A student competition in language and logic.
Participate Now 2026Submit your solution by 17 January 2027, 23:59 UTC.
ILC is a global educational program that empowers students to explore the scientific study of language, challenge their analytical thinking, and discover patterns in human communication through linguistic problem-solving.
Linguistics is the science of language: how it is structured, how it is used, and how it changes across time and cultures. It explores everything from the sounds we make (phonetics) and how words are built (morphology), to how sentences carry meaning (semantics) and how we communicate effectively (pragmatics).
There are over 7,000 languages spoken around the world, each with its own fascinating patterns. ILC problems challenge you to uncover how language works. No prior knowledge needed, just curiosity and logical thinking!
Did you know some languages don't use words for "left" and "right", relying instead on directions like north and south? Language tells us a lot about how people think and communicate across the world.
Linguists played a central role in cracking enemy codes during World War II. This is because language is about logic as much as it is about words! Whether you love languages, maths, or solving puzzles, ILC has something for you.
When you participate in the ILC, you become part of a worldwide network of curious students facinated about language. Become an ILC Ambassador to introduce the competition to your region.
The Qualification Round features five linguistic problems covering foundational concepts in syntax, semantics, phonetics, morphology, and language patterns. Problems involve analyzing linguistic data, identifying patterns, and explaining underlying language structures.
Each problem is worth 5 points. To advance, participants must achieve a minimum score of 15 points for the Junior division, 17 points for the Youth division, and 20 points for the Senior division. Participants are encouraged to show their reasoning, explain their analytical process, and think creatively. Outstanding submissions receive special recognition.
Submission Deadline:
Sunday, 17 January 2027, 23:59 UTC+0
Open to all students. Participation is free.
Time Left: 68 Days 6 Hrs 47 Mins 1 Secs
Qualified participants tackle three more complex linguistic problems in a 60-minute supervised exam, exploring deeper aspects of language structure and analysis: 1x Foundational Problem (4 pts), 1x Advanced Problem (6 pts), 1x Research Problem (8 pts).
Before the exam, you receive the research paper to the research problem to study and prepare, giving you the opportunity to dive deep into real linguistic research and come to the exam ready to apply what you have learned.
The maximum score is 36 points. To advance, participants must achieve at least 16/20/24 points (Junior/Youth/Senior, see age groups). To run the competition at a global scale, the registration cost for the Pre-Final Round is 27 EUR. Financial aid is available for participants facing financial hardship. You can find more details here.
Registration Deadline:
Tuesday, 23 February 2027, 23:59 UTC+0
Qualified students. Registration costs 27 EUR.
Financial aid is available.
Research Paper Release:
Wednesday, 24 February 2027
Exam Window:
Friday, 26 February 2027 to Sunday, 28 February 2027
The Final Round is a 30-minute online exam taken from home, consisting of mixed short-answer and multiple-choice questions (1–5 minutes per question). It covers linguistic concepts from the Qualification and Pre-Final Round, including theoretical understanding and analytical reasoning about language structures.
The exam is monitored via an online supervision system (webcam + supervision phone). No teacher supervision required or allowed. Final rankings and prizes are determined based on performance in this round, with tie-breakers using results from previous rounds.
Final Round Exam: Tuesday, 30 March 2027,
23:59 UTC+0
Qualified students from the Pre-Final Round. Participation is free.
To learn more about ILC, and what tools can support your students in their preparation, we have compiled a list of resources here:
