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Q: What maths and science competitions can my child enter in Singapore in 2026? A: Singapore students from Primary 1 through JC2 can choose from 25+ maths, science and robotics competitions each year. This calendar lists every major contest with approximate dates, eligibility, registration method and a link to our free in-depth guide for each one.
TL;DR This page is the single reference for every major maths, physics, chemistry, biology and robotics competition open to Singapore students in 2026. Most contests require school-based registration - check with your child's teacher-in-charge by January each year. A few (SASMO, SMKC, AMC) also accept individual or private-candidate sign-ups. Dates below are approximate and based on historical patterns. Always confirm on the organiser's official website before committing.
How to use this competition calendar
Find your child's level - Primary, Secondary/IP, or JC.
Scan the table for competitions matching their subject interest.
Click the Eclat Guide link for format details, syllabus coverage, and preparation tips.
Confirm exact 2026 dates on the organiser's official site - registration windows shift every year.
Note: Eclat Institute does not offer competition-specific coaching. These guides are free informational resources to help Singapore families plan.
At a glance: 2026 competition timeline
Most competitions cluster in two windows:
January to May - SMKC, SASMO, SJPO, SPSO, SMO (Junior/Senior/Open), SBO, RMO, APMOPS, Vanda, SJBO, SJChO
August to December - NMOS, AMC 8/10/12, SPhO, SChO, HKISO, NRC finals, VEX season
Plan accordingly: the busiest months for competition prep are typically March to May and September to November.
Primary school competitions (P1 to P6)
These are the main maths and science competitions available to primary school students in Singapore. For a deeper breakdown of each one, see our primary competitions parent guide.
Strong results in SMO, SJPO or any national science olympiad are commonly cited in Direct School Admission (DSA) portfolios for JC entry. If DSA is part of your plan, keep official result slips and certificates from every competition.
JC and pre-university competitions (JC1 to JC2 / IP Year 5 to 6)
Top performers at the national level (SMO, SPhO, SChO, SBO) are invited to selection camps for Singapore's International Olympiad teams. These pathways are invitation-only and managed by the respective national committees.
If your child is serious about a particular subject, these pathway guides show how feeder competitions connect from primary school all the way to international representation.
Maths pathway: NMOS / SASMO / RMO (primary) to SMO Junior to SMO Senior/Open to APMO to IMO - Full maths pathway guide
Schools typically circulate competition registration forms between January and March. If your child's teacher-in-charge has not mentioned a particular competition by February, ask proactively. Some schools only nominate if they know there is student interest.
2. Know the three registration types
School-only registration: The school submits entries on behalf of students. You cannot register individually. (Examples: NMOS, SMO, SJPO, SPhO, NRC.)
School or individual registration: You can register through the school or sign up directly with the organiser. (Examples: SASMO, SMKC, Vanda.)
Team-based: Your child needs to be part of a school team or club. (Examples: NRC, VEX Robotics, iGEM, SSDC.)
3. Budget for fees
Most competitions charge a registration fee, typically between S10andS30 per student. Some schools subsidise this; others pass the cost to parents. Confirm with the school before the registration deadline.
4. Check the allowed aids
Calculator policies vary. NMOS and SASMO do not allow calculators. SJPO permits non-programmable scientific calculators. Always check the latest official rules for your specific competition.
5. Keep certificates and result slips
File every certificate, result slip and medal citation. These documents are useful for DSA applications, scholarship portfolios and university admissions. Some competitions release results online - download and save them promptly.
Build your foundation
Strong competition results start with strong fundamentals. These Eclat tuition hub pages cover the core curriculum subjects that underpin olympiad preparation:
How do I register my child for a maths or science competition in Singapore?
Most competitions in Singapore require school-based registration - your child's teacher-in-charge (usually the Maths or Science HOD) coordinates entries. A few contests such as SASMO and SMKC accept individual sign-ups via SIMCC's website. Check the organiser's official site for the current registration process.
What is the difference between SMO Junior, SMO Senior and SMO Open?
All three are divisions of the Singapore Mathematical Olympiad run by the Singapore Mathematical Society. SMO Junior is for Sec 1–2, SMO Senior for Sec 3–4, and SMO Open for JC students. Each has its own paper. Top scorers across all divisions feed into the international olympiad selection pathway.
Are competition results useful for DSA or school admissions in Singapore?
Yes. DSA (Direct School Admission) portfolios at secondary and JC level commonly feature olympiad awards. IP schools also recognise strong competition performance during internal placement and subject selection. That said, competition results are one factor among many - consistent school grades and CCA records matter too.
My child is in Primary 2 or 3 - is it too early to start competitions?
Not at all. SMKC accepts entries from P1, and SASMO from P2 onwards. At this stage the goal is exposure and enjoyment, not medal-chasing. Let your child attempt age-appropriate problems and build confidence before moving to more selective contests like NMOS or APMOPS in upper primary.
Can my child enter competitions from a higher level bracket?
Some competitions allow students to "contest up" - for example, a strong Sec 2 student might attempt SMO Senior. Policies differ by contest and year. Check with your school's teacher-in-charge and the official competition rules.
How many competitions should my child attempt in one year?
Quality beats quantity. Preparing well for two or three competitions is more productive than superficially entering six. Choose contests that align with your child's strengths and school calendar so that competition prep reinforces rather than clashes with regular coursework.
What if my child does not win an award?
Participation itself is valuable. Olympiad-style problems develop reasoning skills that transfer directly to school-level maths and science. Many students who do not medal in their first year go on to earn awards after another round of focused practice.
Which science competitions are available for lower secondary students?
At Sec 1–2, the main options are Vanda Science International Competition and HKISO (Hong Kong International Science Olympiad). SJPO typically requires Sec 2–3, while the junior chemistry and biology olympiads (SJChO, SJBO) open at Sec 3–4.
Does Eclat Institute offer competition-specific coaching?
No. Eclat's tuition programmes focus on the core curriculum (PSLE, O-Level, IP, A-Level). The competition guides linked on this page are free informational resources. For dedicated olympiad coaching, look for programmes run by the Singapore Mathematical Society, NUS High, or specialist enrichment centres.
Important disclaimer
Competition dates, eligibility rules, and registration processes change from year to year. The timing shown above is approximate and based on historical patterns. Always confirm current details on the official organiser's website before making plans. Eclat Institute is not affiliated with any of the competition organisers listed on this page.
