For Students
A fun and challenging way to test their thinking, learn from mistakes, and gain confidence in front of peers.
Programme
Ilham HOTS Quiz
The Ilham HOTS Quiz is a “Battle of the Brains” style competition that challenges students to use higher-order thinking skills across multiple subjects – going beyond memorisation to real reasoning.
Programme focus
Higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) & problem solving
Who can join
School students (levels set for each competition year)
What is the Ilham HOTS Quiz?
The Ilham HOTS Quiz is a national competition organised by Persatuan Pendidikan Ilham. Students answer questions that require them to analyse information, compare options, make inferences, and explain their thinking clearly.
The quiz is designed to be exciting and challenging, while still being accessible to students from a range of schools and backgrounds. It helps students build confidence, teamwork, and a love for thinking deeply.
At a glance
- Levels: set by year (e.g. upper primary, lower secondary, etc.).
- Format: objective questions, short reasoning questions, and team rounds (customisable by year).
- Subjects: integrated skills across maths, science, language and real-life scenarios.
- Medium: English and/or Bahasa Malaysia (final decision set in yearly handbook).
- Fees: to be confirmed each year; subsidies may be available for selected schools.
How the competition works
The Ilham HOTS Quiz usually runs in stages, giving schools time to prepare students and build excitement in the school community.
Typical stages
- School registration: schools register teams or individual students.
- School-level selection: schools may run internal selections to choose participants.
- Preliminary / online rounds: students complete an initial quiz.
- Regional / zonal rounds: top-performing students or teams advance.
- Grand finals: final round where top teams compete for national recognition.
Note: Exact structure and dates will be provided in the official handbook for each year’s competition.
What students will experience
- Questions that require careful reading and reasoning.
- Real-world scenarios that connect to everyday life.
- Opportunities to work with team-mates and communicate clearly.
- Feedback that helps them understand how they can improve.
Registration & important dates
Registration details, dates, and fees for the next Ilham HOTS Quiz will be announced on this page and on our News section.
Schools are encouraged to identify interested students early and begin light preparation using our sample questions and resources.
Information schools will need
- School name and contact person.
- Number of students / teams for each level.
- Preferred competition centre (if applicable).
- Payment details or proof (for paid categories).
A downloadable invitation letter and school information pack will be made available in the Resources section when registration opens.
How the Ilham HOTS Quiz helps different groups
The competition is not just a one-day event. It’s a chance for schools, parents, and students to build a culture of thinking and curiosity.
For Parents
A clear opportunity to see their children apply what they learn in school to real problems, not just exams.
For Schools
A platform to showcase student talent, strengthen school identity, and encourage HOTS-based teaching.
For Donors & Partners
A tangible initiative to support, with visible impact on students and communities each year.