How It Works
Competition Format
IUPO 2027 introduces a new two-round format: a General Round open to everyone, followed by live Finals for top scorers.
IUPO 2027 has two rounds. The General Round is open to every registered competitor and determines who advances. Finals is a live round for top scorers, judged directly by our panel. Both rounds count toward your final placement, with extra weight on Finals since it's the clearest way to confirm your work is genuinely your own.
Every question draws on the same five competition categories, so no matter which section you're in, you're building on the same foundation.
Round 1: General Round
Online, asynchronous · Open to every registered competitor
The whole round is built around a single fictional city, complete with its own map, data, and planning challenges. Every section draws on that same city, so you're working through one connected scenario instead of a set of disconnected questions.
Duration: About 2.5 to 3 hours
Rapid Scenario Decisions
Multiple choice, map and image based
Questions reference specific maps and diagrams from the competition city, like spotting which parcel violates a zoning rule.
Data-Driven Analysis
Short answer
Questions use data unique to the competition city, like ridership tables or budget sheets, so your answers depend on the numbers you're actually given.
Design & Rationale
Open response with a sketch or annotated diagram
You'll design a solution to a planning problem and explain your reasoning, combining a drawn component with written analysis.
Round 2: Finals
Live, on Zoom with our judges · Top scorers from the General Round
Finalists get a short follow-up scenario before their slot, then join a live video call to present their thinking and answer questions from our judges in real time.
- •A short follow-up prompt sent 24 to 48 hours before your slot, building on the General Round scenario
- •A live 15 to 20 minute slot: a brief presentation of your proposal, followed by live follow-up questions from the judges
How Scoring Works
Your final placement combines your General Round score with your Finals performance, with Finals carrying more weight. The General Round score also determines who advances, so it matters even if you don't make it to Finals. We'll share exact scoring details closer to the competition.