Grades 7-8,
Grades 9-10,
Grades 11-12
November 15, 2025
Registration deadline
November 13, 2025
December 20, 2025
Registration deadline
December 18, 2025
March 24-30, 2026
Registration deadline
February 1, 2026
Welcome to the Brainiacs Biology Olympiad!
In today’s ever-evolving world, biology is the key to unlocking the mysteries of life itself. Often called the “science of life” biology connects us to the natural world, helping us understand everything from the tiniest cells to the vast ecosystems that sustain our planet. Whether it’s fighting diseases, conserving wildlife, or exploring the potential of biotechnology, biology is at the forefront of solving humanity’s greatest challenges.
The Brainiac Biology Olympiad is here to ignite a passion for discovery and scientific thinking in students. This Olympiad goes beyond memorizing facts – it’s about exploring the wonders of nature, solving complex problems, and uncovering how life works on every level. Students will learn to think analytically, embrace curiosity, and develop skills that will prepare them to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
The future belongs to those who understand and respect the natural world, and biology is the bridge that connects us to a brighter, healthier future. Let’s unlock the brainiac in every student!
Experience the thrill of competition and the joy of achievement.
20 Q Preliminary
20+2 Q Global Final
75 min Preliminary
120+120 min Global Final
English, Russian,
French, and Spanish
Olympiad Pricing
PRELIMINARY ROUND I
$15
per participant
GLOBAL FINAL
$1200
per participant
$1400
late registration
What’s included:
MECHANICS
Brainiacs Biology Olympiad Mechanics
The Brainiacs Biology Olympiad is a competition aimed at encouraging creativity, innovation, and academic excellence in students from Grade 7 to Grade 12. The Olympiad is structured into two main stages: the Preliminary Round and the Global Round.
PRELIMINARY ROUND
Registration
Students can register for the Olympiad through the official Brainiacs Olympiad website or via authorized representatives in their respective countries.
Dates
The online qualifying exams for the Preliminary Round are scheduled for:
- Round I: – November 15, 2025 (Registration deadline: November 14, 2025) – $15 per participant
- Results: November 20, 2025
- Round II: – December 20, 2025 (Registration deadline: December 19, 2025) – $15 per participant
- Results: – December 25, 2025
The two online rounds are the same, but feature different questions.
Those who did not qualify for the global round in the first online round, along with those who were absent from the first round, can participate in the second round.
Format
The exam consists of 20 questions divided into three levels of difficulty:
- Easy: 5 questions
- Normal: 10 questions
- Difficult: 5 questions
The exam consists of 20 questions to be completed within 75 minutes.
Each question contains four statements which you must indicate as True or False.
- If you answer correctly to all four statements, you will receive full points.
- If you answer correctly to only three statements, you will receive 60% of full points.
- If you answer correctly to only two statements, you will receive 20% of full point.
- If there is only one statement with the correct answer, you will not receive any points (0).
Pick the correct answer in your Answer Sheet (see the example below).
In the table, T=True, F=False.
| No. | Statement | T | F |
| 1. | A | ◉ | |
| B | ◉ | ||
| C | ◉ | ||
| D | ◉ |
Questions are tailored to the participant’s educational level and divided into the following categories:
- Category 1: Grades 7-8
- Category 2: Grades 9-10
- Category 3: Grades 11-12
Scoring
- Easy Questions: +4 points for each correct answer
- Normal Questions: +5 points for each correct answer
- Difficult Questions: +6 points for each correct answer
- Incorrect Answer: No negative marking for any question
- Unanswered Question: No points deducted
Qualification
Participants scoring at least 40% in the Preliminary Round qualify for the Global Round. Every participant receives a Certificate of Participation.
Recognition
In the Preliminary Round, medals are awarded based on the points earned by the participants:
- 40 to 49 : Honorable Mention Certificate
- 50 to 74 : Bronze Medal
- 75 to 89 : Silver Medal
- 90 to 100 : Gold Medal
GLOBAL ROUND
The Global Round is the final stage of the competition, where participants showcase their knowledge and ability.
Registration
Students can register for the Olympiad through the official Brainiacs Olympiad website or via authorized representatives in their respective countries.
Dates and Venue
The Global Round of Brainiacs Olympiad will take place in Xiamen University Malaysia from March 24 to 30, 2026.
- Normal Registration Deadline: 28 February 2026 ($1200 per participant)
- Late Registration Deadline: March 1, 2026 ($1400 per participant)
Exam Days
Global Round exam format is different from Preliminary Round. It has both Theoretical and Practical parts separated in two consecutive examination days.
Day 1. Theoretical Part
This is the traditional portion of a biology exam it assesses understanding of biological principles, reasoning, and ability to explain living systems.
