Last date to register is 26th April 2026.
Registrations for IKMC now open!
Competition date is 5th May 2026.

International
Kangaroo
Science
Competition

Fee:                  BD 12 per student

International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition

Explore science. Ignite curiosity!

History

The International Kangaroo Science Competition (IKSC) was founded in 2006 by a group of researchers and educators in Saint Petersburg, Russia, with the aim of nurturing scientific curiosity and research-oriented thinking among school students.

The first international edition in 2008 brought together students from several countries across Europe and beyond. Since then, IKSC has steadily grown into a globally recognised academic initiative, engaging students from 90+ countries each year.

IKSC is part of the broader Kangaroo family of academic competitions and follows the same philosophy of promoting thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving, rather than rote memorisation or exam-style preparation.

Value

The International Kangaroo Science Competition is designed to encourage students to explore science as a process of inquiry and discovery.

Rather than testing factual recall, IKSC challenges students to apply scientific understanding, logical reasoning, and everyday observation to solve engaging, age-appropriate problems.

The competition is supported by educators and academic contributors from across the world and is valued for its ability to make science accessible, enjoyable, and intellectually stimulating for students at different developmental stages.

Benefits for Students
  • Develops scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills
  • Encourages curiosity and confidence through inquiry-based challenges
  • Provides international recognition through certificates, medals, and badges
  • Supports long-term academic development and interest in science-related fields
Benefits for Schools
  • Demonstrates commitment to academic enrichment and inquiry-based learning
  • Supports the development of a positive science-learning culture
  • Provides international academic exposure for students and staff
  • Recognises the role of school leadership and coordinators
Participating Countries

Students from 90+ countries participate in the International Kangaroo Science Competition each year, forming a global community committed to advancing science education through creative thinking.

Who Can Participate

Schools in Bahrain are invited to host IKSC and register students in Grades 1–10. Both public and private schools, as well as approved educational institutions, may participate.

Competition Day

IKSC is conducted simultaneously at participating institutions on a common date, ensuring fairness and a shared international experience.

Inclusive Participation

IKSC encourages inclusive participation. Schools are encouraged to provide all interested students the opportunity to take part.

Registration & Fees
  • Student registration fee: BHD 150 per student
  • School registration fee: None
Venue & Supervision

The competition is held within each participating institution, under the supervision of the principal or a designated school coordinator.

Format

IKSC is a written, multiple-choice competition conducted at grade-appropriate levels. Past IKSC and Kangaroo questions are available in the Download section for familiarisation with the question style.

Awards & Recognition

For 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%
For Schools & Staff
  • Certificates of Appreciation for principals
  • Certificates of Coordination for school coordinators
  • Formal recognition of schools hosting and supporting 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
Competition Format & Structure

The International Kangaroo Science Competition (IKSC) consists of a single written test.
There are no preliminary or final rounds.

The competition is conducted once a year on a common date across participating institutions.

Students attempt a multiple-choice test, with each question offering five answer choices, only one of which is correct.

The questions are designed to align broadly with school science learning while encouraging:

  • scientific reasoning
  • observation and interpretation
  • application of concepts to real-life contexts

The competition is conducted in English and Arabic.

Level-wise Scope

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

IKSC is offered across five grade categories (Grades 1–10). At each level, questions draw on familiar scientific themes from:

  • everyday life
  • natural phenomena
  • basic scientific principles

While the content is accessible to students at each grade level, the problems are designed to encourage thinking beyond memorisation, helping students apply scientific knowledge in new and meaningful ways.

Competition Structure by Level
  • Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Format: Multiple-choice questions
  • Number of questions:
    • Grades 1–4: 24 questions
    • Grades 5–10: 30 questions
  • Scoring pattern:
    • Problems are grouped into sections with increasing point values (3, 4, and 5 points)
    • Incorrect answers carry a small penalty, while unanswered questions receive zero points
Preparation

Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the style and structure of the competition using past IKSC and Kangaroo questions, available in the Download section of this page.

