What is IMO?

What is IMO (International Math Olympiad)?

IMO is an annual competition conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)

Quick Facts

The Process

Exam Format

The syllabus aligns with CBSE, ICSE/ISC, and State Board curricula to ensure comprehensive coverage of mathematical concepts.

Objective-type Questions

Multiple-choice format with no negative marking

Duration

60 minutes for all grades

Sections

Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Everyday Mathematics and Achiever’s section

Exam Format - Level 1

Grades 3-4

Total: 35 Questions

Exam Duration: 60 minutes 

Things to Know

Grades 5-10

Total: 50 Questions

Exam Duration: 60 minutes 

Score Details

Grades 11-12

Total: 50 Questions

Exam Duration: 60 minutes 

What's included?

Exam Format - Level 2

Grades 3-4

Total: 35 Questions

Exam Duration: 60 minutes

Things to Know

Grades 5-10

Total: 50 Questions

Exam Duration: 60 minutes 

Score Details

Grades 11-12

Total: 50 Questions

Exam Duration: 60 minutes 

Score Details

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The IMO Syllabus

Total Questions: 35 

Section – 1 

  1. Patterns 
  2. Odd One Out 
  3. Measuring Units 
  4. Geometrical Shapes 
  5. Spatial Understanding 
  6. Grouping 
  7. Analogy 
  8. Ranking Test 
  9. Problems based on Figures 

Section – 2 

  1. Numerals 
  2. Number Names 
  3. Number Sense (2-digit numbers) 
  4. Addition 
  5. Subtraction 
  6. Lengths 
  7. Weights and Comparisons 
  8. Time 
  9. Money 
  10. Geometrical Shapes and Solids 

Section – 3 

  1. Syllabus as per Section–2 

Section – 4 

  1. Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section–2 

Total Questions: 35 

Section – 1 

  1. Patterns 
  2. Odd One Out 
  3. Measuring Units 
  4. Geometrical Shapes 
  5. Analogy 
  6. Ranking Test 
  7. Grouping of Figures 
  8. Embedded Figures 
  9. Coding-Decoding 

Section – 2 

  1. Numerals 
  2. Number names 
  3. Number Sense (3-digit Numbers) 
  4. Computation Operations 
  5. Length 
  6. Weight 
  7. Capacity 
  8. Time 
  9. Temperature 
  10. Money 
  11. Lines 
  12. Shapes and Solids 
  13. Pictographs 
  14. Patterns 

Section – 3 

  1. Syllabus as per Section – 2 

Section – 4 

  1. Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2 

Total Questions: 35 

Section – 1 

  1. Patterns 
  2. Analogy and Classification 
  3. Alphabet Test 
  4. Coding-Decoding 
  5. Ranking Test 
  6. Grouping of Figures and Figure Matrix 
  7. Mirror Images 
  8. Geometrical Shapes 
  9. Embedded Figures 
  10. Possible Combinations 
  11. Clock and Calendar 

Section – 2 

  1. Numerals 
  2. Number Names 
  3. Number Sense (4-digit numbers) 
  4. Computation Operations 
  5. Fractions 
  6. Length 
  7. Weight 
  8. Capacity 
  9. Temperature 
  10. Time 
  11. Money 
  12. Geometry 
  13. Data Handling 

Section – 3 

  1. Syllabus as per Section – 2 

Section – 4 

  1. Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2 

Total Questions: 35 

Section – 1 

  1. Patterns 
  2. Alphabet Test 
  3. Coding-Decoding 
  4. Ranking Test 
  5. Mirror Images 
  6. Geometrical Shapes and Solids 
  7. Embedded Figures 
  8. Direction Sense Test 
  9. Possible Combinations 
  10. Analogy and Classification 
  11. Clock and Calendar 

Section – 2 

  1. Numerals 
  2. Number Names 
  3. Number Sense (more than 4-digit numbers) 
  4. Computation Operations 
  5. Fractions 
  6. Length 
  7. Weight 
  8. Capacity 
  9. Time 
  10. Money 
  11. Geometry 
  12. Perimeter of Various Shapes 
  13. Symmetry 
  14. Conversions 
  15. Data Handling 

Section – 3 

  1. Syllabus as per Section–2 

Section – 4 

  1. Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section–2 

Total Questions: 50 

Section – 1 

  1. Patterns 
  2. Analogy and Classification 
  3. Geometrical Shapes 
  4. Mirror and Water Images 
  5. Direction Sense Test 
  6. Ranking Test 
  7. Alphabet Test 
  8. Logical Sequence of Words 
  9. Puzzle Test 
  10. Coding-Decoding 
  11. Clock and Calendar 

