History

• Category 1: Grades 7 and 8
• Category 2: Grades 9 and 10
• Category 3: Grades 11 and 12

The two online rounds are identical in structure but feature different question sets. Both question sets share a number of common questions, and scores are balanced against them so that neither date is easier than the other. Students who did not qualify for the Global Round in the first online round, or who missed it, may participate in the second.

Results. The first round's results are published on September 21, 2026, the second round's on September 28, 2026.

Format. 50 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes: 15 easy at 1 point, 20 normal at 2 points and 15 difficult at 3 points. An incorrect or unanswered question carries no penalty. Questions are customised for each educational level.

Participants scoring 40% or higher qualify for the Global Round. All participants receive a Certificate of Participation.

Recognition. 40-49 Honorable Mention Certificate, 50-74 Bronze Medal, 75-89 Silver Medal, 90-100 Gold Medal.

The Global Round is held at Xiamen University Malaysia from November 2 to 8, 2026. Registration deadline: October 10, 2026. Its format differs from the Preliminary Round: two examinations on two consecutive days, each of 120 minutes and each worth 100 points, with no negative marking and nothing deducted for an unanswered question.

Day 1. Historical events, historical reasoning and the analytical interpretation of historical sources: questions on key events, figures and periods; explanations of historical processes and change over time; analysis of primary and secondary sources; and short-answer and multiple-choice work on chronology, causes, consequences and historical significance. 44 questions in four sections.

Day 2. Applying historical knowledge and analytical skill to investigative, evidence-based work: reading documents, maps, photographs and statistical data to reach evidence-based conclusions; creating and interpreting timelines; comparing historical perspectives; and conducting a short investigation into a historical question. 8 questions in three sections.

Essay and long-answer questions assess the ability to construct a logical argument, think critically and communicate historical understanding. A high score needs a well-developed response of at least 80 words that is logical and coherent, shows a clear understanding of the topic, and supports its conclusions with relevant historical evidence and argument.

Medals are awarded on the percentage distribution of participants' final rankings: the top 10% receive Gold, the next 20% Silver, the next 30% Bronze and the following 15% an Honorable Mention. The Organizing Committee may change the medal thresholds or the award distribution depending on the number of finalists and their overall performance, and award recipients receive an official Brainiacs Olympiad medal and certificate.

All questions in both the Preliminary Round and the Global Round are available in two languages: English and Russian.