Every year, millions of students across India and abroad sit for SOF Olympiads—and soon after the exams, families and schools start searching for “SOF Olympiad Awards” to understand who gets what, when, and how to verify it. If you’re a student, parent, teacher, or school principal, this guide clears the fog. We break down Level 1 vs Level 2 awards, cash prizes and medals at international, zonal and school levels, and the steps to confirm the authenticity of certificates and ranks. You’ll also find practical tips on what to do after results and where to look for reliable preparation resources, without the hype.
How SOF Olympiads Work (and which exams have Level 2)
SOF conducts eight Olympiads annually. Of these, IEO, NSO, and IMO are two-level exams for Classes 3–12, while IGKO, ICSO, ISSO, IHO, ICO are single-level exams (and Classes 1–2 across all subjects remain single-level).
To reach Level 2 (for IEO/NSO/IMO), a student typically qualifies by meeting one of these criteria:
- Being in the top 5% in their class in Level 1 at the national scale;
- Being among the top 25 rankers in their Zone (class-wise);
- Being the class topper in their school, provided ≥10 students from that class appeared and the topper scored ≥50%.
Level 2 is conducted for English, Science, and Mathematics (IEO/NSO/IMO) for Classes 3–12.
Also Check – Useful information about the SOF Level-2 Olympiad
SOF Olympiad Awards—At a Glance (Students)
International Awards (all applicable exams)
- International Rank 1: ₹50,000 + International Gold Medal + Certificate of Outstanding Performance
- International Rank 2: ₹25,000 + International Silver Medal + Certificate of Outstanding Performance
- International Rank 3: ₹10,000 + International Bronze Medal + Certificate of Outstanding Performance
Ties are handled by splitting amounts up to 10 awardees; beyond that, gifts worth ₹1,000 each replace cash, with medals and certificates.
Zonal Awards
- Zonal Rank 1: ₹5,000 + Zonal Gold Medal + Certificate of Zonal Excellence
- Zonal Rank 2: ₹2,500 + Zonal Silver Medal + Certificate of Zonal Excellence
- Zonal Rank 3: ₹1,000 + Zonal Bronze Medal + Certificate of Zonal Excellence
- Zonal Ranks 4–10: Gifts worth ₹500 + Medal of Distinction + Certificate of Distinction
- Zonal Ranks 11–25: Medal of Distinction + Certificate of Distinction
(Tie rules similar to international awards.)
School-Level Recognitions
- Gold Medal of Excellence:
- 100% in the exam → medal awarded
- 5–9 participants in a class → medal to top ranker
- 10–25 participants → medals to top 3 rankers
- >25 participants → medals to top 10% of the class
- Student Performance Report (SPR) for every test-taker
- Participation Certificate for every test-taker
- Merit Certificate for Level 2 participants
- Medals of Distinction to Top 25 rank holders per class across zones (from Level 1/single-level Olympiads)
Also Check – Why Every Student Should Try SOF Olympiads: Insights from Teachers
SOF Level 1 vs Level 2: Who Gets Which Award?
- For IMO/NSO/IEO (Classes 3–12):
International and Zonal topper awards are based on Level 2 results. Class-topper awards remain based on Level 1. - For Classes 1–2 (all subjects) and for IGKO/ICSO/IHO/ISSO/ICO (all classes):
International and Zonal topper awards are awarded from Level 1 (these are single-level exams). Class-topper awards are also based on Level 1.
Note: If SOF does not conduct Level 2 for reasons beyond control, Level 1 ranks are treated as final for awards.
How Ranks Are Calculated (and Ties Broken)
- In Level 2, ranking is primarily by total marks. Ties are resolved using sectional priority, followed by Level 1 total, and then Level 1 section scores. If still tied, the same rank may be awarded.
- In single-level exams (IGKO/ICSO/ISSO/IHO/ICO and Classes 1–2 of IEO/NSO/IMO), ranks are by total marks, with tiebreaks via sectional priority; persistent ties can share ranks.
Authenticity: Are SOF Olympiad Awards Genuine? How to Verify
Yes—SOF awards and certificates are issued directly by the Science Olympiad Foundation and dispatched via schools. Every year, an Annual Awards Function is held in New Delhi to felicitate international top rankers; other winners receive awards through their schools.
