Maths Olympiad is an exam for students who love solving math problems. It is held at different levels—school, regional, national, and international.
Students get a chance to test their thinking and problem-solving skills beyond what they learn in school.
Students from Classes 1 to 12 can participate, depending on the Olympiad. It’s a great way to:
List of Maths Olympiads
Mathematics Olympiad is conducted in multiple stages to identify and train talented students in mathematics. Below is a table showing the names and full forms of each stage:
Stages of the Mathematics Olympiad
Maths Olympiad is a competition for school students to find those who are good at maths. It happens in different stages and levels, like national and international.
IOQM – Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics
This is the first stage of the Olympiad in India. It’s conducted by the Mathematics Teachers’ Association of India (MTA) and HBCSE. Questions include both multiple-choice and short answers Based on high school math Tests your logic and math understanding If you do well, you move to the next round – RMO.
RMO - Regional Mathematics Olympiad
Regional Mathematics Olympiad (RMO) is the second level of the Maths Olympiad in India. It is organized by the Regional Coordinators under the guidance of HBCSE, Mumbai. The exam is held at selected centres within each region.
RMO is a 3-hour exam where students have to answer 6 questions. These questions are not just about getting the right answer—they ask you to show your steps and explain your thinking. This means you need to really understand the maths, not just remember formulas.
The exam is proof-based, so you need to write clear and logical answers. You can write the exam in English, Hindi, or your own regional language, depending on where you live.
Top performers in the RMO are selected to appear for the INMO.
INMO – Indian National Mathematical Olympiad
The Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) is a math competition held in India. It is the third step in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) selection process, which is run by the HBCSE.
High school students frequently take the INMO exam. The International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC) is the next step for the top 35 test takers. This training camp is run by HBCSE. Students learn how to solve complex math problems at the camp. Six students are chosen to represent India at the IMO after the camp.
IMOTC – International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp
For the top 35 INMO qualifiers, HBCSE hosts the International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC). It happens in April or May.
Students at IMOTC receive intense instruction in advanced mathematics, including geometry, algebra, combinatorics, and number theory. Six students are selected to represent India at the IMO after a series of internal selection tests.
PDC – Pre-Departure Camp
The Pre-Departure Camp (PDC) is the final training stage for the six students chosen to represent India at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
This camp is held just before the IMO to help students improve speed, accuracy, and problem-solving strategies.
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Camp Schedule
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Mock Test
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Counseling Sessions
IMO – International Mathematical Olympiad
The last and most prominent stage is the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). The top young mathematicians from more than 100 nations come together for it.
Three difficult problems are presented each day of the two-day IMO competition. The top six students chosen from the Olympiad stages are sent by India.
Depending on how well they perform, participants can receive Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals.
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IMO Syllabus
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IMO Format
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Past Year Questions
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Medal Cut-offs
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India’s Performance
MTSE – Maharashtra Talent Search Examination
The Maharashtra Talent Search Examination is known as MTSE. Students in Maharashtra's Classes 8, 9, and 10 take this state-level exam. It seeks to locate and support the state's academically talented students.
The Center for Talent Search & Excellence at N. Wadia College in Pune administers the test. Students' comprehension of mathematics, mental capacity, and scholastic aptitude are assessed by the MTSE. State recognition, certificates, and scholarships are given to chosen students.
NMTC – National Mathematics Talent Contest
The National Mathematics Talent Contest (NMTC) is organized by the Association of Mathematics Teachers of India (AMTI).
It is conducted at four levels:
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Primary (Class 5 & 6)
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Sub-Junior (Class 7 & 8)
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Junior (Class 9 & 10)
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Senior (Class 11 & 12)
The exam is held in two rounds: Preliminary and Final. It focuses on developing logical and creative thinking through non-routine math problems.
Winners get medals, cash prizes, and certificates. It helps them take part in harder math competitions like RMO and INMO.
VVM – Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan
The Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM), a national talent test in science and mathematics, is administered by Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) in collaboration with NCERT and Vigyan Prasar.
Eligible students are those in Classes 6 to 11.
Through practical application, logical reasoning, and Indian scientific heritage, the exam seeks to stimulate interest in math and science.
The VVM is conducted in three stages:
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Online Test (school level)
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State Level Camp
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National Level Camp
Students are assessed on science, mathematics, general knowledge, Indian contributions to science, and reasoning.
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VVM Syllabus
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VVM Exam Pattern
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VVM Registration
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VVM Selection Stages
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VVM Result
IGKO – International General Knowledge Olympiad
Students in Classes 1 through 10 are eligible to compete in the Science Olympiad Foundation's (SOF) International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO).
It emphasizes mental capacity, current affairs, general awareness, and fundamental reasoning, including applications of mathematics.
IGKO aims to enhance students’ awareness of the world around them, along with analytical thinking.
The exam consists of:
Winners receive medals, certificates, cash awards, and gifts at the school, zonal, and international levels.
- IGKO Syllabus
- IGKO Exam Pattern
- IGKO Eligibility Criteria
- IGKO Registration
IGKO Result
Eligibility Criteria for Mathematics Olympiad
The registration process for the Maths Olympiad depends on the organization:
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School-based Registration: Many Olympiad exams are conducted through schools. In this case, the school registers students on their behalf.
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Individual Registration: Some Olympiads also allow individual participation. Students can register directly on the official websites of the respective Olympiad organizing body.
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Students are advised to: Contact their school’s Olympiad coordinator.
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Visit the official websites for updates on registration dates and procedures.
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Keep their academic and ID documents ready for verification.
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Some Olympiads are conducted online, while others are offline at designated exam centers.
Registration for Maths Olympiad
The organization determines how to register for the Math Olympiad:
- School Registration: Many Olympiad exams are conducted by schools. In this case, the school registers the students.
- Individual Registration: Some Olympiads also allow students to register on their own through the official website.
- Students should talk to their school’s Olympiad coordinator for help.
- Check the official websites for the latest registration dates and details.
- Keep your ID and school records ready for verification.
- Some Olympiads are held online, while others take place at selected exam centers.
Mathematics Olympiad Syllabus
The Math Olympiad syllabus is based on the regular school curriculum, but the questions are more challenging.
Topics usually follow textbooks from CBSE, ICSE, and State Boards.
Students may face different types of questions like:
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Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
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Numerical problems
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Descriptive or proof-based questions (mainly in RMO and INMO)
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The exams focus on applying concepts, solving problems, and logical thinking.
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To do well, students should practice past papers and higher-order thinking questions.
Benefits of the Mathematics Olympiad
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Improves your math understanding.
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Sharpens your logical and analytical thinking.
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Helps in other exams like JEE, NEET, NTSE.
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Encourages time management and smart exam strategies.
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Gives national/international recognition.
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Enhances college and scholarship opportunities.
