ioi

The International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) is a worldwide programming competition for high school students. Established in 1989, it is traditionally held in a different country each year and is considered the premiere event in competitive programming for youth. The contest is organized by an international committee with the hosting country handling local organization.

Participation and selection

Competitors represent their countries or recognized regions, with each team normally consisting of up to four contestants and one reserve. Nationally, teams are chosen through rigorous high school competitions and training programs. The IOI attracts participants from many countries, reflecting a broad global community of aspiring young programmers and researchers.

Format and scoring

The competition spans two days and features six problems in total, typically three per day. Each problem is solved using algorithms and data structures, requiring creativity and efficiency to meet the constraints. Solutions are evaluated by automated judges, and each problem carries a maximum of 100 points, awarded based on test data passed and the quality of the algorithmic approach. The scoring system emphasizes correctness and efficiency rather than raw speed alone, and contestants may submit multiple attempts within the time limits.

Ranking and impact

Contestants are ranked by total score, with ties broken by the number of problems solved and then by the sum of submission times (or equivalent tie-break rules used by the organizers). The IOI serves as a platform for young talent to showcase problem-solving skills, and many participants go on to prominent roles in academia and the technology industry. The event also fosters international collaboration and the exchange of algorithmic knowledge through training, lectures, and community interactions.