International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO)
The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is a prestigious global competition for high school students focusing on Mathematics. The first IMO was held in 1959 in Romania, initially intended for Eastern Bloc countries. The IMO is held annually in a different country, with the host country changing each year. To participate in the IMO, applicants must undergo a rigorous selection process. Countries select teams through national competitions, and top-performing students are selected to represent their countries at the IMO. Whether you are a passionate Mathematics enthusiast or a student aspiring to compete in the IMO, you must know about the exam. In this article, we aim to provide you with the latest updates on the IMO, including exam dates, application process, recommended book, sample papers, exam patterns, syllabus, and results.
Important:
- SOF IMO 2024-25 Level 1 exam will be conducted on October 22, November 19, and December 12, 2024.
- SOF IMO 2024-25 Level 2 exam will be held in January 2025(Tentative).
1.0IMO Exam - Overview
The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students in classes 1 to 12. IMO consists of two levels of exams: Level 1 and Level 2. The IMO exam is providing a platform for talented young Mathematicians to showcase their skills and compete against their peers.
The IMO 2024 exam for level 1 has been scheduled on dates: 22 October 2024, 19 November 2024 and 12 December 2024. Level 2 will take place in the month of January 2025(Tentative). And the result will be announced in March 2025(Tentative).
IMO Highlights | Important Details |
Conducting Body | Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) |
Exam Level | Intermediate |
Application Process | Via Respective School Authorities |
Mode of Exam | Offline |
Frequency of Conduct | Once a year |
Registration Fee | Rs. 125 |
IMO Exam Duration | Level 1: 60 Minutes Level 2: 60 Minutes |
Medium of Exam | English |
2.0IMO Exam Date
The officials have announced the exam dates for IMO 2024-25 on their web portal. The IMO Exam will be held on three different dates, and the school may choose any one date for conducting the exam. As per the latest updates, the 65th International Mathematics Olympiad will be held in Bath, United Kingdom.
Below, we have provided a table with the exam dates for the International Mathematics Olympiad.
IMO Olympiad Exam Dates | |
Name of Event | Date of Event |
IMO Exam Date for Level 1 | Date 1: 22 October 2024 Date 2: 19 November 2024 and Date 3: 12 December 2024 |
IMO Exam Date for Level 2 | January 2025 (Tentative) |
IMO Level 1 Result | January 2025 (Tentative) |
IMO Level 2 Result | March 2025 (Tentative) |
3.0IMO Syllabus
A syllabus designed for IMO tests students' Mathematics knowledge from Class I to XII, covering Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Number Theory, and more. The syllabus is arranged in multiple levels based on the student's grade, with increasing difficulty as they progress.
IMO Syllabus (Class Wise)
Class | Section | Topics |
SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 1 | Section – 1: Logical Reasoning | Patterns, Odd One Out, Measuring Units, Geometrical Shapes, Spatial Understanding, Analogy, Ranking Test, Grouping, Problems based on Figures. |
Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning | Numerals, Number names, Number Sense (2-digit numbers), Addition, Subtraction, Lengths, Weights and Comparisons, Time, Money, Geometrical Shapes and Solids, and Patterns. | |
Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics | Syllabus as per Section–2. | |
Section – 4: Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section 2. | |
SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 2 | Section – 1: Logical Reasoning | Patterns, Measuring Units, Geometrical Shapes, Analogy, Ranking Test, Grouping of Figures, Embedded Figures, Odd One Out, Coding-Decoding. |
Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning | Numerals, Number names and Number Sense (3-digit Numbers), Length, Weight, Capacity, Time, Temperature, Money, Lines, Computation Operations, Shapes and Solids, Pictographs, and Patterns. | |
Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics | Syllabus as per Section – 2. | |
Section – 4: Achievers Section | Syllabus for Section 2: Higher Order Thinking Questions. | |
SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 3 | Section – 1: Logical Reasoning | Patterns, Analogy and Classification, Alphabet Test, Coding-Decoding, Ranking Test, Grouping of Figures and Figure Matrix, Mirror Images, Geometrical Shapes, Embedded Figures, Days and Dates, & Possible Combinations. |
Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning | Numerals, Number names and Number Sense (4-digit numbers), Computation Operations, Fractions, Length, Weight, Capacity, Temperature, Time, Money, Geometry, Data Handling. | |
Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics | Syllabus as per Section – 2. | |
Section – 4: Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2. | |
SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 4 | Section – 1: Logical Reasoning | Patterns, Alphabet Test, Coding-Decoding, Ranking Test, Mirror Images, Geometrical Shapes and Solids, Embedded Figures, Direction Sense Test, Days and Dates & Possible Combinations, Analogy and Classification. |
Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning | Numerals and Number Names, Perimeter of Various Shapes, Number Sense (more than 4-digit numbers), Computation Operations, Fractions, Length, Weight, Capacity, Time, Money, Geometry, Symmetry, Conversions, Data Handling | |
Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics | Syllabus as per Section–2. | |
Section – 4: Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section–2. | |
SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 5 | Section – 1: Logical Reasoning | Patterns, Analogy and Classification, Geometrical Shapes, Mirror and Water Images, Direction Sense Test, Ranking Test, Alphabet Test, Logical Sequence of Words, Puzzle Test, Coding-Decoding. |
Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning | Numerals, Number names and Number Sense (7 and 8-digit numbers), Computation Operations, Fractions and Decimals, Measurement of Length, Weight, Capacity, Conversions, Geometrical Shapes and Solids, Angles, Time, Temperature and Money, Symmetry, Data Handling Perimeter of Various Shapes & Area of Rectangle and Square, . | |
Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics | The syllabus for this section will be based on the syllabus of mathematical reasoning. | |
Section – 4: Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section 2. | |
SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 6 | Section – 1: Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. |
Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning | Knowing our Numbers, Whole Numbers, Playing with Numbers, Basic Geometrical Ideas, Understanding Elementary Shapes, Integers, Fractions, Decimals, Data Handling, Mensuration, Algebra, Ratio and Proportion, Symmetry, Practical Geometry. | |
Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics | Syllabus as per Section – 2. | |
Section – 4: Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2. | |
SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 7 | Section – 1: Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. |
Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning | Integers, Fractions and Decimals, Exponents and Powers, Algebraic Expressions, Simple Linear Equations, Lines and Angles, Comparing Quantities, Symmetry, Congruence of Triangles, Rational Numbers, Perimeter and Area, Data Handling, The Triangle and its Properties, Visualizing Solid Shapes, Practical Geometry. | |
Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics | Syllabus as per Section – 2. | |
Section – 4: Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2. | |
SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 8 | Section – 1: Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. |
Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning | Rational Numbers, Squares and Square Roots, Cubes and Cube Roots, Exponents and Powers, Comparing Quantities, Algebraic Expressions and Identities, Linear Equations in One Variable, Understanding Quadrilaterals, Constructions, Mensuration, Visualising Solid Shapes, Data Handling, Direct and Inverse Variations, Factorisation, Introduction to Graphs, Playing with Numbers. | |
Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics | Syllabus as per Section – 2. | |
Section – 4: Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2. | |
SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 9 | Section – 1: Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. |
Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning | Number Systems, Polynomials, Coordinate Geometry, Linear Equations in Two Variables, Introduction to Euclid’s Geometry, Lines and Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Areas of Parallelograms and Triangles, Circles, Constructions, Heron’s Formula, Surface Areas and Volumes, Statistics, Probability. | |
Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics | The syllabus of this section will be based on Mathematical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude. | |
Section – 4: Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2. | |
SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 10 | Section – 1: Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. |
Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning | Real Numbers, Polynomials, Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic Progressions, Triangles, Coordinate Geometry, Introduction to Trigonometry, Some Applications of Trigonometry, Circles, Constructions, Areas Related to Circles, Surface Areas and Volumes, Statistics, Probability. | |
Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics | The syllabus for this section will be based on the syllabus for mathematical reasoning and quantitative aptitude. | |
Section – 4: Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2. | |
SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 11 | Section – 1: Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. |
Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning /Applied Mathematics | Sets, Relations and Functions, Logarithms, Principle of Mathematical Induction, Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations, Linear Inequations, Sequences and Series, Conic Sections, Permutations and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Statistics, Trigonometry, Straight Lines, Mathematical Reasoning, Limits and Derivatives, Probability, Introduction to 3-D Geometry. OR Numerical Applications, Sets, Relations and Functions, Numbers, Quantification, Permutations and Combinations, Mathematical Reasoning, Limits, Probability, Descriptive Statistics, Sequences and Series, Basics of Financial Mathematics, Straight Lines, Continuity and Differentiability, Circles. | |
Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics | The syllabus for this section will be based on the syllabus for quantitative aptitude. | |
Section – 4: Achievers Section | Sets, Relations and Functions, Sequences and Series, Limits and Derivatives, Permutations and Combinations, Straight Lines, Circles, and Probability. | |
SOF IMO SYLLABUS CLASS 12 | Section – 1: Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. |
Section – 2: Mathematical Reasoning /Applied Mathematics | Relations and Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions, Matrices and Determinants, Continuity and Differentiability, Application of Derivatives, Integrals, Vector Algebra, Application of Integrals, Differential Equations, Three Dimensional Geometry, Probability, Linear Programming. OR Numbers, Quantification, Numerical Applications, Solutions of Simultaneous Linear Equations, Matrices, Determinants, Application of Derivatives, Integration, Application of Integrations, Differential Equations, Probability, Inferential Statistics, Index numbers, Time-based data, Financial Mathematics, Linear Programming. | |
Section – 3: Everyday Mathematics | The syllabus for this section will be based on the syllabus for quantitative aptitude. | |
Section – 4: Achievers Section | Matrices, Determinants, Integration, Application of Integrations, Differential Equations, Linear Programming, Application of Derivatives, Probability. |
Note:
- Questions of level-I Olympiad exams will be 60% from the current class syllabus and 40% from the previous class syllabus, e.g. Class-7 IMO exam will have 60% questions from class-7 syllabus and 40% questions from class 6 syllabus.
- Questions in ACHIEVERS SECTION will be from the current class syllabus only.
4.0Eligibility for IMO
The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO), organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF), offers two levels of competition for students in grades 1-12: Level 1 and 2.
Level 1 Eligibility:
- Open to all students in grades 1-12.
- No specific academic requirements or minimum scores are needed to participate.
Level 2 Selection:
- Open to all students in grades 3-12.
- Top 5% of students within each grade level based on their Level 1 performance.
- Top 25 students from each geographical zone within each grade.
- The single highest-scoring student from each school provided a minimum of 10 students from that grade who participated in Level 1 and scored at least 50%.
5.0International Mathematics Competition Registration Process
The SOF International Mathematics Olympiad exam application process usually happens through schools in India. Here's a breakdown of the typical process:
Registration:
- Schools registered with the SOF receive a prospectus containing registration forms.
- Schools not registered with SOF can request a prospectus by contacting them.
- The school's coordinating teacher fills out a School Registration Form (SRF) and Students' Registration Sheet.
- Duly filled forms are sent to SOF before the deadline.
Fees:
- The registration fee is ₹125 (including GST) per student for schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
- For other countries, the fee is US $9.
- In India, schools can add ₹ 25 per student for administrative costs and teacher support.
- Students with significant disabilities or those whose parents were martyred in defense operations are exempt from fees.
6.0IMO Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The International Maths Olympiad is open to students from grades 1 through 12, offering them a chance to excel globally through a competition in two stages. Below, you'll find essential information about each stage of the IMO exam.
Exam Pattern for Level 1
- SOF follows the syllabus of CBSE, ICSE/ISC, and State Board.
