Singapore Biology Olympiad (SBO) Singapore Guide 2026

Q: What is the SBO (Singapore Biology Olympiad)?
A: The SBO is Singapore's national biology olympiad for JC and IP Year 5 to 6 students. The SiBiol olympiads overview describes an initial theory test, a practical test for shortlisted students, and further training selection for the IBO pathway.

TL;DR
The SBO is the senior Singapore biology olympiad route for JC and IP Year 5 to 6 students.
The SiBiol olympiads page says SBO has run annually since 2000, starts with a theory test, then shortlists students for a practical test before the final IBO training-selection stage.
Registration is typically handled through schools, so always verify the current cycle through your biology department or official organiser notice.

Registration quick answer (Singapore): Schools typically nominate candidates - confirm the current registration process with your school's biology teacher-in-charge and check for announcements from NUS Biological Sciences or the Singapore Institute of Biology.

1 What is SBO?

The Singapore Biology Olympiad (SBO) is a national-level biology competition historically organised by the NUS Department of Biological Sciences and the Singapore Institute of Biology (SIB). It targets JC and IP Year 5 - 6 students who are studying or have completed H2 Biology.

The competition starts with a theory test. The SiBiol biology olympiads overview says several dozen students are then shortlisted for a practical test before the final national training-selection phase. Top-performing students are considered for the team pathway that leads to the International Biology Olympiad (IBO).

2 Eligibility and format

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Marcus Pang·Managing Director (Maths)