PANINI LINGUISTICS OLYMPIAD
PLO is a fun, exciting, educational, challenging, puzzling, linguistic competition for students studying in grades 6th to 8th (Juniors) and 9th to 12th (Seniors).
This competition helps foster problem solving, computational thinking and appreciation for the linguistic diversity and linguistics in general.
PLO 2026 will have two major selection rounds.
We also have a special Puzzle Lab for people hoping to get started with their
Linguistic Olympiad journey.
Dates in the timeline are tentative and subject to change.
13 November, 2025
This is the first selectional round for PLO. Top participants from this round will be eligible for Round 2. So don't wait and register!
4 February 2026
Last date to register for the contest.
15 February 2026
Time to put on your thinking caps and solve some fun linguistics puzzles!
14 March 2026
Round 1 result are announced!
5 April 2026
Time to put on your thinking caps and solve some fun linguistics puzzles!
May 2026
Top participants from Round 1 get to take part in an Invitational Camp in Hyderabad where they learn linguistics and key tips and tricks. Participants then will get a chance to take part in Round 2 which would help select the top 8 students to represent the Indian team at IOL 2026.
July 2026
Top 8 participants from Round 2 are selected to represent India at IOL 2026.
To get a feel, try this sample problem.
K = outermost green layer
C = next whorl
A = next – the yellow dots, and
G the innermost = orange.
The number of elements in the whorl is subscripted.
To view the full solution, find this problem on the Resources Page
Did you enjoy the problem?
Try out more and don't forget to participate in the olympiad.
Feel Free to contact us any time.
We will get back to you as soon as we can!. plo@iiit.ac.in