- The first level of the test is conducted during school hours in the respective schools.
- The International Maths Olympiad (IMO) offers three different test dates, and schools have the flexibility to choose any one
- of these dates that works best for them. Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) creates unique question papers for each examination date.
- The test is conducted in English medium.
- This is a 60-minute objective-type test consisting of 35 MCQs for classes I to IV.
IMO Level 1 Marking Scheme for Class I to IV
IMO Level 1 Marking Scheme for Class V to XII
IMO Olympiad Exam Pattern Level 2
- Level 2 of the SOF IMO exam is conducted for classes III to XII students.
- Level 2 consists of 50 objective-type questions for classes V to XII.
- The second-round qualifiers will include:
- The International Level: Top 5% of candidates, class-wise, who appear in the SOF IMO Level 1 exam at the International level.
- Zone/State Level: Top 25 from each zone and category rank holders.
- At School Level: Class Topper where at least 10 students from a class appeared in the examination and secured at least 50% qualifying marks.
IMO Level 2 Marking Scheme for Class III to XII
7.0IMO Awards and Recognition for IMO Exam
Top performers of the SOF International Mathematics Olympiad for session 2024-25 will be honored with awards and scholarships. Below table outlines the various awards available for students participating in the IMO exam, detailing the recognition given at different levels and for other achievements.
AT INTERNATIONAL LEVEL | ||
RANK | SCHOLARSHIPS | NO. OF AWARDS |
1st | Rs.50,000/- Each + Gold Medal*+ Certificate of Outstanding Performance | 12 |
2nd | Rs.25,000/- Each + Silver Medal*+ Certificate of Outstanding Performance | 12 |
3rd | Rs.10,000/- Each + Bronze Medal*+ Certificate of Outstanding Performance | 12 |
AT ZONAL LEVEL | ||
RANK | SCHOLARSHIPS | NO. OF AWARDS |
1st | Rs.5,000/- Each + Gold Medal*+ Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 252 |
2nd | Rs.2,500/- Each + Silver Medal*+ Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 252 |
3rd | Rs.1,000/- Each + Bronze Medal*+ Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 252 |
4th to 10th | Gifts Worth Rs.1000/- Each + *Medal of Distinction + *Certificate of Distinction + **Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 1764 |
11th to 25th | **Certificate of Zonal Excellence + *Medal of Distinction + *Certificate of Distinction | 3780 |
Rank 26+ | Merit Certificate | All |
- Medal of Distinction + Certificate of Distinction will be awarded for 1st level Ranks.
- Certificate of Zonal Excellence will be awarded for final Ranks.
- Medals are Gold / Silver / Bronze color plated as applicable.
In case two or more students achieve the same rank, cash award in the applicable category will be distributed as under:
International Winners:
- Up to 9 students with the same rank split the award equally.
- 10 or more students with the same rank receive gifts worth Rs.1,000 each.
Zonal Winners:
- Up to 4 students with the same rank split the award equally.
- 5 or more students with the same rank receive gifts worth Rs.1,000 each.
At School Level:
- Class Toppers receive medals.
- Top three rank holders in classes with 10 or more students receive gold, silver, and bronze medals.
- Toppers in classes with 5 to 9 students receive gold medals.
- Top three rank holders in each section with 10 or more students receive gold, silver, and bronze medals.
- All students receive a Participation Certification.
- Second-level participants receive a Merit Certificate.
- Top 25 rank holders in each class and each Olympiad exam receive Medals of Distinction. Applies to winners from 21 Zones.
8.0IMO Preparation Tips
For students planning to participate in the 2024 International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO), here are a few quick and informative preparation tips:
- Establish a strong foundation in mathematics and problem-solving skills from an early age.
- Practicing IMO and other math competition problems will improve your problem-solving skills.
- You can join math training programs and camps to practice math skills, learn from experienced trainers, and network with other math enthusiasts.
- Connect with other math enthusiasts and IMO participants by participating in online forums, attending mathematics competitions, and joining math clubs.