This approach ensures that IKSC supports scientific thinking, exploration, and enjoyment, rather than exam-oriented preparation.

CONDUCTED IN 110+ COUNTRIES

For Classes 1-10

MCQ Based

.

Duration: 120 Mins

110+ Participant Countries

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Participation certificate Medals, Badges and other prizes

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BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION

For Students:

  1. Stronger Scientific Reasoning Skills
    Students engage with non-routine, real-world science problems that develop logical thinking, analytical reasoning, and scientific curiosity.

  2. Broader Scientific Exposure
    The competition introduces a wide range of science themes beyond routine classroom learning, encouraging curiosity and deeper understanding.

  3. International Recognition
    Participation and achievement in an internationally recognised competition add academic value and distinction to students’ profiles, including school records and future university applications.

  4. Increased Confidence
    Successfully tackling challenging science problems builds academic confidence and nurtures a positive, growth-oriented mindset.

  5. Support for Higher Education Readiness
    Regular exposure to complex, reasoning-based questions strengthens skills relevant to higher education entry and aptitude assessments.

  6. Love for Scientific Inquiry
    Engaging and enjoyable problems help students associate science with curiosity and discovery, fostering long-term interest in STEM-related fields.

  7. Early Competitive Readiness
    Participation builds focus, resilience, and adaptability, preparing students for future academic competitions and challenges.

  8. Awards and Recognition
    All participants receive International Kangaroo Certificates of Participation, while high-performing students are awarded medals, badges, and certificates recognised across participating countries.

For Hosting Schools and Educational Institutions

  1. Academic Standing & Credibility
    Participation in a globally recognised science competition reflects a school’s commitment to inquiry-based learning and academic enrichment.

  2. Recognition of School Leadership
    School coordinators and principals receive Certificates of Appreciation, acknowledging their role in supporting academic and scientific development.

  3. Alignment with STEM Education Priorities
    IKSC supports scientific reasoning, inquiry, and problem-solving skills aligned with national and international STEM education objectives.

  4. Student Engagement & Learning Culture
    The competition promotes curiosity and motivation, contributing to a positive and intellectually active learning environment.

  5. Development of Higher-Order Thinking
    Exposure to non-routine science problems strengthens analytical thinking and prepares students for advanced academic challenges.

  6. Meaningful Insight into Student Performance
    Individual student performance outcomes provide useful feedback to support academic guidance and enrichment planning.

Rewards

For Students:

  • International AKSF Certificates of Participation for all students across 110+ participating countries

  • Medals and badges for high-achieving students based on performance

For Educators:

  • Certificates of Appreciation for participating school coordinators and principals

HOW TO REGISTER?

Students may only register through their public, private schools and educational centres/ institutions only. Only licensed schools and educational centers may host the IKSC.

Instructions for schools to register for IKSC:

1) REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL:
Register your school (free) with official email, school details (Address, contact numbers, Principal and Coordinator information address etc) and set up a password. Click below to register.
Click below to register.

2) LOGIN TO SCHOOL PROFILE:
Once registered, click login (click “School Login on top menu” and enter). Once created, the same school profile should be used to participate in future contests. In case you forgot your password, click “forgot password” to get password change instructions on the registered email.

3) SELECT CONTEST:
Once on school dashboard, click “Contest” > “IKSC”.

4) ADD STUDENTS:
After selecting the desired contest, click “add students”. You need student name, father’s/ guardian’s name and grade/class. Once all students are added, you may proceed to payment.

5) MAKE PAYMENT:
Payments should be sent consolidated i.e BD 12 x total number of students registering for the competition. Payments to be made by the school in the following account via deposit or online transfer:

6) ATTACH PROOF OF PAYMENT:
Attach proof of payment within the contest page after adding all students and making the payment.

7) SUBMIT & CHECK CONFIRMATION EMAIL:
Once complete, submit your entries and you shall get an email confirmation of your participation details on the registered email.

Should you have any questions or require assistance in the registration, please feel free to reach us at info@kangarooBahrain.com and a representative will get in touch.