FYKOS Correspondence Competition

FYKOS is an individual competition that offers high school students a great opportunity to expand their understanding of physics and the world around us in an interesting way, e.g. through our problems, feedback, sample solutions, supplementary texts or participation in our events. FYKOS is the oldest competition of the organization of the same name and is currently in its 38th year.

About FYKOS Group Rules of the Competition

Basic Information

What Is This

FYKOS is an all-year-round individual competition for high school students

How Does It Work

We publish a series of 8 problems 6 times a year – some theoretical, some experimental, etc. – which you have about a month to solve

How to Submit Solutions

You submit your solutions via a web form on db.fykos.cz in PDF format

What Happens Next?

We correct your solutions and send them back to you with helpful comments and a score. We also publish our own solutions so that you can learn how we would solve the problem.

Evaluation

You collect points for solved problems, which are added up to the overall ranking. There are 4 categories according to the year of high school. The results are published on the website and the best solvers are rewarded with nice prizes.

What Is Allowed

Any literature, any computer programs / programming languages (Wolfram, Geogebra, ...) and the internet. If you are stuck, you can consult. Consulting and copying are different things! Also, the use of generative AI tools is prohibited. This includes tools such as ChatGPT. The seminar is mainly for you to improve in physics – any copying or excessive use of AI will ruin this goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have to Solve All 8 Problems?

No, each problem counts and you can learn something from each attempt. Participants who solve all problems are rather an exception. We mainly evaluate effort and approach.

Do I Have to Start Solving at the First Series?

No, you can start at any time during the year and you can solve only the series you want. It doesn't matter when you join.

How to Become a Participant?

Easily! Just upload solutions to some problems from the current series and fill in basic information about yourself (name, surname, date of birth, address, school and category) through the FYKOS web interface.

Why Participate in FYKOS?

FYKOS participants gain practice in solving physics problems and a deeper understanding of their nature. FYKOS also serves as a great preparation for current and future successful participants in other physics competitions (Physics Olympiads, Physics Brawl Online, IYPT, etc.). It is also a good stepping stone for studying at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University or other technical faculties.

Rewards for Participating

The best participants also receive valuable prizes such as books, board games, t-shirts, hoodies, or other items.

Want to Start Participating?

All you need to do is read the rules, check the assignments, and dive into physics!

Rules