- Regularly check the official IMO website to stay up-to-date on IMO competition news, updates, and tips.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage time effectively, and stay motivated and focused on goals.
9.0International Maths Olympiad Sample Papers
Experts create the sample papers to help students learn what they'll study in the syllabus and understand the pattern and marks of the exam. This allows them to plan well for the exam.
The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) doesn't give out official sample papers before the contest, but you can find problems and solutions from previous years on the IMO website. This way, you can understand how challenging the questions are and what kinds of questions you might see. candidates can download IMO sample papers in PDF format.
10.0Benefits of Participating in IMO Exam
Why you need to participate in the IMO exam, and what advantages you will gain after taking the exam are discussed here:
- Olympiad participants are ranked based on their marks, allowing students to assess their academic standing across four levels: within the school, at the city level, at the zonal level, and internationally.
- After completing the initial test, students receive a detailed Student Performance Report (SPR). This report not only identifies their strengths and weaknesses but also compares their performance with other students at various levels.
- The SPR includes an analysis of the student's performance over the past 9 years.
- Awards are granted to students based on their rankings at the international, zonal, and school levels, including cash awards, medals, gifts, and certificates.
- Exceptional international toppers from each class are recognized at a prestigious prize distribution ceremony in Delhi, attended by eminent personalities.
- Prizes for zonal and school winners are delivered to their respective institutions.
- Outstanding international toppers from each class are honored at a grand prize distribution ceremony held in Delhi, attended by distinguished personalities. Prizes for zonal and school winners are delivered to their respective institutions.
11.0Recommended International Mathematics Olympiad Books
Prepare your young mathematician with the best literary companions for the upcoming IMO Exam. Discover the key to unlocking success in the upcoming IMO Exam with this curated list of recommended books by SOF.
These books/study materials are specifically chosen to enhance mathematical skills and boost confidence.
Olympiad Prep-Guide |
IMO Online Test Package |
IMO Power Pack |
Workbook And Reasoning Book Combo For NSO-IMO-IEO-NCO-IGKO-ISSO |
IMO Olympiad Skill Development System (OSDS) |
Mathematics Olympiad Previous 5 Years Papers |
Maths Practice Cum Workbook |
Integrated Learning Mathematics with Nep Guidelines |
Olympiad Book Of Reasoning |
International Mathematics Olympiad: Workbook |
Table of Contents
- 1.0IMO Exam - Overview
- 2.0IMO Exam Date
- 3.0IMO Syllabus
- 3.1IMO Syllabus (Class Wise)
- 4.0Eligibility for IMO
- 5.0International Mathematics Competition Registration Process
- 6.0IMO Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
- 6.1Exam Pattern for Level 1
- 6.1.1IMO Level 1 Marking Scheme for Class I to IV
- 6.1.2IMO Level 1 Marking Scheme for Class V to XII
- 6.2IMO Olympiad Exam Pattern Level 2
- 6.2.1IMO Level 2 Marking Scheme for Class III to XII
- 7.0IMO Awards and Recognition for IMO Exam
- 8.0IMO Preparation Tips
- 9.0International Maths Olympiad Sample Papers
- 10.0Benefits of Participating in IMO Exam
- 11.0Recommended International Mathematics Olympiad Books
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior qualifications are optional for participation in the SOF. IMO is open to all students from grades 1 to 12.
High scorers in the SOF IMO receive various awards, including scholarships, medals, certificates, and gifts. Top scorers might even be invited to a prestigious award ceremony.
The SOF IMO is open to students from grades 1 to 12, as long as they are enrolled in a recognized Indian education board like CBSE, ICSE, or a state board.
The SOF IMO sees a significant participation rate, with over one lakh (100,000) students from grades 1 to 12 appearing every year for the level 1 exam. It's important to note that the exam uses three different question paper sets to ensure fairness.
There is no negative marking for any wrong attempts in the IMO exam.
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