AOC Pakistan Chapter hosts the national team selection for the International Astronomy Olympiad (IAO) 2026
An annual academic competition in astronomy and astrophysics for high-school students, testing theoretical, observational and data-analysis skills.
- National round
- To be announced
- Registration closes
- 12 October 2026
- Team
- 6 students · 2 leaders
- International event
- 6–14 December 2026 · Andizhan, Uzbekistan
Section 01
About the olympiad
An annual academic competition in astronomy and astrophysics for high-school students, testing theoretical, observational and data-analysis skills.
- Founded
- Established in 1996 by the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society.
- International event
- 6–14 December 2026 · Andizhan, Uzbekistan
How it works. National selection rounds choose top-performing students to undergo training and represent their country in the international finals. IAO 2026 takes place in Andizhan, Uzbekistan, from 6 to 14 December 2026.
Section 02
Your pathway
- 1
Register
Sign up through the AOC registration form. Deadline: 12 October 2026.
- 2
National round
Sit the remote recorded test. Date: To be announced.
- 3
Results
Results are published on the AOC website by candidate number.
- 4
Training
Top performers prepare with AOC mentors for the international event.
- 5
International team
The selected team represents Pakistan at the IAO.
Section 03
Who can take part
- Age
- Born between 2007 and 2012 (inclusive).
- School status
- Must be currently enrolled in secondary or high-school education during the selection process.
- Exclusion
- Students who have already graduated or completed their final secondary-school examinations are not eligible.
Section 04
The national round
- Date and time window
- Announced by AOC Pakistan Chapter before the testing period.
- Duration
- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Format
- 4 comprehensive problems worth 50 marks in total
- Test environment
- Remote recorded online test with invigilation controls
Calculators
Non-programmable scientific calculators are permitted. Smart devices and graphing calculators are prohibited.
Section 05
How to register
- Deadline
- 12 October 2026
- Fee
- Specified on the registration form. A minimal administrative fee may apply.
- Registration portal
- Accessible through the AOC Pakistan Chapter website and our social channels.
- Parental consent
- A signed consent form is required for applicants under 18.
Documents required
- Proof of age: B-Form, CNIC or a copy of the passport
- Current student status verification from the school
Section 06
Selection and the team
- Selection process
- Top performers in the national round advance to specialised training camps and a final evaluation phase.
- Team size
- Up to 6 students with 2 adult team leaders (mentors and astronomers).
Training and next steps. Selected team members undergo intensive training in theoretical mechanics, observational astronomy and data processing ahead of travel.
Section 07
Costs
Covered by the host country
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Local transport
- Organised excursions in Andizhan during the official event dates
Covered by families or sponsors
- Return international airfare to and from Uzbekistan
- Visa application fees
- Personal travel insurance
Section 08
Preparation resources
Past papers and practice. Official past contest papers are published on the IAO web portal. Visit the IAO website ↗
Syllabus topics
- Celestial mechanics
- Spherical astronomy
- Stellar physics
- Coordinate systems
- Telescope optics
Recommended reading
- Fundamental Astronomy, Karttunen et al., and comparable introductory astrophysics texts
- Observational star maps
Section 09
Key dates
National round (test day)
To be announced
Submissions close
Week of 19 October 2026
Team announced
Week of 26 October 2026
Questions about the IAO national round?
Email us at support@academicolympiadcouncil.org, Pakistan's participation is subject to confirmation by the International Astronomy Olympiad organisers.