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

International Kangaroo Linguistic Competition

Fee:                  BD 15 per student

International Kangaroo Mathematics Competition

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History

The International Kangaroo Linguistic Competition (IKLC) was established in Europe in 2004, emerging from a shared academic vision: to celebrate language not merely as a subject, but as a tool for thinking, reasoning, and cultural connection.

Developed within the wider Kangaroo educational movement, IKLC was created to engage students through carefully designed linguistic challenges that reward clarity of thought, attention to nuance, and creative interpretation. Over the years, the competition has expanded steadily, reaching schools across dozens of countries and reflecting the growing importance of multilingual competence in an interconnected world.

Today, IKLC stands as an international academic initiative that encourages students to explore language as a living system — shaped by logic, culture, and meaning.

Value

At its core, IKLC is built on a simple idea:
strong language skills shape strong thinkers.

The competition invites students to work with language in thoughtful, engaging ways — analysing structure, meaning, and context rather than memorising rules. Through this approach, IKLC nurtures precision, interpretation, and expressive confidence — skills essential for academic success across disciplines.

Aligned with Bahrain’s emphasis on communication, cultural literacy, and future-ready education, IKLC supports the development of globally aware students who can think critically, articulate clearly, and engage confidently across languages and cultures.

Benefits for Students

Participation in IKLC offers students a unique intellectual experience that goes beyond conventional language assessments. Students develop:

  • Stronger analytical and interpretive skills
  • Increased confidence in reading, reasoning, and expression
  • Exposure to international standards of linguistic thinking
  • Recognition through certificates and awards valued in academic portfolios

Most importantly, students experience language as something to explore and enjoy — not simply a subject to be tested.

Benefits for Schools

By offering IKLC, schools demonstrate a commitment to holistic education and international academic engagement. Participation helps schools:

  • Enrich their language and humanities programmes
  • Promote critical thinking and cultural awareness
  • Engage students in a global academic initiative
  • Strengthen their profile as institutions preparing students for a connected world

IKLC encourages whole-school participation and fosters a culture of curiosity, dialogue, and intellectual confidence.

Participating Countries

IKLC is conducted across a network of 90 participating countries, reflecting its growing international presence and relevance. Students worldwide engage with the same carefully designed challenges, creating a shared academic experience that transcends borders and curricula.

General Information

  • All schools in Bahrain are invited to host the IKLC and register their students from grades 1 to 12 for participation.
  • The IKLC will be held simultaneously at all participating institutions across the country on the same day and time.
  • We encourage the participation of the maximum number of students from all public and private schools as well as private institutions.
  • Registration includes a fee of AED 150 per student, which covers the costs of organizing the competition.
  • There is no fee for school registration.
  • The competition is conducted within the school premises, under the supervision of the Principal or a designated School Coordinator, ensuring a structured and supportive examination environment.
  • Students participate at their respective grade levels.
  • The competition takes the form of a written multiple-choice assessment designed to evaluate linguistic reasoning, comprehension, and interpretive skills. For familiarisation, schools may download and review past Kangaroo questions, available in the downloads section of this page.
  • At each level of participation, awards in the International Kangaroo Linguistic Competition (IKLC) are determined based on score thresholds, not on a single winner.
  • Students are ranked according to their total score and are awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals, as well as 3-Star, 2-Star, and 1-Star certificates, based on predefined percentage criteria.
  • All participating students receive a Certificate of Participation. Rankings and awards are determined independently at the school and national level, allowing multiple students at the same level to achieve the same award category.
  • Students compete in six categories: Pre-Ecolier (levels 1 and 2), Ecolier (levels 3 and 4), Benjamin (levels 5 and 6), Cadet (levels 7 and 8), Junior (levels 9 and 10), and Student (levels 11 and 12).
IKLC Award Criteria
  • Gold Medal: 95% and above
  • Silver Medal: 85% and above
  • Bronze Medal: 75% and above
  • 3-Star Certificate: 65% and above
  • 2-Star Certificate: 55% and above
  • 1-Star Certificate: 40% and above
  • Certificate of Participation: Below 40%
Competition Format & Structure

The International Kangaroo Linguistic Competition (IKLC) 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 countries.

The test is paper-based and consists of multiple-choice questions, with the total number of questions varying by grade level (typically 24 to 30 questions).

Each question has five answer choices, with only one correct answer.

The questions are designed to complement language learning while encouraging linguistic reasoning, comprehension, interpretation, and analytical thinking, rather than memorisation of rules or vocabulary.

The competition is conducted in English.

The use of dictionaries, calculators, mobile phones, or any electronic devices is strictly prohibited.

The questions are divided into three sections with different point values:

  • 3 points per question in the first section
  • 4 points per question in the second section
  • 5 points per question in the third section

An incorrect answer results in a −1 point penalty, while unanswered questions receive 0 points.

To ensure that no student receives a negative score, each participant begins with an initial credit (equal to the total number of questions), making the minimum possible score 0.

