International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) by SOF
by Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)
Awards up to ₹50,000
International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) by SOF is a competition by Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students in Class 1–12, open to students across India. Registration closes 10 Nov 2026.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Class 1–12
Fee
₹170
Duration
60 minutes
Format
Individual
Time needed
1 hour per exam level
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Jun 2026
- Registration closes
- 10 Nov 2026
- Competition
- 23 Oct 2026 – 10 Dec 2026
- Results
- 15 Apr 2027
About This Opportunity
The SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is an annual academic competition organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students in classes 1-12. This Olympiad aims to assess students' knowledge and skills in mathematical reasoning and logical ability, providing a platform to identify and nurture academic talent in mathematics from an early age. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the competitive world and align with the National Education Policy (NEP) goals of fostering problem-solving, critical thinking, and cognitive skills.
Students from classes 1-12, enrolled in a school recognized by SOF, are eligible for Level 1. For Level 2, only selected students from classes 3-12 who qualify in Level 1 are eligible. Qualification for Level 2 is based on being among the top 5% of candidates class-wise internationally, top 25 rank holders from each zone and class, or a class topper with at least 10 students participating and scoring 50% or more marks.
Participants gain significant benefits, including improving problem-solving and logical reasoning skills, and expanding their mathematical knowledge across various topics. Winners receive cash awards, medals, gifts, and certificates at international, zonal, and school levels. This competition serves as a valuable stepping stone for future competitive exams and helps in building a strong academic profile for higher education. The exam is conducted offline in schools, with separate question papers for different exam dates.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 1–12
- Age Range
- 6 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Students must be enrolled in a school recognized by SOF.
Open to students in classes 1-12 enrolled in SOF-recognized schools across India. No minimum academic percentage is required for Level 1. For Level 2, students from classes 3-12 must qualify from Level 1 by ranking in the top 5% internationally, top 25 zonally, or as a class topper with at least 10 participants and a minimum of 50% score.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The syllabus for IMO Level 1 and 2 covers various topics including algebra, trigonometry, geometry, linear equations, differential equations, limits and derivatives, integers, and probability. The question papers follow CBSE, ICSE/ISC, and State Board syllabi. For classes 1-10, the syllabus is divided into sections covering Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Everyday Mathematics, and Achievers Section (Higher Order Thinking Questions). For Level 1, 60% of questions are from the current class syllabus and 40% from the previous class syllabus. Achievers Section questions are from the current class syllabus only. Level 2 questions are entirely from the current class syllabus.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
₹50,000
Top international rank holders are awarded a cash prize of ₹50,000. Second and third rank holders receive ₹25,000 and ₹10,000 respectively. Zonal toppers are also eligible for cash awards.
Prizes
Gold Medals & Gifts
Medals are awarded to winners at the international, zonal, and school levels. Top 25 zonal rank holders from each class receive a Medal of Distinction. Winners may also receive gifts.
Certificate
Certificate from SOF
All participants receive a Certificate of Participation and a detailed Student Progress Report. Winners are awarded Certificates of Outstanding Performance, Zonal Excellence, or Distinction.
Opens doors to
Achievement in the IMO is a significant value-add to a student's academic profile, strengthening applications for admission to leading universities and STEM programs.
Career pathways
The competition develops a strong aptitude and analytical foundation for future careers in engineering, technology, data science, research, and other quantitative fields.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Exam format
- Total marks
- 60
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Language
- English
Rounds & format
Level 1: Conducted in respective schools during school hours. It is a 60-minute objective-type test. For classes 1-4, there are 35 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for 40 marks. For classes 5-12, there are 50 MCQs for 60 marks. Level 2: Conducted for qualifiers from Level 1 (classes 3-12) at SOF designated centers. The exam pattern typically consists of multiple-choice questions and problem-solving tasks. The exact date for Level 2 is usually announced later.
How entries are judged
For Level 1, ranking is based on total marks. In case of a tie, marks in sections M4 (Achievers Section), M2 (Mathematical Reasoning), M3 (Everyday Mathematics), and M1 (Logical Reasoning) are considered in decreasing order of priority. For Level 2, total marks scored in the Level 2 exam are prioritized. If marks are tied, section-wise scores in Level 2, then total marks in Level 1, and then section-wise scores in Level 1 are considered.
Selection process
For Level 2 qualification: Top 5% of candidates class-wise from Level 1 internationally, top 25 rank holders from each zone and class, or class topper (minimum 10 students from class, scoring at least 50% marks).
How to apply
- 1Students must register through their respective schools. Schools receive prospectus and registration forms from SOF.
- 2Schools not registered with SOF can request a prospectus by contacting them.
- 3The school's coordinating teacher fills out a School Registration Form (SRF) and Students' Registration Sheet.
- 4Duly filled forms are sent to SOF before the deadline.
- 5Individual registration is generally not permitted, except under specific circumstances where schools are unable to participate, in which case online registration may be available through the SOF website.
How to prepare
- IMO sample papers
- Recommended IMO Olympiad books
- Previous years' question papers
- Study materials aligned with CBSE, ICSE, and State Board syllabi
Fees & financial support
Fee details
A registration fee of ₹170 (including GST) per student per Olympiad is payable to SOF for schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Refund policy
Details regarding refund policy are not explicitly mentioned; typically, registration fees for such competitions are non-refundable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) by SOF ?
The registration deadline is 10 Nov 2026.
Is International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) by SOF free?
₹170 registration
Who can participate in International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) by SOF ?
Students in Class 1–12. children aged 6-18.
What will my child gain from International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) by SOF ?
Cash awards up to ₹50,000 for top international rank holders.. Medals of excellence for school and class toppers.. Certificates of participation and merit for all participants.. Enhanced problem-solving and logical reasoning skills.. Exposure to national and international competition.. Preparation for future competitive exams.. Development of critical thinking and analytical abilities.. Recognition at international, zonal, and school levels..
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