What to Expect on Contest Day
A step-by-step overview of what happens on the day of the contest — for teachers, parents, and students.
domain For Schools
Before the Contest
- check The Team Leader downloads contest papers and instructions from the portal during the testing window.
- check Teachers prepare testing rooms — ensure desks are spaced, rooms are quiet, and students have writing materials.
- check Students are seated with their age group and briefed on the rules (no devices, no talking, work independently).
During the Contest
- check The supervising teacher distributes the papers and starts timing.
- check Students work through a mix of multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
- check Teachers supervise quietly — they may not help students with any questions.
- check When time is up, papers are collected immediately.
After the Contest
- check Teachers collect and secure all Answer sheets.
- check The Team Leader submits results through the portal within the specified deadline.
- check Contest papers must not be kept, copied, or shared after the session.
laptop For Online / Individual Participants
If a school is not participating, students may take the contest online with a parent supervising:
- arrow_forward The parent (acting as Team Leader) downloads the contest paper from the portal during the testing window.
- arrow_forward The student takes the test at home or another quiet location, supervised by the parent.
- arrow_forward The same rules apply: no devices, no help, timed conditions.
- arrow_forward The parent submits results through the portal.
- arrow_forward Online participants receive a raw score but do not qualify for official awards.
child_care What Students Should Expect
The contest is designed to be enjoyable and encouraging. Here is what students can expect:
- lightbulb Fun puzzles: The questions are creative and non-routine — they're different from regular schoolwork!
- lightbulb No trick questions: Every problem is fair and age-appropriate.
- lightbulb It's okay not to finish: The paper is challenging by design. Students should do their best and not worry about completing every question.
- lightbulb Certificates for everyone: All participants receive recognition for taking part.
checklist Quick Checklist for Contest Day
Teachers / Team Leaders
- task_alt Download papers from portal
- task_alt Prepare quiet testing room
- task_alt Brief students on rules
- task_alt Supervise and time the contest
- task_alt Collect and submit results
Students
- task_alt Bring pencils and erasers
- task_alt No phones or electronics
- task_alt Read questions carefully
- task_alt Try every question
- task_alt Have fun!
Need more detail? See the full Exam Day Guidelines for a comprehensive preparation checklist.