Physics Wallah RMO Topper Divyaksh Reveals the Biggest Mistakes Most Aspirants Make

Preparing for the Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM) and the Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) is completely different from preparing for school examinations. While many students score well in school mathematics, Olympiads demand logical thinking, creativity, patience, and advanced problem-solving skills.

During an interaction about his Olympiad journey, Divyaksh, who improved his IOQM score from 5 marks in 2023 to 48 marks in 2025, shared the biggest mistakes that hold aspirants back. Rather than blaming his failures, he analysed them, corrected his preparation strategy, and steadily improved every year. His story offers valuable lessons for students preparing for IOQM, RMO, and other mathematics Olympiads.

The Biggest Mistake: Thinking School Mathematics Is Enough

Many students assume that scoring high marks in school automatically means they are ready for Olympiads. Divyaksh admits he had a similar mindset before appearing for IOQM.

Recalling his first attempt, he says,

"I used to think that scoring 95 marks in school meant I had mastered mathematics. But IOQM was a humbling experience that brought me back to reality."

His first IOQM attempt in 2023 resulted in just 5 marks. Instead of getting discouraged, he realised that Olympiads require a completely different approach to mathematics.

Ignoring Weak Topics Can Cost You Valuable Marks

Another major mistake Divyaksh identifies is studying only favourite topics.

Talking about his preparation, he explains,

"In 2024, I focused only on topics I liked. In 2025, I decided that no topic should remain weak."

He worked specifically on areas like base systems, functional equations, and number theory, which he had previously skipped. This comprehensive preparation helped him solve questions that he would have left unanswered in earlier attempts.

According to Divyaksh, aspirants should aim for complete syllabus coverage instead of selective preparation.

Why Mock Tests Are Essential for RMO Preparation

Many Olympiad aspirants spend months learning concepts but fail to test themselves regularly.

Divyaksh openly admits,

"One thing I didn't do properly in 2024 was attempting enough mock tests."

Before his 2025 attempt, he changed this strategy by taking more mock tests and analysing his mistakes.

Mock tests helped him:

• Improve time management.

• Understand the exam pattern.

• Identify weak concepts.

• Build confidence under exam conditions.

His journey shows that regular testing is just as important as learning new concepts.

How Physics Wallah Helped Divyaksh Improve His Olympiad Preparation

While preparing independently through YouTube initially, Divyaksh faced one major challenge - doubt-solving.

He shares that although YouTube playlists helped him learn new topics, getting doubts resolved was difficult because there was no proper interaction with teachers.

Later, while preparing through Physics Wallah's RMO PDC programme, he noticed several advantages.

According to Divyaksh,

"The schedule is fixed, classes are regular, doubts get solved, and we can discuss problems with teachers and fellow students."

He believes this proper environment helped him remain disciplined throughout his preparation.

Consistency Matters More Than Talent

One of the strongest messages from Divyaksh's journey is that improvement comes from consistency rather than natural talent.

After scoring only 5 marks, he set a personal goal of crossing the cutoff in his next attempt. Instead of expecting overnight success, he spent months studying regularly, solving problems, and improving weak areas.

His efforts gradually paid off:

• IOQM 2023 – 5 Marks

• IOQM 2024 – 24 Marks

• IOQM 2025 – 48 Marks

This steady progression proves that disciplined preparation can lead to remarkable improvement.

Learning Together Improves Problem-Solving Skills

Another important lesson from Divyaksh's experience is the value of discussing mathematics with others.

He explains that interacting with teachers and fellow aspirants exposed him to multiple solution methods.

"Sometimes my approach was different, sometimes my friends solved the same question differently. That helped me learn new techniques and identify my mistakes."

Such discussions not only improve conceptual understanding but also encourage creative thinking, which is essential for Olympiads.

Divyaksh's Advice for Every IOQM and RMO Aspirant

Towards the end of the interaction, Divyaksh shared practical advice for students beginning their Olympiad journey.

He recommends that aspirants should:

• Build strong mathematical fundamentals.

• Cover every topic instead of studying selectively.

• Solve previous years' questions regularly.

• Attempt sufficient mock tests.

• Revise concepts consistently.

• Discuss doubts with teachers and peers.

• Stay patient while solving difficult problems.

He also encourages students from Classes 9 and 10 to explore Olympiad preparation early because it develops logical thinking and problem-solving abilities that are useful beyond competitive examinations.

How Physics Wallah's RMO PDC Supported Divyaksh's Preparation

Reflecting on his experience with the RMO PDC programme, Divyaksh highlights several features that helped him prepare effectively.

These include:

• Daily self-evaluation through regular tests.

• Dedicated classes.

• Dedicated doubt-solving sessions.

• Previous years' question worksheets.

• Peer discussions.

• Detailed feedback on answers.

According to him, these resources made his preparation more organised and helped him practise consistently throughout the programme.

Divyaksh's Olympiad journey demonstrates that success is not determined by where you start but by how consistently you improve. From scoring just 5 marks in his first IOQM attempt to reaching 48 marks, he transformed his preparation by covering every topic, practising regularly, taking mock tests, and learning from every mistake.

His experience reminds every IOQM and RMO aspirant that there are no shortcuts to Olympiad success. Strong fundamentals, disciplined preparation, regular evaluation, and the willingness to improve every day remain the most effective path towards achieving success in mathematics competitions.