International Kangaroo Science Competition
(IKSC)

Online School Registration

Global Recognition

Fee:

QAR 100 / student

⚠️ Important Update: The International Kangaroo Science Competition (IKSC) 2025 has been rescheduled. The competition will now take place on 5 November 2025 (previously 23 October 2025).

Download Poster

IKSC 2025 Qatar.pdf

63207ee682dbbc3b1acbcb08_a7c5f28cbcd6ccd9a59f285ba88a1583 (1)-min.jpeg

Days

DD

Hours

HH

Minutes

MM

Second

SS

Registrations for IKSC closed

Registrations for IKSC 2025 closing in:

Register your schools and students now!

Explore science. Ignite curiosity!

The International Kangaroo Science Competition (IKSC) is a globally recognized science contest that inspires young minds. Through fun, thought-provoking challenges, students in Grades 1–10 expand their curiosity and sharpen critical thinking—joining a truly international learning community.

History

The International Kangaroo Science Competition (IKSC) was founded in 2006 by a group of distinguished researchers and educators in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Their vision was to nurture a research-oriented mindset in schoolchildren and create a dynamic platform that sparks curiosity and passion for science.

The first contest in 2008 drew students from Brazil, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Romania, and Russia. Since then, IKSC has grown into a global movement—today engaging students from over 90 countries worldwide, a testament to its international appeal and impact.

Value

Endorsed by esteemed educators and organizations around the globe, IKSC enhances students’ abilities in scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Each challenge is designed not just to test knowledge, but to inspire learning, ignite curiosity, and connect young minds to the joy of discovery.

Aligned with Qatar’s Education Vision 2030: IKSC directly supports Qatar’s national priorities by fostering innovation, critical thinking, and inquiry-based learning—helping schools fulfill strategic objectives while enriching their curriculum.

Benefits for Students

Enhanced problem-solving skills: Stimulating science challenges sharpen critical thinking and creativity.
Confidence and joy of discovery: Students gain belief in their abilities while experiencing the excitement of scientific exploration.
International recognition: Globally valued certificates and awards celebrate achievement and motivate further growth.
Preparation for the future: Participation supports stronger performance in higher-education entry exams and inspires a lifelong love of science.

Benefits for Schools

Elevated reputation: Position your school among leading institutions recognized for global academic excellence.
Aligned with national vision: IKSC fosters inquiry and innovation, echoing Qatar’s 2030 education strategy.
Actionable insights: Detailed student performance data helps schools identify strengths, address gaps, and refine teaching strategies.
Culture of excitement: The buzz of a global contest energizes students, teachers, and parents—creating a vibrant academic atmosphere.
Recognition for staff: Coordinators and principals receive official appreciation, motivating teachers and leadership alike.

Participating Countries

Each year, students from 90+ countries unite under the IKSC banner, sharing a common commitment to advancing science education worldwide.

General Information

Who can participate: All schools in Qatar are invited to host IKSC and register students in Grades 1–10. Both public and private schools, as well as private educational institutions, are encouraged to involve as many students as possible.
Competition day: The IKSC is held simultaneously at all participating institutions across Qatar on the same day and time, ensuring fairness and shared excitement nationwide.
Inclusive participation: No school should refuse any student who wishes to participate. Every student deserves the chance to experience the competition.
Registration & fees:
- Student registration fee: QAR 100 per student (covers organization and materials).
- School registration fee: None — schools register free of charge.
Venue & supervision: The competition is conducted at each school’s own premises under the supervision of the principal or a designated lead coordinator.
Format: Students compete at their respective grade levels. The competition is a multiple-choice test, designed to be engaging and accessible. Past IKSC and Kangaroo questions are available in the Download section of this page for preparation.

Awards & Recognition
- Students:
  - Gold Medal: 95% and above
  - Silver Medal: 85% and above
  - Bronze Medal: 75% and above
  - 3-Star Badge: 65% and above
  - 2-Star Badge: 55% and above
  - 1-Star Badge: 40% and above
  - Certificate of Participation: Below 40%

- Schools & Staff:
  - Certificates of Leadership for principals.
  - Certificates of Excellence in Coordination for coordinators.
  - Schools are formally recognised for hosting and promoting the competition.

Grade categories:
- Pre-Ecolier: Grades 1–2
- Ecolier: Grades 3–4
- Benjamin: Grades 5–6
- Cadet: Grades 7–8
- Junior: Grades 9–10

Course Overview

The IKSC is a single-round competition — there are no preliminary or final stages.
It is held once a year in September, on the same day across all participating institutions in Qatar.
Students sit a multiple-choice test divided into five grade categories, with each question offering five possible answers.
The content aligns with the school curriculum, but solving the problems requires creativity, logical thinking, and fresh perspectives.
This makes the test both accessible and unique — a challenge that encourages students to think beyond textbooks.
The competition is conducted in English and Arabic

Course Outline

The International Kangaroo Science Competition (IKSC) does not follow a fixed syllabus. Instead, it presents students with engaging, age-appropriate challenges that require curiosity, creativity, and logical reasoning.

IKSC is offered in five levels (Grades 1–10), with each level carefully tailored to the developmental stage of the students. The test questions cover familiar themes from science and everyday life, but require students to think beyond textbooks and apply their knowledge in fresh ways.

To prepare, students are encouraged to practice with past IKSC and Kangaroo papers, available in the Download section of this page. These resources help participants get comfortable with the style of questions and the competition format.

This approach ensures that IKSC goes beyond rote memorisation—helping students think critically, explore new perspectives, and discover the joy of science.

CONDUCTED IN 90 COUNTRIES

For Levels 1-10

90 Participant Countries

MCQ Based

Participation certificate
Medals, Badges and other prizes

Duration: 120 Mins