INDIAN CODING OLYMPIAD (ICO) – SYLLABUS 2025
The ICO syllabus is divided into three categories and structured according to the exam rounds. Each round progressively builds on logic, computational thinking, and Scratch programming skills.
 
🟦 JUNIOR CATEGORY (Grades 3, 4, 5)
ROUND 1 – Online Logical & Coding Aptitude Test
1. Logical Reasoning

• Patterns and sequences

• Number and shape logic

• Simple puzzles

• Ordering and direction basics

2. Computational Thinking

• Sequencing

• Identifying steps in a process

• Simple algorithms (daily-life examples)

• Understanding cause-and-effect

3. Basic Scratch Concepts

• What are sprites?

• Basic motion, looks, and sound blocks

• Events (green flag, click)

• Simple loops (repeat, forever)

ROUND 2 – Online Scratch Programming Concepts Test
1. Scratch Block Identification

• Motion, looks, sound, events, control blocks

• Matching blocks with functions

2. Code Output Prediction

• What happens when a script is executed?

• Sprite movement prediction

• Animation-based MCQs

3. Basic Debugging

• Identify wrong block usage

• Fix simple logic errors

4. Logical Flow Understanding

• Correct ordering of blocks

• Recognizing loops and conditional behavior

ROUND 3 – Grand Finale Scratch Practical Exam
1. Scratch Programming Skills

• Use of loops, events, and basic conditions

• Sprite movement & animations

• Simple variable usage

2. Real-Life Problem Solving Using Scratch

• Create a simple animation, story, or game based on a problem prompt

• Examples:

  • Traffic light simulation

  • Clean city awareness animation

  • Create a simple educational game

3. Creativity & Presentation

• Background and sprite design

• Expressing ideas clearly through code

 
🟧 SENIOR CATEGORY (Grades 6, 7, 8)
ROUND 1 – Online Logical & Coding Aptitude Test
1. Logical Reasoning

• Patterns, sequences, analogies

• Direction & ordering problems

• Basic number reasoning

2. Computational Thinking

• Algorithms & flowcharts (easy)

• Decomposition (breaking tasks down)

• Identifying logic errors

3. Scratch Fundamentals Review

• Events, loops, conditions

• Coordinates & motion

• Variables (basic understanding)

ROUND 2 – Online Scratch Programming Concepts Test
1. Advanced Scratch Logic Questions

• Nested loops

• If-else conditions

• Broadcast and message handling

2. Code Interpretation

• Predict behavior of multi-sprite scripts

• Identify output animations and interactions

3. Debugging & Error Detection

• Identify infinite loops

• Find misuse of conditions

• Correct variable-related mistakes

4. Block Arrangement & Problem Solving

• MCQs on proper logic flow

• Choose correct block sequences for tasks

ROUND 3 – Grand Finale Scratch Practical Exam
1. Advanced Scratch Skills

• Using variables & operators

• Broadcast messages

• Creating interactive mini-projects

2. Real-Life Problem-Based Projects
Examples:

• Create a math quiz game

• Pollution awareness animation

• Simple shopping bill calculator

• Weather simulation project

3. Evaluation Areas

• Logic & structure of code

• Creativity

• Correct use of events, conditions, variables

• Design & clarity of final output

🟥 SUPER SENIOR CATEGORY (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
ROUND 1 – Online Logical & Coding Aptitude Test
1. Logical & Analytical Reasoning

• Patterns, sequences

• Data arrangement

• Logical deductions

• Flowchart/pseudocode interpretation

2. Computational Thinking

• Algorithmic thinking

• Identifying efficient logic

• Debugging conceptual errors

3. Scratch Coding Basics (Conceptual Refresh)

• Control, operators, variables

• Broadcasting logic

• Event-driven programming

ROUND 2 – Online Scratch Programming Concepts Test
1. Advanced Scratch Concepts

• Nested conditions & loops

• Multiple sprite interactions

• Timer-based logic

• Variable manipulation and data handling

2. Code Output Interpretation

• Predict multi-stage animations

• Logical flow in multi-sprite scripts

• Debugging complex block structures

3. Problem Solving (Non-coding MCQs)

• Select correct block logic for real-life scenarios

• Identify missing logic in scripts

• Remove redundancy and optimize flows

ROUND 3 – Grand Finale Scratch Practical Exam
1. Practical Scratch Programming Tasks

• Build a functional mini-application

• Use advanced variables, operators, broadcasts

• Implement clean logic and modular design

2. Real-Life Problem-Based Projects
Examples:

• Create a financial calculator

• Build a traffic simulation with signals

• Develop an educational mini-game

• Create an awareness animation (cyber safety, climate change, etc.)

3. Assessment Criteria

• Accuracy of solution

• Logical flow & use of programming constructs

• Creativity & problem interpretation

• Efficiency and clarity of final Scratch project