Section – 2 

  1. Numerals 
  2. Number Names 
  3. Number Sense (7- and 8-digit numbers) 
  4. Computation Operations 
  5. Fractions and Decimals 
  6. Measurement of Length, Weight, Capacity, Time, Temperature and Money 
  7. Conversions 
  8. Geometrical Shapes and Solids 
  9. Angles 
  10. Perimeter of Various Shapes & Area of Rectangle and Square 
  11. Symmetry 
  12. Data Handling 

Section – 3 

  1. Syllabus as per Section-2 

Section – 4 

  1. Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section-2 

Total Questions: 50 

Section – 1

  1. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning 

Section – 2

  1. Knowing Our Numbers 
  2. Whole Numbers 
  3. Playing with Numbers 
  4. Basic Geometrical Ideas 
  5. Understanding Elementary Shapes 
  6. Integers 
  7. Fractions 
  8. Decimals 
  9. Data Handling 
  10. Mensuration 
  11. Algebra 
  12. Ratio and Proportion 

Section – 3

  1. Same as Section 2 

Section – 4

  1. Higher Order Thinking Questions - Based on Section 2 

Total Questions: 50 

Section – 1

  1. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning 

Section – 2

  1. Integers 
  2. Fractions and Decimals 
  3. Exponents and Powers 
  4. Algebraic Expressions 
  5. Simple Equations 
  6. Lines and Angles 
  7. Comparing Quantities 
  8. The Triangle and its Properties 
  9. Symmetry 
  10. Rational Numbers 
  11. Perimeter and Area 
  12. Data Handling 
  13. Visualising Solid Shapes

 

Section – 3

  1. Same as Section 2 

Section – 4

  1. Higher Order Thinking Questions - Based on Section 2 

Total Questions: 50 

Section – 1

  1. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning 

Section – 2

  1. Rational Numbers 
  2. Squares and Square Roots 
  3. Cubes and Cube Roots 
  4. Exponents and Powers 
  5. Comparing Quantities 
  6. Algebraic Expressions 
  7. Linear Equations in One Variable 
  8. Understanding Quadrilaterals 
  9. Mensuration 
  10. Data Handling 
  11. Direct and Inverse Proportions 
  12. Factorisation 
  13. Introduction to Graphs 

Section – 3

  1. Same as Section 2 

Section – 4

  1. Higher Order Thinking Questions - Based on Section 2 

Total Questions: 50 

Section – 1

  1. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning 

Section – 2

  1. Number Systems 
  2. Polynomials 
  3. Coordinate Geometry 
  4. Linear Equations in Two Variables 
  5. Introduction to Euclid’s Geometry 
  6. Lines and Angles 
  7. Triangles 
  8. Quadrilaterals 
  9. Circles 
  10. Heron’s Formula 
  11. Surface Areas and Volumes 
  12. Statistics 

Section – 3

  1. Based on Mathematical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude 

Section – 4

  1. Higher Order Thinking Questions - Based on Section 2 

Total Questions: 50 

Section – 1

  1. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning 

Section – 2

  1. Real Numbers 
  2. Polynomials 
  3. Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables 
  4. Quadratic Equations 
  5. Arithmetic Progressions 
  6. Triangles 
  7. Coordinate Geometry 
  8. Introduction to Trigonometry 
  9. Applications of Trigonometry 
  10. Circles 
  11. Areas Related to Circles 
  12. Surface Areas and Volumes 
  13. Statistics 
  14. Probability 

Section – 3

  1. Based on Mathematical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude 

Section – 4

  1. Higher Order Thinking Questions - Based on Section 2 

Total Questions: 50 

Section – 1

  1. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning 

Section – 2

  1. Sets 
  2. Relations and Functions 
  3. Logarithms 
  4. Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations 
  5. Linear Inequalities 
  6. Sequences and Series 
  7. Trigonometry 
  8. Straight Lines 
  9. Conic Sections 
  10. Permutations and Combinations 
  11. Binomial Theorem 
  12. Statistics 
  13. Limits and Derivatives 
  14. Probability 
  15. Introduction to 3-D Geometry 

Section – 3

  1. Based on Quantitative Aptitude 

Section – 4

  1. Sets 
  2. Relations and Functions 
  3. Sequences and Series 
  4. Permutations and Combinations 
  5. Limits and Derivatives 
  6. Straight Lines 
  7. Circles 
  8. Parabola 
  9. Probability 

Total Questions: 50 

Section – 1

  1. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning 

Section – 2

  1. Relations and Functions 
  2. Inverse Trigonometric Functions 
  3. Matrices and Determinants 
  4. Continuity and Differentiability 
  5. Application of Derivatives 
  6. Integrals 
  7. Application of Integrals 
  8. Differential Equations 
  9. Vector Algebra 
  10. Three-Dimensional Geometry 
  11. Probability 
  12. Linear Programming 

Section – 3

  1. Based on Quantitative Aptitude 

Section – 4

  1. Matrices 
  2. Determinants 
  3. Application of Derivatives 
  4. Integration 
  5. Application of Integrals 
  6. Differential Equations 
  7. Linear Programming 
  8. Probability 

AIM higher

International Level Student Awards & Scholarships Level 2

If more students share a rank, the amount is equally divided.