To verify your award or result:
- Check the official results portal:
Go to results.sofworld.org (SOF explicitly does not vouch for third-party result pages). Use the Roll No in the prescribed format (e.g., AN0006-11-X-005). - Match award type with your rank/level:
- International Rank 1/2/3 → International Medal + cash award + certificate
- Zonal Rank 1/2/3 → Zonal Medal + certificate (+ cash/gifts as applicable)
- Zonal Ranks 4–25 → Medals/Certificates of Distinction
- Class Topper → Gold Medal of Excellence (as per class participation rules)
Cross-check these against your rank shown on the SOF results portal.
- Confirm the dispatch channel:
Awards/certificates typically come via your school unless you were invited to the central awards ceremony. If you see discrepancies, contact your school’s SOF coordinator or reach SOF using the contact info on the official site. - Keep your SPR and roll number handy:
The Student Performance Report and the roll number format make reconciliation faster when schools or SOF verify.
Pro-tip for schools: Publish an internal notice clarifying that only the official SOF portals are authoritative for ranks/results and that any outside links should be treated with caution.
SOF Recognition for Schools, Principals & Teachers
SOF also honours educators and institutions:
- International Level:
Best International Principal – ₹25,000 + Citation + Trophy
Best International Teacher – ₹10,000 + Citation + Trophy - Zonal Level:
Best Zonal Principal – ₹10,000 + Citation + Trophy
Best Zonal Teacher – ₹5,000 + Citation + Trophy - District Level:
Best District Principal – ₹5,100 + Citation + Trophy
Best District Teacher – ₹1,000 + Citation + Trophy
Principal awards consider a school’s cumulative performance across Olympiads; Teacher awards are based on performance in the specific Olympiad.
Special Scholarships You Should Know
SOF supports deserving students through dedicated schemes:
- GCSS (Girl Child Scholarship Scheme): 300 scholarships, ₹5,000 each
- DSAS (Defence Services Academic Excellence Scholarship): 260 scholarships, ₹5,000 each + Certificate
- AES (Academic Excellence Scholarship): 260 scholarships, ₹5,000 each + Trophy + Merit Certificate (for the highest aggregate across four Olympiads in the year, Classes 1–10, zone-wise)
Also Check – How SOF Olympiads Help Students Build Skills for a Bright Future
Practical Tips for Students, Parents & Schools
For students & parents
- Understand your path: If you’re in Classes 3–12 for IMO/NSO/IEO, aim for Level 2—top 5%, top 25 in zone, or school topper (with criteria).
- Track the calendar: Level 1 results typically release a few weeks after exams; Level 2 follows. Always cross-verify on SOF portals.
- Use official-aligned study resources: SOF FAQs explicitly reference MTG materials for Olympiad preparation, noting MTG as the official academic partner. This is helpful when selecting books and practice papers that mirror exam rigor.
For teachers & principals
- Encourage broad participation to unlock more Gold Medals of Excellence at the school level; higher participation widens recognition.
- Verify before you announce: Use results.sofworld.org to confirm ranks before publishing school circulars or social posts.
- Celebrate authentically: Display medals and certificates in assemblies; share official ceremony highlights where applicable (SOF conducts an annual awards function for top rankers).
Important – How SOF Olympiads Boost your Child’s Thinking Power
FAQs on SOF Olympiad Awards
Q.1. Do Classes 1–2 ever have Level 2?
No. These remain single-level for all subjects; awards for these classes come from Level 1.
Q.2. What’s the difference between Medal of Distinction and Gold Medal of Excellence?
- Medal of Distinction recognizes high zonal performance (typically for Zonal Ranks 4–25 after Level 1/single-level).
- Gold Medal of Excellence recognizes class toppers within a school based on participation thresholds.
Q.3. Can awards change if Level 2 is not held?
Yes. If Level 2 isn’t conducted due to external factors, Level 1 ranks become final for awards.
Q.4. How are Level 2 ties resolved?
By sectional priority, then Level 1 totals, then Level 1 section scores; if still tied, the same rank may be given.
Conclusion
Understanding SOF Olympiad Awards is simpler once you map the award to the exam level (Level 1 vs Level 2), your class, and your rank (school, zonal, or international). Use SOF’s official portals to verify results and match medals/certificates to the published criteria—this ensures authenticity and avoids confusion. For preparation, refer to officially acknowledged resources and stay close to the syllabus and sectional priorities that decide rankings.
