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Abu Rayhan Biruni International Chemistry Olympiad

Overview

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The Abu Rayhan Biruni International Chemistry Olympiad (ARBIChO) is an international chemistry competition named after Abu Rayhan al-Biruni (973–1048 CE), the renowned Khwarazmian polymath of the Central Asian Islamic Golden Age. Organized by the ARBIChO Organizing Committee based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the competition was founded in 2023 and runs on a biennial schedule. Unlike many regional olympiads, ARBIChO is open to countries worldwide, not limited to any specific region. It represents Uzbekistan's growing investment in STEM education and international scientific collaboration.

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Competition Format

ARBIChO follows a two-part examination structure modeled on international olympiad standards:

Component Duration Maximum Marks
Theoretical Examination 5 hours 60 points
Practical Examination 5 hours 40 points
Total — 100 points
  • Top 60% of participants receive medals
  • Gold : Silver : Bronze ratio = 1 : 2 : 3
  • 2025 results: 12 gold, 24 silver, 33 bronze (69 total medals awarded)

Participating Countries

The 2025 edition in Tashkent hosted 28 teams from approximately 14 countries, including:

  • Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan
  • Asia-Pacific: Vietnam, Mongolia, India
  • Middle East & Caucasus: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia
  • Europe: Russia

The competition attracts many Central Asian and CIS countries that may have less access to Western-dominated olympiad circuits, while also drawing strong delegations from East and South Asia.

History

  • 2023 — 1st ARBIChO held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (inaugural edition)
  • 2025 — 2nd ARBIChO in Tashkent: 28 teams, ~14 countries, 69 medals awarded. Closing ceremony held at New Uzbekistan University
  • 2026 — 3rd ARBIChO in Nukus, Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan (November 3–10): 30+ countries expected

Distinctive Features

  • Honors a great scholar: Named after Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, whose contributions to science, mathematics, and geography during the Islamic Golden Age remain celebrated worldwide
  • Central Asian STEM promotion: Provides a high-level international competition platform for Central Asian students
  • Growing global reach: From its 2023 founding, the competition has quickly expanded to include participants from across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe
  • Uzbekistan's commitment: The hosting of both ARBIChO and IChO 2026 demonstrates Uzbekistan's ambition to become a hub for international science education

Past Exams Archive