Rank 1

₹50,000 + Gold Medal + Certificate (12 awards)

Rank 2

₹25,000 + Silver Medal + Certificate (12 awards)

Rank 3

₹10,000 + Bronze Medal + Certificate (12 awards)

Proud achievements 

Awards & Recognition

Zonal Level (Level II)

Rank 1

₹5,000 + Gold Medal + Certificate (312 awards)

Rank 2

₹2,500 + Silver Medal + Certificate (312 awards)

Rank 3

₹1,000 + Bronze Medal + Certificate (312 awards)

Ranks 4–10

Gift worth ₹500 + Certificate

Ranks 11–25

Certificate of Zonal Excellence

Ranks 26+

Merit Certificate

Trusted by parents

Zonal Level Student Awards & Scholarships Level 2 ​

If more students share a rank, the amount is equally divided.

Zonal Awards (All Classes + Classes 1–2 Final Round)

Ranks 1–25: Medal of Distinction, Certificate & SPR
Ranks 26+: Participation Certificate & SPR

School-level Medals

Awarded to students scoring 100%
Top 1–10% performers based on class strength

For All Participants

Student Performance Report (SPR)
Participation Certificate
Merit Certificate (for Level 2 qualifiers)

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The International Math Olympiad (IMO) is a prestigious math competition conducted annually by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF). Open to students from Class 1 to Class 12, the IMO tests mathematical reasoning, logical thinking, and problem-solving abilities through a two-level examination format. It aims to nurture academic excellence and promote competitive learning among school children. 

Math Olympiad exams offer a host of benefits for students: 

  • Enhance problem-solving skills through challenging, non-routine questions 
  • Boost confidence and interest in mathematics 
  • Improve academic performance by reinforcing key math concepts 
  • Develop competitive exam readiness for future success 
  • Gain national and international recognition 
  • Receive a Student Performance Report (SPR) to track progress and identify areas of improvement 

All students from Class 1 to Class 12 studying in CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, or equivalent are eligible to participate in the IMO. Level 1 is open to all, while Level 2 is for selected qualifiers from Classes 3 to 12 based on their Level 1 performance. 

  • Level 1: Conducted in schools during regular school hours. It is open to students from Classes 1 to 12. 
  • Level 2: Open to students from Classes 3 to 12 who qualify based on Level 1 results. Eligibility includes: 
  • Top 5% of international candidates, class-wise 
  • Top 25 rank holders in each zone and class 
  • School toppers meeting minimum participation and score criteria 
  • Level 1: 
  • Classes 1–4: 35 questions, 60 minutes 
  • Classes 5–12: 50 questions, 60 minutes 
  • Four sections: Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Everyday Mathematics, and Achievers Section 
  • Level 2: 
  • Advanced questions focused on Mathematical Reasoning and Higher Order Thinking 
  • Total marks: 40 (Classes 3–4) or 60 (Classes 5–12) 

The IMO syllabus is aligned with CBSE, ICSE/ISC, and State Boards. 

  • Level 1: 60% questions from the current grade and 40% from the previous grade 
  • Level 2 & Achievers Section: Emphasis on current grade syllabus with advanced problem-solving 

Each class has a detailed syllabus including logical reasoning, core math, data handling, and higher-order thinking. 

The Achievers Section is a high-difficulty portion of the IMO designed to challenge top-performing students. It carries higher weightage per question and requires deep conceptual understanding and application. 

The IMO is conducted in offline mode using OMR sheets. Students fill their answers by darkening circles against the correct options within the allocated time. 

To prepare effectively for the IMO: 

  • Understand the syllabus: Focus on current and previous grade concepts 
  • Practice regularly: Solve IMO sample papers, mock tests, and previous year questions 
  • Strengthen reasoning skills: Work on verbal and non-verbal reasoning problems 
  • Focus on accuracy and time: Use a timer during practice to improve speed 
  • Join an Olympiad coaching program: Consider expert-led classes or online courses for guided preparation <<link the highlighted section to math olympiad prep series page>> 

The IMO by SOF stands out due to: 

  • Its structured two-level format with clear advancement criteria 
  • Wide participation and global benchmarking 
  • Emphasis on conceptual depth and application-based learning 
  • Comprehensive Student Performance Reports 
    It combines academic excellence with real competitive exposure at an international level. 

Students can register through their schools if the school is registered with SOF.

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