International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO)
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is one of the finest mathematical competitions for school youngsters organized every year by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF). It is a platform for students from Class 1 to 12 to exhibit possible reasoning, problem-solving with appropriate reasoning and mathematical thinking.
For decades, the IMO has been identifying bright mathematical minds and providing the stepping stones required to develop a strong analytical foundation for students to effectively function during national and international academic competition. In this Olympiad, learners sharpen their mathematical ability and begin to participate in a competitive learning environment early-on.
Importance of IMO
- Early Exposure to Competitions – Students develop confidence to take exams beyond the school syllabus.
- Skill Development – Learners develop higher-order skills including problem-solving, logical reasoning, and critical thinking.
- Academic Improvement – Students perform better at school and board exams.
- Worldwide Recognition – Topper gets recognition at global, zonal, and school-levels and are awarded with awards, medals, and scholarships.
The IMO is not merely an exam; it is a journey that ignites passion for mathematics and encourages students to strive towards academic excellence.
SOF IMO Exam 2025-26 Overview
The upcoming SOF IMO 2025-26 examination will have the following highlights:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
|
Exam Organizing Body
|
Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)
|
|
Eligibility |
Students of Classes 1 to 12 from recognized schools
|
|
Exam Level
|
Intermediate (2 Levels)
|
|
Application Process
|
Through respective schools only
|
|
Exam Dates (Level 1)
|
November 12, 2025 / November 28, 2025 / December 12, 2025
|
|
Exam Dates (Level 2)
|
January 2026 (Tentative)
|
|
Exam Mode
|
Offline (Pen & Paper)
|
|
Fee |
₹125 (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh); $9 (Other countries)
|
|
Duration |
1 Hour
|
|
Language |
English |
|
Objective |
To identify and nurture young mathematical talent
|
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The IMO exam measures students’ ability of logical reasoning, their mathematical concepts, application and problem-solving abilities. The IMO exam is conducted in two levels:
Level 1 Exam Pattern
- Testing classes 1 to 4: total 35 Questions (40 Marks)
- Testing classes 5 to 12: total 50 Questions (60 Marks)
- Sections include:
- Logical Reasoning
- Mathematical Reasoning/ Applied Mathematics
- Mathematics in Everyday Life
- Achievers Section (Higher Order Thinking Questions)
Level 2 Exam Pattern
- Tested for classes 3 to 12.
- This section contains more of an advanced topic and requires more depth of knowledge/advanced application.
- 60 Minutes exam.
- Class 3-4: Total 35 Questions (40 Marks)
- Class 5-12: Total 50 Questions (60 Marks).
IMO Syllabus (Class-wise)
IMO syllabus incorporates the CBSE, ICSE/ ISC and other State Boards syllabus whilst infusing more advanced reasoning and analytical questions.
Example Highlights:
- Class 1-2: Patterns, Numbers, Shapes, Addition, Subtraction.
- Class 3-5: Fraction, Decimal, Time, Geometry, Puzzles.
- Was 6-8: Algebra, Mensuration, Data Handling, Symmetry.
- Class 9-10: Geometry, Probability, Statistics, Quadratic Equations.
- Class 11-12: Calculus, Differential Equations, Vectors, Probability, and Advanced Algebra.
Note: Achievers Section will always contain the higher-order thinking questions from current class syllabus only.
Eligibility Criteria
Level 1
- Open to students of every Class 1-12: No Minimum marks and no Qualification needed.
Level 2
- For students of classes 3 to 12.
- Selections based on Level 1 performance.
- Overall Top 5% performed in each class.
- Overall top 25 rank holders from each zone.
- Overall Class toppers as long as minimum 10 participants scored a minimum of 50 [+] percent marks.
Registration Process for IMO 2025
- Registration can be done only through schools.
- Schools will receive prospectus & registration forms from SOF.
- Students will fill in their particulars and submit it to the school coordinator.
- Registration Fees – ₹125/- per student (Schools may charge an additional ₹25/- for their administrative expenses).
- Exemptions: Students with severe disabilities & Wards of defense martyrs.
Exam Dates for IMO 2025-26
- Level 1 Exam:
- November 12, 2025
- November 28, 2025
- December 12, 2025
- Level 2 Exam:
- January 2026 (Tentative).
- Results Declaration:
- Level 1: January 2026
Level 2: March 2026
Awards, Scholarships & Recognition
The SOF’s respect and importance for students, teachers and schools work will never be diminished. They will be awarded with merits at the International, Zonal and School level.
