Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad 2026 Syllabus – What to Study
2026 and 2027 G.C.E. A/L (Grade 12 and Grade 13) students can compete and win medals in the Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad 2026. Four students will also be selected to participate in the 38th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) to be held in Warsaw, Poland, from July 18 to July 26, 2027.
දේශීය (ජාතික) සහ ජාත්යන්තර පදක්කම් දිනා ගැනීම සඳහා ශ්රී ලංකා ජීව විද්යා ඔලිම්පියාඩ් 2026 තරගාවලියට අයදුම් කරන්න.
உள்ளூர் (தேசிய) மற்றும் சர்வதேச ரீதியிலான பதக்கங்களை வெல்ல இலங்கை உயிரியல் ஒலிம்பியாட் 2026 போட்டிக்கு விண்ணப்பிக்கவும்.
Eligibility:
Students studying for 2026 or 2027 G.C.E. A/L local or international examinations can apply. There is no age barrier for the local competition. However, to participate in the international competition, the student should be below 20 years of age on 30th June 2027.
Syllabus Coverage:
The examination is based on the following subject areas:
- Chemical and Cellular Basis of Life
- Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
- Functioning Plant
- Functioning Animal
- Genetics
- Environment
Subject areas 1-4 are based mainly on G.C.E. Local A/L contents (Units 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the local G.C.E. A/L syllabus). For subject areas 5 and 6 (Genetics and Environment), G.C.E. O/L knowledge is sufficient.
Questions from Units 6-10 in the local G.C.E. A/L syllabus will not be asked. However, there can be questions on subject areas 5 and 6 which can be answered from G.C.E. O/L knowledge.
How to apply:
The application fee is Rs. 1800.00. This is a non-refundable fee.
Please pay to “Institute of Biology account number 086-1-001-4-1191763” of Thimbirigasyaya Branch of Peoples Bank.
Applicant should complete and submit an online application with the payment slip issued by the Bank on or before 10th July 2026.
The application form should be filled online through the below link:
Submit Your Application!
Examination:
The Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad 2026 examination will be held on Sunday 2nd August 2026 as an online examination.
Examination schedule:
- 9:00 am – 10:00 am: Student verification and admitting into relevant Zoom meeting rooms
- 10:00 am – 12:00 noon: Examination
- 12:00 noon – 01:00 pm: Post verification of students
You must have a mobile device or laptop to participate in the examination. If any unexpected disruption occurs, mitigatory measures will be taken to compensate for the loss.
The examination consists of a two-hour paper with 50 questions consisting of MCQs and True/False questions.
Candidates can choose to sit for the examination in Sinhala, Tamil, or English medium.
Admission cards can be printed online later.
Selection of Winners:
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals will be awarded to selected candidates based on their performance. The decision of the Council of the Institute of Biology shall be final in the selection of winners.
Certificates will be awarded to students obtaining high marks. Certificates can be printed online through the IOBSL results portal. The number of certificates issued will be decided by the Board of Examiners and ratified by the Council of the Institute of Biology.
For details contact:
SLBO Coordinating Centre
Department of Forestry and Environmental Science
University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda
Ms. Shanuja Elayan: 071 882 8756
Mr. Charith Saranga: 077 626 6971