International Junior Artificial Intelligence Olympiad (IJAIO)

The International Junior Artificial Intelligence Olympiad (IJAIO) is a new international academic competition designed to introduce students to the world of Artificial Intelligence through age-appropriate challenges in AI thinking, computational thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and responsible AI use.

Organised by the Singapore International Mastery Contests Centre (SIMCC), IJAIO is designed for students from Year 1 to 13, with content progressively adapted to different age groups. Importantly, the programme is designed to be accessible to students regardless of prior coding experience.

Students who have won Gold/ Silver/ Bronze/ Honorable Mention Award in IJAIO will be invited to join STEAM AHEAD 2026: International Junior Artificial Intelligence Olympiad (IJAIO) Global Finals. Contest entry is available on a first come first served basis, so register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Why IJAIO?

From generative AI and chatbots to recommendation systems, computer vision and AI-powered applications, understanding AI is becoming an increasingly valuable skill for students preparing for further education and future careers.

IJAIO goes beyond simply testing students on technical knowledge. It encourages students to:

Understand the fundamental concepts behind Artificial Intelligence
Develop computational and logical thinking
Recognise patterns and make predictions
Understand how machines learn from data
Explore generative AI and AI systems
Analyse bias, misinformation and potential AI failures
Think about fairness, safety, privacy and responsible AI use
Design solutions that place people at the centre
Develop a mindset of curiosity, critical thinking and lifelong learning

The competition combines technical understanding with responsible and human-centred AI thinking.

<< Download IJAIO Info Pack here >>

Date

School Year Level: 1 to 13 (Primary 1 to A-Levels/STPM)
*According to Year Level in January 2026
Language(s): English
𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 2026 @Online (10am-5pm)
𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆:

Format

	Lower Primary (Year 1 – 3)	Upper Primary (Year 4 – 6)	Lower Secondary (Year 7 – 8)	Upper Secondary (Year 9 – 13)
Total Marks	100
Sections	2
Language	English
Duration	45 Minutes	60 Minutes	90 Minutes	90 Minutes
Section A	20 MCQ (60 Marks)	30 MCQ (60 Marks)	20 MCQ (40 Marks)	20 MCQ (40 Marks)
Section B	2 Subjective (40 Marks)	2 Subjective (40 Marks)	3* Subjective (60 Marks) **Structured Theory Problems / Practical Programming Tasks	3* Subjective (60 Marks) **Structured Theory Problems / Design Challenge / Practical Programming Tasks

*1 problem / task will be based on an emerging AI technology theme which will be announced two months before IJAIO. This is to keep pace with AI technologies’ rapid developments and more significantly, for students and teachers to inculcate the growth mindset of lifelong learning and the critical life skill to effectively and efficiently learn, unlearn and relearn. For example, IJAIO 2026 will be conducted from mid to end January 2026. In mid November 2025, the emerging AI technology theme (eg AI agents) with associated high level overview and scope will be made available at https://computing.sg/ijaio.

Syllabus (Click here to view syllabus)

Sample Paper:
– Lower Primary (Year 1 to 3) / (Primary 1 to 3)
– Upper Primary (Year 4 to 6) / (Primary 4 to 6)
– Lower Secondary (Year 7 to 8) / (Secondary 1 to 2)
– Upper Primary (Year 9 to 13) / (Secondary 3 to A-Lvls/STPM)

For Secondary students (Year 7 – 13) to take note:

Software
For practical programming tasks, the language and platform used will be the current stable version of
Python 3 and Jupyter Notebook / Google Colab
Hardware
A Windows or MacOS laptop is recommended. Candidates using Chromebooks, Android and iOS devices
may encounter compatibility issues with editing, testing and executing local Python programs/scripts for
practical programming tasks.

Awards

Physical certificate and medal is only for Gold / Silver / Bronze award winners.
Perfect Scorers will receive personalised medal.
e-Certificate is provided for all award winners including Honorable Mention and Certificate of Participation.

How to Register

IJAIO 2026
Year Level: 1 to 13 (Primary 1 to A-Levels/STPM)
Language(s): English
𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 2026 @Online
𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚:
𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: CLOSED
*Only first 300 Registrations are free! Next 300 will qualify for 50% Scholarship.
**All slots are first come first served. Registration fee will be priced regularly after 600 Special Registration Slots have been taken.

How to Register?

Step 1: Make payment via Billplz
*You will receive an Instant Receipt via Email with the Bill ID
You may pay for more than 1 child/ student at once by increasing the quantity. Just put in the same Bill ID during registration.
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Step 2: After payment, you will be re-directed to the Registration Form automatically. Fill up the Form. Don’t miss this step!