International Level
- 1st Rank: ₹50,000 + Gold Medal + Certificate
- 2nd Rank: ₹25,000 + Silver Medal + Certificate
- 3rd Rank: ₹10,000 + Bronze Medal + Certificate
Zonal Level
- 1st Rank: ₹5,000 + Gold Medal + Certificate
- 2nd Rank: ₹2,500 + Silver Medal + Certificate
- 3rd Rank: ₹1,000 + Bronze Medal + Certificate
- Ranks 4 to 10: Gifts worth ₹1,000 + Medal of Distinction + Certificate
- Ranks 11 to 25: Medal of Distinction + Certificate of Excellence
School Level
- Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals for the First three students (minimum participation required).
- Certificates of Participation for all.
Sample Papers for IMO
SOF publishes sample papers for practice in the subjects of IMO. Sample papers allow students to:
- Identify similarities in question types.
- Assess time management skills.
- Recognize weak subject areas.
- Improve speed and accuracy.
Students will be able to download IMO sample papers as a PDF from the Official SOF website.
Preparation Tips for IMO 2025
- Review Syllabus – Concepts from current syllabus and syllabus of the previous class.
- Practice Consistently – Solve mock tests, past year papers, logical riddles/puzzles, etc.
- Pay attention to Achievers Section – Take time working through higher-order thinking questions.
- Use relevant books – Olympiad Prep-Guide, IMO Workbook, Past Years Papers.
- Time Management – Train on how to solve the entire paper in 60 minutes.
- Consistency – It is overall more effective to spend 1-2 hours a day preparing every day than it is to cram in 1-2 full days!
Recommended Books for IMO 2025-26
- Suggested Reading for IMO 2025-26
- Olympiad Prep-Guide (IMO)
- IMO Online Test Packages
- Mixed Combo: SOF Workbook and Reasoning book.
- Last 5 Years IMO Papers
- Coverage: ILM and NEP Combined.
- Olympiad Book of Reasoning
Benefits of Participating in IMO
- Global Benchmarking: Challenge yourself in the school, city, zonal and international levels.
- Student Performance Report (SPR): Intensive examination of strengths and weaknesses.
- Rewards: Medals, certificates and scholarships increase the confidence of students.
- Academic Success in the Long-run: Enhancing learning basics will assist in boards, IIT-JEE, NEET and visas.
- Motivation & Exposure: Students learn to handle competition while learning to aim higher in academics.
International Mathematics Olympiad (Global IMO)
As well as the SOF IMO, students can target the globally-renowned International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) – the most eminent award in the world of mathematics – which has been held every year since 1959. Given that every country selects its best students to represent it, the country’s 2025 IMO will be held on Sunshine Coast, Australia.
The global IMO also tests the highest difficulty levels of advanced mathematical concepts such as combinatorics, number theory, geometry, and algebra.
Conclusion
The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is not merely an exam, but rather an opportunity for students to learn, challenge and develop their mathematical skill sets. It motivates the young learner towards becoming adept problem solvers, makes them become logical thinkers and helps them engage at every academic opportunity.
There’s no doubt about it! Regardless if you are in Class 1 or Class 12, IMO 2025-26 is the place to shine. Come and take steps into the realm of competitive greatness.
FAQs
Students from Classes 1 through 12 studying in recognized schools can apply through their respective institutions. There is no minimum eligibility in terms of marks or past exams.
Ans- The IMO is conducted in two levels:
- Level 1: Yearly for Classes 1 to 12.
- Level 2: Yearly conducted for Classes 3 to 12 students who qualify from level 1.
The registration fees for students studying in these countries is ₹125 per extent student ( India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh) and USD 9 from other nationalities. Some students i.e. students with severe disabilities and/or wards of defence martyrs may have more exemptions.
The syllabus is built around the CBSE, ICSE/ISC, and state boards syllabuses for Mathematics. This would comprise; some logical reasoning and Higher Order Thinking Questions (Achievers Section).
In conclusion, students will receive certificates, medals, scholarships, affiliation, and international recognition as an individual institution. Also makers will see their Student Performance Report (SPR) which explains their strengths and weaknesses as an individual and groups.
Quick Links
- National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP)
- National Standard Examination in Chemistry (NSEC)
- Internatinal Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)
- Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO)
- Indian National Chemistry Olympiad (INChO)
- Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO)
- Internatinal Mathematics Olympiad (IMO)
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