Examples:
- Answering questions on cell structure, genetics, ecology, and physiology
- Explaining biological processes (e.g., “Describe how photosynthesis produces glucose”)
- Interpreting diagrams, charts, or experimental results
- Conceptual and multiple-choice questions testing knowledge and comprehension
Purpose:
To test biological understanding, reasoning, and the ability to connect concepts across different areas of life science.
Day 1 Exam Format
The exam consists of 20 questions divided into three levels of difficulty:
- Easy: 5 multiple-choice questions
- Normal: 5 multiple-choice questions
- Difficult: 5 multiple-choice questions
- Open-ended(difficult): 5 questions
The exam consists of 15 multiple-choice and 5 open-ended problems to be completed within 120 minutes.
Day 1 Exam Scoring
- Easy Problems: +4 points for each correct answer
- Normal Problems: +5 points for each correct answer
- Difficult Problems: +6 points for each correct answer
- Open-ended: +7 points for full correct solution and answer
- Incorrect Answer: No negative marking for any problem
- Unanswered Problem: No points deducted
Day 2. Practical Part
The practical part checks how students can apply biological understanding in experimental, fieldwork, or data-based contexts.
Examples:
- Observing and identifying cells, tissues, or organisms using microscopes or charts
- Measuring biological parameters (e.g., pulse rate, plant growth, enzyme activity)
- Analyzing data from experiments or ecological studies
Purpose:
To test observation, recording, analysis, and understanding of biological processes through practical investigation and data interpretation.
Day 2 Exam Format and Scoring
The exam consists of two tasks, each worth 50 points, to be completed within 120 minutes. Each task includes several questions that test a range of skills, including conceptual understanding, analytical thinking, and practical application.
Global Round Recognition
In the Global Round, medals are awarded based on the percentage distribution according to the number of participants.
- The top 10% (0-10%) of participants receive gold medals.
- The next 20% (11-30%) of participants receive silver medals.
- The next 30% (31-60%) of participants receive bronze medals.
- The next 15% (61-75%) receive honorable mentions.
Languages
All of the questions in Preliminary and Global Rounds will be in 4 languages: English, Russian, French, and Spanish
SYLLABUS
1. INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY
- Characteristics of living organisms.
- Levels of organization (cells, tissues, organs, systems).
- The scientific method and its application in biology.
2. CELL BIOLOGY
- Structure and function of plant and animal cells.
- Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
- The role of the cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and mitochondria.
3. HUMAN ANATOMY (BASICS)
- Overview of major human body systems (digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and excretory).
- Functions of key organs such as the heart, lungs, stomach, and kidneys.
4. PLANT BIOLOGY
- Structure and function of roots, stems, leaves, and flowers.
- Photosynthesis and its importance.
- Basic plant reproduction (pollination, fertilization, seed formation).
5. ECOLOGY (INTRODUCTION)
- Ecosystems: Producers, consumers, and decomposers.
- Food chains and food webs.
- Basic environmental factors (light, temperature, water).
1. GENETICS (BASICS)
- DNA structure and its role in heredity.
- Introduction to chromosomes and genes.
- Mendel’s experiments and principles of inheritance.
2. HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
- Detailed study of the digestive system, respiratory system, and circulatory system.
- Blood composition and its functions.
- Introduction to the nervous system and sensory organs.
3. MICROBIOLOGY
- Characteristics of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi).
- Beneficial and harmful roles of microorganisms in daily life.
- Basic hygiene and disease prevention.
4. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
- Transport of water and nutrients in plants.
- Role of xylem and phloem.
- Factors affecting transpiration.
5. ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
- Energy flow in ecosystems.
- Population dynamics (birth rate, death rate, carrying capacity).
- Environmental conservation and biodiversity.
1. ADVANCED GENETICS
- Structure and replication of DNA.
- Gene expression and protein synthesis.
- Mutations: Types and consequences.
2. HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (ADVANCED)
- Endocrine system: Glands and hormones.
- Immune system: Basic mechanisms of defense.
- Reproductive system and stages of human development.
3. BIOCHEMISTRY
- Introduction to macromolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids).
- Enzymes: Structure, function, and factors affecting activity.
- Metabolism: Cellular respiration and photosynthesis.
4. BIOTECHNOLOGY (BASICS)
- Definition and applications of biotechnology.
- Examples: Genetically modified organisms, cloning, and stem cells.
5. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
- Impact of human activities on ecosystems.
- Climate change and sustainable development.
- Conservation strategies for protecting biodiversity.
6. RESEARCH METHODS
- Designing simple experiments.
- Analyzing and interpreting data.
- Writing basic scientific reports.
DOWNLOAD
SAMPLE PAPERS & MATERIALS
Practice with these examples to understand the format, sharpen your skills, and prepare for the challenges ahead.
