic (Halogens, O, N), Biomolecules

10

2.5

25

Mathematics

Relations, Algebra, Calculus, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Linear Programming, Probability

10

2.5

25

Reasoning & Aptitude

Reasoning and Aptitude

10

2.5

25

Total

 

40

 

100

iOS Exam Sections

The iOS exam for all classes consists of three main sections, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of knowledge and skills:

  1. Section 1: Science
    Questions cover general science topics aligned with the respective class syllabus.
  2. Section 2: Reasoning and Aptitude
    This section tests logical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
  3. Section 3: Scholar’s Zone
    Higher-order thinking questions designed to challenge and inspire advanced learners.

iOS Exam Structure Table by Class Group

Class Group

No. of Questions

Duration

Sections Included

Medium

Negative Marking

1 - 2

25

40 minutes

Science, Reasoning & Aptitude, Scholar’s Zone

English

No

3 - 5

30

40 minutes

Science, Reasoning & Aptitude, Scholar’s Zone

English

No

6 - 8

35

40 minutes

Science, Reasoning & Aptitude, Scholar’s Zone

English

No

9 - 12

40

50 minutes

Science, Reasoning & Aptitude, Scholar’s Zone

English

No

Details Regarding the iOS Exam Conduct

  • The Olympiad is held at the respective schools during school hours, minimizing disruption to regular classes.
  • Schools are provided with instructions and guidelines along with the question papers for smooth conduct.
  • Each Olympiad exam date features a separate set of question papers, ensuring fairness and preventing repetition.
  • Students will mark answers on OMR sheets from Class 1 onwards, promoting familiarity with standardized exam formats.

iOS Marking Scheme

The iOS exam follows a simple and fair marking scheme:

  • Each question carries equal marks contributing to a total of 100 marks.
  • No negative marking for incorrect answers.
  • Students are encouraged to attempt all questions without fear of losing marks for wrong answers.

This encourages students to attempt all questions, promoting confidence and a positive exam experience.

iOS Exam Dates and Scheduling

The Olympiad for iOS 2025 - 26 is organized on two tentative dates:

Event

Tentative Dates

First Date of iOS Olympiad

18th November 2025 (Tuesday)

Second Date of iOS Olympiad

10th December 2025 (Wednesday)

Schools may choose any one of the two dates based on their convenience.

iOS 2025 - 26 Exam Pattern and Marking

Class Group

Questions

Duration

Total Marks

Sections

Negative Marking

Classes 1 - 2

25

40 mins

100

Science, Reasoning, Scholar’s Zone

No

Classes 3 - 5

30

40 mins

100

Science, Reasoning, Scholar’s Zone

No

Classes 6 - 8

35

40 mins

100

Science, Reasoning, Scholar’s Zone

No

Classes 9 - 12

40

50 mins

100

Science, Reasoning, Scholar’s Zone

No

Preparation Tips Based on the iOS Exam Pattern

  1. Understand the Section-wise Focus:
    Prepare science concepts, practice reasoning questions, and challenge yourself with advanced Scholar’s Zone problems.
  2. Practice with Sample Papers and Previous Question Papers:
    Familiarity with OMR sheets and question formats will help improve speed and accuracy.
  3. Time Management:
    Work on solving the question paper within the allotted 40 to 50 minutes.
  4. Focus on Accuracy:
    Since there is no negative marking, attempt all questions carefully to maximize scores.
  5. Use NCERT and Reference Books:
    The exam is aligned with the school syllabus; use NCERT textbooks as your primary study material.

Conclusion

The iOS 2025 - 26 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme is thoughtfully designed to assess students’ knowledge and aptitude in a fair and standardized way. With clear instructions, no negative marking, and a balanced mix of science and reasoning questions, the exam offers every student an equal opportunity to showcase their skills.

Knowing the detailed exam pattern helps students and educators plan a focused study strategy. By understanding the exam duration, question count, sections, and marking scheme, students can prepare more effectively for success in the iOS Olympiad.

IOS 2025 - 26 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme FAQs

Q1. What is the total number of questions and maximum marks in the IOS 2025-26 exam?
Answer: The IOS 2025-26 exam for each class typically consists of 40 questions carrying a total of 100 marks. The number of questions may vary slightly for junior classes, but for Classes 9 to 12, it remains consistent.

Q2. How are marks distributed across different subjects in the IOS exam?
Answer: In Classes 11 and 12, each subject such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, and Reasoning & Aptitude usually carries 10 questions, with each question worth 2.5 marks, totaling 25 marks per subject. This makes the complete exam 100 marks.

Q3. What is the Scholar’s Zone in the IOS exam pattern?
Answer: The Scholar’s Zone is a special section included in IOS exams to assess higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills. It usually contains around 5 questions with a higher mark weightage (up to 4–4.3 marks per question), contributing significantly to the total score.

Q4. Is there any negative marking in the IOS 2025-26 exam?
Answer: No, the IOS 2025-26 exam does not include any negative marking, which encourages students to attempt all questions without the fear of losing marks for incorrect answers.

Q5. Are Reasoning and Aptitude questions compulsory for all classes in IOS 2025-26?
Answer: Yes, Reasoning and Aptitude is a compulsory and significant part of the IOS exam for all classes, contributing between 17 to 30 marks, depending on the grade level. It helps evaluate the student’s logical thinking and analytical skills.

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