Competition Scope by Level
The International Kangaroo Linguistic Competition (IKLC) is structured to present age-appropriate, thought-provoking linguistic challenges that encourage reasoning, comprehension, and clarity of expression. Each level follows a common format, while varying in linguistic scope and cognitive complexity.
Pre-Ecolier Level (Grades 1 & 2)
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Number of questions: 24
    • 8 questions worth 3 points
    • 8 questions worth 4 points
    • 8 questions worth 5 points
Scope includes: Basic vocabulary and sentence structures, simple tenses, common adjectives and pronouns, and everyday language usage. Reading tasks focus on understanding short texts, simple narratives, and visual information such as pictures and timelines. Students are also assessed on recognising and responding to common social language functions such as greetings, requests, and simple exchanges.
Ecolier Level (Grades 3 & 4)
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Number of questions: 24
    • 8 questions worth 3 points
    • 8 questions worth 4 points
    • 8 questions worth 5 points
Scope includes: Expanded vocabulary and sentence structures, including irregular verbs, modal usage, and language related to everyday contexts such as emotions, clothing, and daily activities. Reading comprehension involves extracting key ideas from short stories, messages, and invitations. Students demonstrate the ability to form simple dialogues and written responses appropriate to common social situations.
Benjamin Level (Grades 5 & 6)
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Number of questions: 30
    • 10 questions worth 3 points
    • 10 questions worth 4 points
    • 10 questions worth 5 points
Scope includes: Use of phrasal verbs, idiomatic expressions, and broader vocabulary related to travel, health, feelings, and appearance. Reading tasks involve longer texts such as short stories, articles, and letters, requiring inference and theme identification. Students demonstrate clearer written expression and structured responses in language-based tasks.
Cadet Level (Grades 7 & 8)
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Number of questions: 30
    • 10 questions worth 3 points
    • 10 questions worth 4 points
    • 10 questions worth 5 points
Scope includes: Complex sentence structures, reported speech, conjunctions, and vocabulary used to discuss social topics and interests. Reading comprehension includes interpreting a range of texts such as advertisements, brochures, and informational passages. Students engage with tasks requiring opinion expression, interpretation, and contextual language use.
Junior Level (Grades 9 & 10)
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Number of questions: 30
    • 10 questions worth 3 points
    • 10 questions worth 4 points
    • 10 questions worth 5 points
Scope includes: Advanced grammatical structures, conditionals, and vocabulary related to global themes, technology, and contemporary issues. Reading tasks involve analysing longer and more complex texts, including essays and editorials. Students are assessed on their ability to present and support viewpoints clearly in structured written responses.
Student Level (Grades 11 & 12)
  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Number of questions: 30
    • 10 questions worth 3 points
    • 10 questions worth 4 points
    • 10 questions worth 5 points
Problem Scope includes: Proficient and precise language use across academic and social contexts, including specialised and abstract vocabulary. Reading comprehension focuses on analysing and evaluating complex texts such as literature extracts, reports, and academic passages. Students demonstrate clarity, coherence, and depth in linguistic reasoning, preparing them for university-level communication.

CONDUCTED IN 110+ COUNTRIES

For Classes 1-10

MCQ Based

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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 Linguistic Reasoning Skills
    Students engage with carefully designed language challenges that develop analytical thinking, interpretation, and clarity of expression across reading, reasoning, and contextual understanding.
  2. Broader Language Exposure
    The competition introduces diverse linguistic structures, styles, and contexts beyond routine classroom exercises, encouraging curiosity and deeper engagement with language.
  3. International Recognition
    Participation in an internationally recognised linguistic competition adds academic distinction to students’ profiles, supporting school records and future educational pathways.
  4. Increased Confidence in Communication
    Successfully working through challenging language problems builds confidence in comprehension, reasoning, and expression — skills essential across all academic disciplines.
  5. Support for Academic and Higher Education Readiness
    Regular exposure to reasoning-based linguistic questions strengthens skills relevant to higher education entry assessments, aptitude tests, and academic writing.
  6. Appreciation for Language and Meaning
    Engaging and thought-provoking tasks help students experience language as something to explore and enjoy, fostering a lasting interest in reading, reasoning, and communication.
  7. Early Competitive Readiness
    Participation nurtures focus, resilience, and adaptability, preparing students for future academic challenges and international competitions.
  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, including Bahrain.

For Hosting Schools and Educational Institutions

  1. Academic Standing & Credibility
    Participation in a globally recognised linguistic competition reflects a school’s commitment to intellectual development, communication skills, and academic enrichment.
  2. Recognition of School Leadership
    Principals and school coordinators receive Certificates of Appreciation, acknowledging their role in supporting language development and international academic engagement.
  3. Alignment with Literacy and Communication Priorities
    IKLC supports language reasoning, comprehension, and expression skills aligned with national and international educational priorities.
  4. Student Engagement & Learning Culture
    The competition promotes curiosity, dialogue, and motivation, contributing to a positive and intellectually active learning environment.
  5. Development of Higher-Order Thinking
    Exposure to non-routine linguistic problems strengthens interpretive and analytical thinking, supporting success across subjects.
  6. Meaningful Insight into Student Performance
    Individual performance outcomes provide schools with valuable insight 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 IKLC.

Instructions for schools to register for IKLC:

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” > “IKLC”.

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 BHD 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.