IJAIO Overview
International Junior Artificial Intelligence Olympiad (IJAIO) is the missing jigsaw puzzle to complete SIMCC’s comprehensive suite of informatics learning certification encompassing Bebras (international benchmark in computational thinking and informatics), International Junior Artificial Informatics Olympiad (IJIO), International Junior Cybersecurity Olympiad (IJCO)(international-level initiative designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of cybersecurity through a blend of computational problem solving, adversarial thinking, and digital forensics).
It aspires to accomplish the goal to empower students to acquire and apply computational problem solving with Al thinking during their formative years so that they can be future-oriented, innovative and responsible problem solvers to impact positive change on the world.
Objectives of the IJAIO
International Junior Artificial Intelligence Olympiad (IJAIO) leverages computational thinking with Al thinking to develop analytical, creative and ethical learning and problem solving.
Computational thinking plus Al thinking
Computational thinking is fundamental to systematic effective and efficient problem solving, encompassing (not exhaustively) the following pillar concepts:
- Decomposition: breaking down a complex problem or solution into simpler more manageable parts)
- Abstraction: filtering non-essential noise and deciding on the appropriate level of detail
- Pattern recognition: identifying similarities and differences to generalise solutions)
- Algorithm design (formulating sequence of steps to solve the problem, ideally with automation
With the advent of technological disruption especially introduced by generative Al (ChatGPT moment from November 2022), there is pressing urgency for nations and organisations to introduce Al literacy for economic and security reasons as well as prepare citizens for the Al tsunami future which can, beyond replacing or displacing jobs, are already affecting study, work and almost all aspects of life. Still, Al scientists, researchers and professionals in academia and industry are relentlessly pursuing artificial general intelligence and even superintelligence, while there remain segments of the global population which are left behind, with the majority feeling overwhelmed and seemingly always playing catch up to the rapidly evolving landscape of Al advancements.
Present day circumstances demand that we also approach problems with an additional perspective beyond the conventional informatics lens for deterministic systems, due to the probabilistic and statistical nature of Al situations. We would hence need to augment, not replace, computational thinking with Al thinking, which has the following characteristics:
- Data (together with noise) informed
- Non-deterministic (with degree of errors)
- Ethics and safety (judgement and decisions required)
The young will grow up in an Al ubiquitous world. Early awareness, understanding and application of Al will enable them to
- Recognise Al in their daily lives
- Nurture critical thinking about Al’s impact
- Develop creative problem solving skills with Al tools
- Learn and demonstrate responsible and ethical use of Al
- Explore future careers in Al and technology
Competition Format
Exclusively open to secondary school, junior college, ITE, and polytechnic students.
The competition will be conducted online via the OCS platform and will consist of multiple-choice and short-answer questions designed to assess foundational AI knowledge, skills, and problem-solving abilities.
- Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Probability
- Programming: Python, NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, PyTorch, Debugging
- AI/ML/DL: Classical Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, Generative AI
- Problem Solving: Algorithm Design, Optimisation, System Design
Key Dates
Country Council Partners’ Registration Period
August 1 to September 23, 2026
Competition Window
Competition dates are set by each Country Council Partner. Please contact your Country Council Partner for the test dates.
No marks are deducted for incorrect answers.
*1 problem / task will be based on an emerging Al technology theme which will be announced two months before IJAIO. This is to keep pace with Al 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 Al technology theme (eg Al agents) with associated high level overview and scope will be made available at https://computing.sg/ijaio.
Software (Secondary school division / Secondary 1 to Junior College 2 / Grades 7 to 12 only)
For practical programming tasks, the language and platform used will be the current stable version of Python 3 and Jupyter Notebook / Google Colab
Hardware (Secondary school division / Secondary 1 to Junior College 2 / Grades 7 to 12 only)
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 & Recognition
Earn SIMCC Individual Scholarship Points (ISPs) to qualify for induction to the International Junior Honor Society.
