International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) by SOF
by Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)
Awards up to ₹50,000
The SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is an annual exam for students of classes 1 to 12 that tests mathematical reasoning, logical ability, and problem-solving skills, offering recognition at national and international levels.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹170
Participation format
Individual
Duration
60 minutes
Time needed
60-minute Level 1 exam; Level 2 for qualifiers
Eligibility
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.
- Grade level
- Grade 1 to 12
- Age range
- 6 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students must be enrolled in a school recognized by SOF.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and 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
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Jun 2026
- Registration closes
- 10 Nov 2026
- Competition
- 23 Oct 2026 to 10 Dec 2026
- Results
- 15 Apr 2027
Level 1 Exam Date 2
Second option for Level 1 examination date. Provides flexibility for schools.
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.
Rules and guidelines
- Students must be enrolled in a school recognized by SOF to participate.
- Registration for the Olympiad must be done through the school; individual registrations are not accepted under normal circumstances.
- Level 1 exams are conducted in the respective schools during school hours.
- Level 2 exams are for students of classes 3-12 who qualify from Level 1.
- The medium of the test is English.
- Participants must adhere to the SOF's guidelines and exam schedule.
- Late submissions of registration forms will not be accepted.
- A minimum of 10 students must be registered from each school for IMO.
Fees and 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.
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.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 60
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Language
- English
Rounds and 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 prepare
- IMO sample papers
- Recommended IMO Olympiad books
- Previous years' question papers
- Study materials aligned with CBSE, ICSE, and State Board syllabi
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.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key strategies for students to excel in the SOF IMO competition?
To excel, students should focus on understanding core mathematical concepts, practicing logical reasoning, solving previous year papers, and developing strong problem-solving skills. Time management during the exam is also crucial for optimal performance.
How does participation in SOF IMO benefit students beyond academic recognition?
Participation enhances critical thinking, analytical abilities, and competitive spirit. It provides a national and international platform for talent showcase, builds confidence, and offers a strong foundation for future STEM careers and higher education applications.
What should students do if they encounter a challenging problem during the SOF IMO exam?
Students are advised to attempt all questions as there is no negative marking. If a problem is challenging, they should move on and return to it later if time permits. Focusing on accuracy for known questions is more beneficial than getting stuck on one difficult problem.
How can parents support students effectively during their SOF IMO preparation?
Parents can provide a conducive study environment, encourage consistent practice, ensure access to relevant study materials like sample papers and workbooks, and help manage stress. Regular encouragement and celebrating small achievements are also important.
What is the significance of the Achievers Section in the SOF IMO exam?
The Achievers Section contains Higher Order Thinking Questions and carries more marks per question. Performing well in this section can significantly boost a student's overall score and rank, making it a critical area for strategic preparation.
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