3-Month Study Plan for IOQM Exam
Swati Singh11 Aug, 2025
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3-Month Study Plan for IOQM Exam: For young mathematicians aiming to prove their abilities, the Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM) provides a platform to demonstrate their problem-solving talents and mathematical expertise. To perform well in this prestigious exam, a clear IOQM 2025 roadmap is essential.
Participants require access to IOQM question papers, answer keys, and detailed solutions for thorough preparation. Additionally, understanding how to crack IOQM in first attempt involves strategic planning, analyzing previous year trends, and staying motivated with every step forward.
Analyse Last Year IOQM Cut Off Marks
The IOQM exam consists of a total of 102 marks. Analyzing the previous year’s IOQM cut-off marks helps to strategize your preparation. Across India, selection is done category-wise, and Telangana consistently tops with the highest IOQM cut-off.
A minimum of 10 marks is required to receive IOQM certification.
| Region | IOQM 2019 | IOQM 2020 | IOQM 2022 | IOQM 2023 | ||
| Class 8-11 | Class 12 | Class 8-11 | Class 12 | Class 8- 11 | Class 8- 11 | |
| Delhi | 23 | 32 | 38 | 51 | 30 | 17 |
| North Western States | 18 | 24 | 38 | 53 | 30 | - |
| Mumbai | 21 | 23 | 38 | 50 | 30 | 10 |
| Mah and Goa | 20 | 28 | 38 | 49 | 30 | 11 |
| Rajasthan | 22 | 30 | 38 | 51 | 30 | 13 |
| Telangana | 28 | 26 | 38 | 53 | 30 | 13 |
| Karnataka | 16 | 20 | 36 | 51 | 30 | 11 |
| West Bengal | 14 | 16 | 35 | 41 | 30 | 10 |
| UP | 17 | 25 | 34 | 41 | 30 | 10 |
| Gujarat | 19 | 26 | 34 | 53 | 30 | 10 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 38 | 32 | 33 | 45 | 30 | 12 |
Analyse IOQM Syllabus
In the IOQM Syllabus, there are basically 5 units
- Number Theory
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Combinatorics
- Functional Equation
For those looking to build an IOQM topper strategy, analyzing subtopics and question weightage is crucial. Based on IOQM topper interviews, the maximum questions are usually from Number Theory.
Target - Complete Number Theory in June Month
| Number Theory | |||||||
| Sub-Topics | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Base System/Miscellaneous | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| GCD, LCM, Division Algorithm | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Modulo Arithmetic | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Fermat's Theorem | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Diophentine Equation | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Every-year 7 to 8 questions are asked from Geometry. Till 15 July Start practising Number Theory and complete topics of Algebra
| Algebra | |||||||
| Sub-Topics | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Polynomials | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Sequence and Series | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Graphical Method of Solving Equations | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Misc. Questions | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
By 15 July, start covering the topics of Geometry.
| Geometry | |||||||
| Sub-Topics | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| Centres of Trianlge | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Angles, Sides and Areas | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Important Theorems | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Congruent and Similarity | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Quadrilaterals and Circles | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Combinatorics | |||||||
| Sub-Topics | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
| FPC + Binomial | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Beggar's Theorem | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Recurrence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Systematic Counting | 9 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
3-Month Study Plan for IOQM Exam
This structured IOQM 2025 roadmap follows four smart phases, i.e., foundation building, problem-solving, advanced practice, and revision. It is designed to help students understand how to crack IOQM in first attempt by using proven strategies, learning from IOQM success story examples, and applying insights from IOQM interviews with toppers. Following this plan ensures a solid IOQM topper strategy for exam success.
Maintain an error log: Write down every mistake and revisit weekly
Discuss Problems: Use Online forums like Art of Problem Solving or Telegram Groups.
Daily Time Commitment: School Days, 1.5 to 2 hours, Holidays/Weekends: 4 to 5 hours
Sleep and Focus: Ensure 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Don't Sacrifice with health.
Phase 1: Foundation Strengthening (Days 1 to 30)
Goal - Revise concepts, build theory, and solve easier level problems and topics.
| Week | Focus Area | Tasks |
| 1 | Number Theory | Euclidean Algorithm, Modular Arithmetics, Divisibility, Fermat's Theorem, Do 20 to 30 Questions |
| 2 | Algebra | Inequalities, Polynomial Factor, Identify Theorem, Fractional Equation |
| 3 | Geometry | Triangle centres, Angle Chasing, Cyclic Quadrilateral, Basic Theorems (Ceva, Menelaus) |
| 4 | Combinatorics | Basic Counting, Pigeonhole Principle, Permutations/Combinations, Intro in Bijections |
Resources: IOQM Past Year Papers, Art of Problem Solving Booklets
Phase 2: Intermediate Problem- Solving (Days 31 to 60)
Goal: Tackle Standard Olympiad-level problems, Indentify Weak Areas
| Week | Focus Area | Tasks |
| 5 to 6 | Mixed Topic Problems | Solve IOQM/PRMO Past Year Papers, Focus on full length sets |
| 7 | Mock Test Week | 3 Full Test under exam conditions, Analyse deeply |
| 8 | Refinement | Revisit weak areas identified from mocks. Learn problem classification (easy/medium/hard) |
Techniques to practice: Invariants, Symmetry and parity, Constructive techniques in Combinatorics, Clever Substitutions in Algebra.
Phase 3: Advanced Mastery (Days 61 to 80)
Goal: Master tough problems. Push into INMO Level depth for confidence.
| Week | Focus Area | Tasks |
| 9 to 10 | Advanced Problems | INMO PYQ (especially from 2005-2015), Choose problems from each topic. |
| 11 | Geometry Week | Master Advanced geometry, radical axis, power of a point, geometry transformations |
| 12 | NT/Combi Focus | Spend 3 days on Diophantine equations and 3 on difficult combinatorics (double counting, recurrence) |
Phase 4: Final Prep & Optimization (Days 81 to 80)
Goal: Stimulate real exam, polish speed, manage stress.
| Week | Focus Area | Tasks |
| 13 | Full Mock Tests | Take at lease 5 Full-length IOQM Style mocks. Review solutions in detail. |
| 14 | Timed Drills | Practice 3-hour sessions on 30 questions sets. Try skipping and returning to difficult ones. |
| 15 | Mental Fitness + Revise | Review all forumulas, short tricks and problem types, Rest 1 day per week. |
Checklist for Final days
- Have you solved 5+ years of IOQM Papers?
- Can you solve 80% of geometry problems confidently?
- Do you have speed strategies for short problems (Q1 to Q10)
- Can you identify topic type from problem quickly?
| Other Important Links | |
| IOQM Syllabus 2025 | Enroll Today for IOQM Batches |
| IOQM Previous Year Question Papers | How to Prepare for IOQM |
3-Month Study Plan for IOQM Exam FAQs
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