IMO 2025-26: The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is a world-level mathematics competition for high school students. It takes place every year in a different country.
In India, the IMO is managed by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) on behalf of the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM), which works under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India.
IMO stands for International Mathematical Olympiad. It is a globally recognized math contest that builds interest in the subject and improves thinking and problem-solving skills. It also gives students a chance to compete and win awards at different levels—school, state, national, and international.
Below are the key details of the SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) 2025-26. This table will help you understand the exam process, dates, and other important information.
IMO 2025-26 Overview |
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Conducting Body |
Australian Maths Trust under the guidance of IMO Society |
Full Exam Name |
International Mathematics Olympiad |
Frequency of Conduct |
Annually |
Medium |
English |
Examination Mode |
Offline |
IMO Exam Date 2025-26 |
Level 1 Exam Date 1: 12th November 2025 |
Application Fee (General) |
Rs. 125/- (Offline) |
Duration |
1 Hour |
Types of Questions |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Official Website |
The Indian Maths Olympiad program is conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) on behalf of the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM). This program helps find the best math talents in India and prepares them for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
Students go through 6 stages to reach the final international level:
This is the first stage of the Olympiad journey.
Open for students across India.
It’s a screening test to select students for the next level.
Organized at the national level.
Selected students from IOQM take part in RMO.
This test checks deeper understanding of math.
It’s held region-wise and is a bit tougher.
Top students from RMO are invited for INMO.
This is a national-level exam with more advanced questions.
Performance in INMO helps you qualify for training camp.
Selected students attend a training camp at HBCSE, Mumbai.
They get special training from top mathematicians.
A series of tests and lectures are held to choose the top 6 students.
The final 6 students train further before going to the international competition.
This is the last step in India before the main event.
Held every July in a different country.
India’s team of 6 students, along with the director, deputy leader, and observers, represents the country.
The competition has 2 written tests over two days.
Each test has 3 challenging problems and lasts for 4.5 hours.
Physics Wallah (PW) offers online classes for students who are preparing for the Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM) 2025-26. These classes are for students from Classes 8 to 12 and can be done at home.
Students can watch the recorded videos anytime, which helps them learn at their speed. The course includes clear lessons, practice questions, and help for solving problems. It is made to support students in getting ready for the exam in an easy and flexible way.
Enroll Today for IOQM 2025 Batches
Students who take part in the IMO are ranked at different levels – school, city, regional, zonal, and international, based on their scores.
Here are some benefits of taking the IMO exam:
Test your skills: You can compare your math skills with students from around the world.
Better time management: Preparing for IMO helps you manage your time and stay focused.
Awards and scholarships: You can win prizes and get scholarships that support your education.
Problem-solving practice: You get to solve tricky math questions that improve your thinking.
Global recognition: Doing well in the IMO can open new academic and career opportunities.
Students need to pay an application fee of ₹125 along with the form. For international students, the fee is $9 per student. Please note that students cannot apply on their own. The application must be submitted through the school, as direct applications are not accepted by the organizers.
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is open to students from Grades 1 to 12 who are under 20 years of age as of July 31, 2025. Students from any country can take part if they meet the following conditions:
Age: You must be born on or after July 1, 2005, and must be under 20 years old by July 31, 2025.
Education: You should be a current school or college student and should not have completed your studies before the year of the competition.
Nationality: You must be a citizen or permanent resident of the country you are representing.
Selection: You must be selected by your country’s official Mathematics Olympiad organization, based on your performance in national-level exams.
Team Size: Each country can send up to 6 students to participate in the IMO. In special cases, fewer students may be allowed.
There will be three dates for the SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) 2025–2026 Level 1 exam.
Schools can choose any one of the dates mentioned below to conduct the exam.
IMO 2025-26 Exam Date |
|
Exam Date Options |
SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) 2025‑26 |
Date 1 |
12th November 2025 |
Date 2 |
28th November 2025 |
Date 3 |
12th December 2025 |
IMO Awards/ Scholarships
Criterion 1: Students in each category reach the top 5% in the first level. Scores obtained in each part of the exam are taken into account.
Criterion 2: Top 25 rank holders from each class in each zone.
Criterion 3: Class topper from each participating school who obtains 50% marks in IMO 2025-26 level 1
Note: In case of conflicting grades or rankings in the results of IMO 2025-26, the achiever's section will be preferred, followed by mathematical reasoning, Everyday Mathematics and Logical Reasoning.
IMO Syllabus 2025-26 | |
Class | Topics |
IMO Syllabus 2025-26 for Class I & II |
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IMO Syllabus 2025-26 for Class III & IV |
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IMO Syllabus 2025-26 for Class V & VI |
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IMO Syllabus 2025-26 for Class VII & VIII |
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IMO Syllabus 2025-26 for Class IX & X |
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IMO Syllabus 2025-26 for Class XI & XII |
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Level 1: The first level of the test is organized in the schools of the participants during school hours.
The Level 1 competition is a 60-minute test containing 35 objective (multiple choice) questions for grades 1 to 4 and 50 objective (multiple choice) questions for grades 5 to 12. The question paper consists of four sections :Level 2: Level 2 will be conducted from 3 am to 12 pm. for class students. The following qualified for the second round:
IMO Exam Pattern 2025-26 | ||||
Class | Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
1 to 4 | Logical Reasoning | 10 | 1 | 10 |
Mathematical Reasoning | 10 | 1 | 10 | |
Everyday Mathematics | 10 | 1 | 10 | |
Achievers Section | 5 | 2 | 10 | |
Grand Total | 35 | 40 | ||
5 to 10 | Logical Reasoning | 15 | 1 | 15 |
Mathematical Reasoning | 20 | 1 | 20 | |
Everyday Mathematics | 10 | 1 | 10 | |
Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 | |
Grand Total | 50 | 60 | ||
11 to 12 | Logical Reasoning | 15 | 1 | 15 |
Mathematical Reasoning /Applied Mathematics | 20 | 1 | 20 | |
Everyday Mathematics | 10 | 1 | 10 | |
Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 | |
Grand Total | 50 | 60 |