IMO 2026 Registration: Dates, Process, Eligibility & Steps to Register

The IMO 2026 registration process is a crucial step for countries and national olympiad bodies preparing to participate in the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad. 

While many students search for direct registration options, it is important to understand that individual students cannot register for IMO 2026 on their own. Registration is centrally managed by national authorities, and students qualify through structured selection stages.

Also Read: 

• IMO Previous Year Question Papers
• IMO Syllabus

IMO 2026 Registration Overview

The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is the world’s most prestigious mathematics competition for high-school students. The IMO 2026 will be the 67th edition of the Olympiad and will bring together student teams from over 100 countries.

Unlike school or competitive exams, IMO registration is not student-driven. Instead:

• Countries register as delegations

• National leaders submit student details

• Selection happens through national olympiad systems

Understanding this structure is essential before looking at registration dates or links.

IMO 2026 Registration Date

The IMO 2026 registration date has been officially announced for national teams and country delegations. These deadlines are applicable to national olympiad bodies, not individual students.

Important: Students must complete their national-level selection exams much earlier, usually in 2024–2025, to be eligible for inclusion in the IMO 2026 team.

IMO 2026 Registration Process

The IMO 2026 registration process follows a structured, international protocol managed by the IMO Board and the host country.

Step-by-Step IMO 2026 Registration Process

The steps involved in the IMO 2026 Registration process include:

Step 1: Country Registration

Each participating country or territory must first register as an official delegation.

Step 2: Registration of Leaders and Observers

Countries nominate:

• Leader

• Deputy Leader

• Observers (if any)

These officials are responsible for student coordination, exams, and communication.

Step 3: Registration of Student Numbers

Each country confirms the number of students (maximum 6 contestants).

Step 4: Submission of Final Student Details

Selected students’ names, documents, and eligibility details are submitted.

Step 5: Payment of Fees

Participation fees for teams are paid by national bodies.

Step 6: Travel and Logistics Submission

Travel details and accommodation coordination are finalized with the host country.

This completes the IMO 2026 registration process at the international level.

IMO 2026 Registration Link: Where to Apply?

Many students search for the IMO 2026 registration link, but it is important to clarify that there is no public or individual registration link exists for students

Registration links are accessible only to:

• National mathematical societies

• National olympiad coordinators

• Official IMO delegation leaders

Students must rely on national olympiad bodies for participation.

For example, in India, students must qualify through exams conducted by HBCSE, which then handles all communication and registration with the IMO organisers.

How to Register for IMO 2026 as a Student

If you are a student wondering how to register for IMO 2026, the answer lies in qualifying, not applying.

How to Register for IMO 2026 (Student Perspective)

1. Appear for your country’s national mathematics olympiad qualifiers

2. Clear successive selection stages

3. Get shortlisted for training camps

4. Be selected in the final national team

5. National body registers you for IMO 2026

Students do not fill any international form themselves.

IMO 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The IMO 2026 eligibility criteria are defined under the IMO General and Annual Regulations and apply globally.

Global Eligibility Rules

• Student must be under 20 years of age on 31 July 2026

• Must be a school student

• Must not be enrolled in any college or university

• Must be selected through national procedures

Team Eligibility

• Each country can send up to 6 students

• All students must meet age and academic eligibility norms

Failure to meet eligibility criteria results in disqualification, even if selected earlier.

National Selection and Registration Flow 

In India, the IMO pathway is managed by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) on behalf of NBHM.

Stages Involved In IMO 2026

1. Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM)

2. Regional Mathematics Olympiad (RMO)

3. Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO)

4. IMO Training Camp (IMOTC)

5. Pre-Departure Camp (PDC)

6. Final IMO Team Selection

Only the final selected students are registered internationally.

IMO 2026 Host Country and Venue

The International Mathematical Olympiad 2026 will be hosted by China.

Host Details

• Host Country: People’s Republic of China

• Host City: Shanghai

• Venue: Shanghai High School

All registered teams will receive logistical and travel guidelines from the host organisers after registration.

Common Misconceptions About IMO 2026 Registration

There are several common misconceptions about the IMO 2026 registration process. To clarify, students cannot register individually, and registration is managed through national olympiad bodies. Check below for the correct process, eligibility, and important details regarding the IMO 2026 registration.

1. Students Can Register Directly for IMO 2026
   Students cannot register individually for IMO 2026. The registration is handled by national mathematical bodies or olympiad authorities in each country. Students must first qualify through national exams before being selected for the IMO.

2. There is a Public IMO 2026 Registration Form
   There is no public registration form for students. IMO registration is managed by national olympiad organizers. Students must go through their national olympiad bodies for the registration process.

3. Paying a Registration Fee Guarantees Participation
   Paying the registration fee does not guarantee participation in IMO 2026. Students must qualify through national exams and training camps to be selected. Only the top students from the national selection process are sent to the IMO.

4. IMO Registration is Open Year-Round
   IMO registration is not open year-round. Each country has a specific timeline and deadline for the registration process. Students should follow their national olympiad bodies' schedules for registration and selection.

5. All Students Automatically Qualify for IMO
   Not all students who register for the national exams will qualify for IMO. Only the top 6 students are selected to represent the country after going through multiple rounds of exams and training camps.

Important Instructions for IMO 2026 Aspirants

Important instructions for IMO 2026 aspirants include adhering to eligibility criteria, following the registration process through national olympiad bodies, and preparing rigorously in core topics. Check below for detailed guidelines on participation, preparation tips, and essential rules for the competition.

• Focus on qualifying national olympiad exams

• Track announcements from your national body

• Do not rely on unofficial registration websites

• Follow eligibility rules strictly

• Prepare documentation early