Guidelines
Guidelines & Rules
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Olympiad structure
The International Policy Olympiad is separated into two parts: Regional and International.
The regional round is an essay competition, and the international round is a global debate competition where the regional round finalists will be invited to compete.
Regions breakdown
Middle East, North Africa, Central and South Africa
Europe, Russia, and Central Asia
East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania
South America, Central America, Mexico, and the islands of the Caribbean
North America
Stage 01 - Regional Round (Essay)
Quick Specs
Prompt Selection: The Olympiad begins when participants are sent 3 questions of which they will choose one to answer.
Word count: Cannot exceed 1,000 words.
Format: Must be submitted in PDF form.
Citations: An MLA style bibliography citing their sources must be at the bottom of the response.
Clarity in Articulation
Be clear and concise in your explanation. Choose a perspective and stand by it, you will not lose points for the position you take, but weakly substantiated arguments will detract from your score.
Creativity and personal touch
There is rarely a wrong answer in social sciences, so make sure that your response is your own and is grounded in ethics and truth.
Evaluation Criteria
Feasibility of proposed solution
We encourage creativity as well as bold and radical responses, however responses have to be based in reality. You can draw from history to prove your idea can work.
Depth of understanding
Show us how well you understand your viewpoint by arguing, counterarguing, and heavily researching your position. Demonstrate your understanding with research and quotations.
Purposeness of text
Ensure every sentence contributes meaningfully to your argument. Meaningful articulation comes with a solid grasp of what you are writing about, demonstrate conviction in what you are writing.
Stage 02 - International Round (Live Debate)
Quick Specs
Debate format: Modified Parliamentary Style (individual-based, not team-based).
Sides Assignment: Finalists will be randomly assigned to either the Affirmative (Pro) or Negative (Con) position on a motion.
Preparation Timeline: Topics and questions will be released 7 days before the debate. Each finalist must prepare both sides (Pro and Con), as assignments will be revealed just prior to the session.
Assistance: Participants may consult research materials during preparation but no assistance is allowed during the debate itself.
Opponent Rebuttal (4 minutes)
The opposing participant will respond and critique the position.
Step 02
Debate Sequence
Step 01
Cross-Examination (4 minutes total)
There will be a moderated Q&A between participants.
Step 03
Closing Statement (2 minutes)
Final arguments will be made by both participants.
Step 04
*Each debate will last approximately 15–20 minutes, including transitions and brief moderator remarks
Debate Judging Criteria
Judging Criteria
25% — Clarity of Argument
When presenting your argument make sure you answer the question and use clear language to defend your position.
25% — Depth of Insight & Analysis
Defend your position with examples and proof from the research you have done.
25% — Evidence & Research Quality
Make clear you know what you are talking about. Mention quotes, prominent examples, and evidence-based theories.
25% — Rhetorical Persuasiveness
How you formulate your argument, use rhetorical devices, and avoid logical fallacies.
Rules & Conduct
Originality
All arguments must be the competitor’s own. Plagiarism will result in disqualification.
Factual Integrity
All evidence used must be truthful, verifiable, and clearly presented. Fabrication of data will lead to immediate disqualification.
Respect & Civility
Personal attacks, disrespectful language, or interruptions will not be tolerated. Maintain professionalism at all times.
Time Limits
Strict adherence to time limits will be enforced. A timekeeper will signal 1-minute and final 10-second warnings.
2026 Registration Open
Academic Integrity & Zero-Tolerance Policy
At the International Policy Olympiad, we uphold strict standards of scholarly rigor and have a zero-tolerance policy towards plagiarism and academic dishonesty. No submission with any amount of plagiarism or unauthorized assistance will be accepted.
Submissions will be rigorously reviewed using state-of-the-art plagiarism detection and AI-authorship screening tools. Any breach will result in immediate disqualification.