Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) 2026 – Exam Date, Syllabus, Pattern, PYQs & Preparation

Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) is one of the most important stages of the Mathematical Olympiad Programme in India conducted for students who aim to represent India at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). The exam tests students’ problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and advanced concepts beyond regular school-level mathematics.

RMO is conducted under the guidance of the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), TIFR, along with regional coordinators across different regions of India.

Students who qualify RMO become eligible for the next stage, the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO).

RMO Full Form

Regional Mathematics Olympiad 2026 Overview 

RMO Eligibility Criteria 

1. A student has to score at least 10% of the total marks of the IOQM 2026 paper in order to be eligible to appear for RMO 2026 but this is NOT the sole qualifying criterion.
2. Any student who has scored at least 10% of the total marks of the IOQM 2026 paper and enrolled for IOQM 2026 as a student of one of the classes 8,9,10,11 will be classified as a Category A student.
3. Any student who has scored at least 10% of the total marks of the IOQM 2026 paper and enrolled for IOQM 2026 as a student of class 12 will be classified as a Category B student.
4. The list of students who qualify for the RMO 2026 will be prepared according to the following rule: (a) From each region (list of regions: https://www.mtai.org.in/rmo-region-codes/)

i. the top 200 students from Category A will qualify for RMO 2026 along with those tied in the 200th position;

ii. the top 40 students from Category B will qualify for RMO 2026 along with those tied in the 40th position;

iii. 5 additional girl students from Category A irrespective of the number of girl students qualifying in the top 200 students from Category A, will qualify for RMO 2026 under Girls’ quota. (b) There is no separate Girls’ quota for Category B. A girl student of Category B can qualify for RMO 2026 from IOQM if and only if she is selected among the top 40 students in Category B

RMO 2026 Syllabus

• Integers
• Geometry
• Quadratic Equations and Expressions
• Trigonometry
• Coordinate Geometry
• System of Linear Equations
• Permutations and Combination
• Factorization of Polynomial
• Inequalities
• Elementary Combinatorics
• Probability Theory and Number Theory
• Finite Series
• Complex Numbers
• Elementary Graph Theory

RMO Exam Pattern 2026

• RMO Olympiad is a three-hour written test conducted by the HBCSE regional coordinators
• There are going to be a total of 6 descriptive questions.
• The answers should be descriptive in nature which may include theorems.
• Each question carries five marks.

RMO 2026 Preparation Tips

• Focus on strengths and weaknesses: As you solve different problems, try to focus on the topics you are weak in. Students should focus on combinations, construction and number theory.
• Solved Test Papers and Previous Year Questions: RMO previous year paper helps the students to understand the test pattern and its structure and get an idea of ​the required standard. Look at the text like a working resource rather than a question packet.
• Understanding the concepts and results: RMO is a theory-based experiment. A proper understanding of important concepts and their outcomes helps students save time and reduce effort.
• Read the question slowly: Read the questions slowly. Sometimes the problem seems simple, but this is a sign to be alert and study carefully.

RMO 2026 Cut Off 

The HBCSE will release the RMO 2026 Cut Off along with the RMO 2026 Result after the completion of the olympiad exam.

Students who secure the RMO Cut Off marks for the RMO 2026, are eligible to register for stage 3 i.e. INMO exam 2026.  As per region-wise RMO Cut Off marks, 30 students of class 8th to 11th, 5 girl students and 6 students from 12th class are selected for INMO.

RMO Previous Year Question Paper