AOC Pakistan Chapter hosts the national team selection for the International Philosophy Olympiad (IPO) 2027
An annual essay competition in which secondary-school students write a philosophical essay on one of four quotations, in a language that is not their own.
- National round
- 16 January 2027
- Registration closes
- 20 December 2026
- Team
- 2 students
- International event
- To be announced
Section 01
About the olympiad
An annual essay competition in which secondary-school students write a philosophical essay on one of four quotations, in a language that is not their own.
- Founded
- First held in 1993 in Smolyan, Bulgaria; organised under the International Federation of Philosophical Societies (FISP).
- International event
- To be announced
How it works. Students have 4 hours to write an essay on one of four quotations, in English, French, German or Spanish, but not their native language. An international jury marks the essays blind. The 2027 host and dates are to be announced.
Section 02
Your pathway
- 1
Register
Sign up through the AOC registration form. Deadline: 20 December 2026.
- 2
National round
Sit the remote recorded test. Date: 16 January 2027.
- 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 IPO.
Section 03
Who can take part
- Age
- Under 20 years old at the time of the international olympiad.
- School status
- Must be a secondary-school student.
- Language
- The essay must be written in English, French, German or Spanish, and not in the student's native language.
Section 04
The national round
- Date and time window
- Announced by AOC Pakistan Chapter before the testing period.
- Duration
- To be announced
- Format
- Timed philosophical essay
- Test environment
- Remote recorded online test with invigilation controls
Calculators
To be announced
Section 05
How to register
- Deadline
- 20 December 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
- The strongest essays in the national round are considered for Pakistan's team.
- Team size
- Up to 2 students, with a team leader and a second teacher who sits on the international jury.
Training and next steps. Selected students practise timed essays on past IPO quotations ahead of travel.
Section 07
Costs
Covered by the host country
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Local transport
- Organised excursions during the official event dates
Covered by families or sponsors
- Return international airfare
- Visa application fees
- Personal travel insurance
Section 08
Preparation resources
Past papers and practice. Past IPO quotations and winning essays are published on the IPO website. Visit the IPO website ↗
Syllabus topics
- Ethics
- Epistemology
- Metaphysics
- Political philosophy
- Aesthetics
Recommended reading
- Think, Simon Blackburn
- The Problems of Philosophy, Bertrand Russell
- Past IPO topics and essays, philosophy-olympiad.org
Section 09
Key dates
Results published
To be announced
Team announced
To be announced
International event
To be announced
Questions about the IPO national round?
Email us at support@academicolympiadcouncil.org, Pakistan's participation is subject to confirmation by the International Philosophy Olympiad organisers.