Guide to IMO 2025-26 Olympiad: The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) 2025-26, organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF), is one of the most prestigious school-level competitive exams in India. It provides a platform for students from Classes 1 to 12 to showcase their mathematical skills, logical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, this comprehensive guide will help you understand everything about the IMO 2025-26 Olympiad – right from eligibility and registration to exam pattern, syllabus, and results.
What is IMO?
The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO), conducted by SOF, aims to identify and nurture mathematical talent among school students. It is held in two levels – Level 1 and Level 2. The Level 1 exam is open to all students from Class 1 to 12, whereas Level 2 is conducted for selected students from Classes 3 to 12 who qualify based on Level 1 performance.
IMO 2025-26 Highlights
Here is a snapshot of the most important details related to the IMO 2025-26 exam:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) |
| Organizing Body | Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) |
| Eligible Classes | Classes 1 to 12 |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Exam Duration | 1 Hour |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Application Method | Through schools registered with SOF |
| Exam Fee | ₹125 per student |
| Exam Dates (Level 1) | 12th Nov, 28th Nov, 12th Dec 2025 (Schools can choose any one date) |
| Level 2 Exam Date | February 2026 (Tentative) |
| Language | English |
| Official Website | sofworld.org |
Who Can Apply for IMO 2025-26?
All students studying in Classes 1 to 12 in a school recognized by SOF can participate in the IMO 2025-26. The exam encourages both school toppers and math enthusiasts to test and improve their knowledge at the national and international levels.
How to Apply for IMO 2025-26?
The application process is simple and facilitated by schools. Here’s how it works:
Step-by-Step Application Process
-
SOF Registration Form Distribution:
SOF sends registration forms and guidelines to all registered schools. -
School Coordination:
Schools assign a coordinating teacher to collect fees and details from interested students. -
Submission to SOF:
Schools submit the compiled data and registration fee to SOF by the specified deadline. -
Admit Card & Roll Number:
SOF generates roll numbers and sends exam details and guidelines back to the schools.
Note: Individual students cannot apply directly. The application must be routed through the school.
IMO 2025-26 Exam Dates
| Exam Level | Date Options (Schools can select any one) |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | 12th November, 28th November, 12th December 2025 |
| Level 2 | February 2026 (Tentative) |
IMO 2025-26 Exam Pattern
The exam pattern varies slightly by class group. Here’s the detailed pattern:
Classes 1 to 4
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Everyday Mathematics | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Achievers Section | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Total | 35 | 40 |
Classes 5 to 10
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Everyday Mathematics | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 |
| Total | 50 | 60 |
Classes 11 to 12
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| Mathematical/Applied Reasoning | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Everyday Mathematics | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 |
| Total | 50 | 60 |
IMO 2025-26 Syllabus
The IMO syllabus is designed to test grade-appropriate concepts in Mathematics and Logical Reasoning. Here’s a basic breakdown:
Common Topics Across Classes
| Section | Topics Include |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Patterns, Grouping, Series, Analogy, Spatial Understanding |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Numbers, Operations, Fractions, Geometry, Data Handling |
| Everyday Mathematics | Time, Money, Length, Word Problems, Real-life Applications |
| Achievers Section | HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) |
The syllabus is based on NCERT/CBSE/ICSE and other state boards.
IMO Level 2 Exam
Only selected students from Classes 3 to 12 who qualify the Level 1 exam will be eligible for Level 2. The selection is based on:
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Top performers in school/class
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Zone-wise or state-wise toppers
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Overall scores and accuracy
Level 2 is a more challenging version of the Level 1 exam.
IMO Awards & Scholarships
SOF offers awards, medals, certificates, and scholarships at various levels—international, zonal, and school levels.
Awards for Students
| Level | Awards |
|---|---|
| International | Cash prizes up to ₹50,000, medals, certificates |
| Zonal | Medals and merit certificates |
| School Level | Medals and participation certificates |
Awards for Schools & Teachers
How to Prepare for IMO 2025-26
Here are a few effective tips to prepare for the exam:
-
Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly:
Focus on class-level math concepts and logical reasoning. -
Solve Previous Year Papers:
Practice IMO question papers from past years to get a better understanding of the pattern. -
Use IMO Workbooks & Mock Tests:
SOF provides recommended books that align with the syllabus. -
Focus on HOTS Questions:
The Achievers Section requires critical thinking and deep understanding. -
Time Management Practice:
Since the exam duration is 1 hour, practice completing mock tests within that time frame.
How to Check IMO 2025-26 Results
The results will be declared on the official website after the exam. Here’s how you can check:
Steps to Check the Result
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Visit the official SOF website: sofworld.org
-
Click on the “IMO Results” link.
-
Enter the student’s roll number in the format:
SchoolCode-Class-Section-RollNo (e.g., MH1011-07-A-015) -
Click “Submit” to view your result.
The result will include:
Conclusion
The IMO 2025-26 Olympiad is more than just an academic exam—it’s a confidence booster and a platform to develop analytical skills. With the right preparation and clear understanding of the exam pattern, syllabus, and dates, students can excel and stand out. This guide provides all the necessary information for students and schools to take the right steps toward success in the upcoming IMO.
Stay updated with official announcements from SOF, prepare smartly, and aim high!
Guide to IMO 2025-26 Olympiad FAQs
What is the last date to register for IMO 2025-26?
The last date will be announced by SOF, usually 30 days before the first exam date.
Can students apply individually for IMO?
No. Students must apply through their respective schools.
Is there a negative marking in IMO?
No, there is no negative marking in the IMO exam.
What is the format of the roll number for checking results?
Format: SchoolCode-Class-Section-RollNo (e.g., RJ1022-08-B-007)
Is the syllabus the same across all boards?
The syllabus is based on CBSE/ICSE/state boards, and it is mostly uniform across boards.