International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) 2025
The International Mathematics Olympiad (SOF IMO) is an annual academic competition organized by SOF for students in grades 1–12 to assess their mathematical reasoning and logical ability. The SOF Olympiad curriculum is intended to provide young students with a platform to identify and nurture their academic talents in the field of mathematics, preparing them for the competitive world from an early stage. Olympiads, as prescribed by NEP, help students develop problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and cognitive skills.
This Blog will answer all of your questions about the SOF IMO Olympiad, including exam dates, frequently asked questions, awards provision, and, most importantly, how to participate.
- International Mathematics Olympiad Overview
- International Maths Olympiad Eligibility Criteria
- IMO Olympiad Exam Structure
- IMO Olympiad Exam Pattern
- Benefits of Participating in IMO Olympiad
- International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) Sample Paper:
- IMO Olympiad Awards & Scholarships
- IMO Registration
- IMO Preparation Tips
- IMO Olympiad 2025 Exam Dates
- Additional Resources for IMO
- IMO Olympiad FAQs
International Mathematics Olympiad Overview
The IMO is a two-level exam that assesses students on a variety of mathematical topics related to their respective classes. The competition allows students to test their knowledge and compete against their peers at the national and international levels. Learn important information about the SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) exam.
| Exam Organizing Body | Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) |
| Eligibility | Students in grades 1-12 who attend a school accredited by SOF are eligible for IMO. |
| Exam Level | Intermediate |
| Application Process | Via School Authorities |
| Exam Dates | Level 1 Exam Date 1: October, 2025 (Tentative) Level 1 Exam Date 2: November 2025 (Tentative) Level 1 Exam Date 3: December, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Fee of registration | ₹ 125 |
| Frequency of Conduct | Once a year |
| Languages | English |
| Duration | 1 hour |
International Maths Olympiad Eligibility Criteria
IMO Eligibility Criteria Level 1:
The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is open to students in grades 1-12 at SOF-recognized schools. Students from specific classes can only participate in the Olympiad.
IMO Eligibility Criteria: Level 2
Only students in grades 3 through 12 are eligible to take the IMO level 2 exam. There is no level 2 exam for students in classes one and two. The top 5% of students in each class who took the level 1 exam were chosen for the level 2 exam.
IMO Olympiad Exam Structure
The exam is administered at two levels:
Level 1: Open to all students enrolled in their respective schools.
Level 2: Only the top-performing Level 1 students are eligible for this stage.
The syllabus is based on the school curriculum for CBSE, ICSE, and State Boards. The questions evaluate logical reasoning, mathematical ability, and practical mathematical applications.
IMO Olympiad Exam Pattern
The IMO exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) designed to assess various aspects of mathematical knowledge. The examination is structured as follows :
Exam Pattern for 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 |
Exam Pattern for Classes 5 to 12
| 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 |
Benefits of Participating in IMO Olympiad
- Improves Mathematical Skills – Assists students with their problem-solving abilities.
- Boosts Analytical Thinking – Promotes logical reasoning and critical thinking.
- National and International Recognition – Outstanding students receive prestigious awards and recognition.
- Winners will receive cash prizes, certificates, medals, and scholarships.
- Prepares for Competitive Exams – Provides a solid foundation for exams such as IIT-JEE, NTSE, and other national-level competitions.
- Performance Analysis – Students are given a detailed performance report to help them identify their strengths and areas for improvement.
- Confidence Building – Competing on a global scale increases students’ confidence and academic motivation.
- Exposure to Global Standards – The syllabus and question patterns expose students to global mathematical challenges, which improves adaptability and critical thinking skills.
- Early Preparation for Higher Studies – A strong conceptual foundation in mathematics aids in higher education and professional courses.
International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) Sample Paper:
The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) Sample Paper is a valuable resource for students preparing for the prestigious competition. It provides an insight into the exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level. Practicing sample papers helps students enhance problem-solving skills, improve time management, and gain confidence. These papers cover logical reasoning, mathematical reasoning, and everyday mathematics, ensuring a thorough preparation for success in the IMO.
check out https://sofworld.org/sof-international-mathematics-olympiad-sample-papers
IMO Olympiad Awards & Scholarships
Awards & Scholarships in IMO include gold medals, cash prizes up to ₹50,000, certificates, and special trophies for top performers at school, zonal, and international levels, recognizing excellence in mathematics-
| At International Level | ||
| RANK | SCHOLARSHIPS | NO. OF AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS |
| 1st | Rs.50,000/- Each + International Gold Medal* + Certificate of Outstanding Performance | 12 |
| 2nd | Rs.25,000/- Each + International Silver Medal* + Certificate of Outstanding Performance | 12 |
| 3rd | Rs.10,000/- Each + International Bronze Medal* + Certificate of Outstanding Performance | 12 |
- If two or more students achieve the same international rank, cash awards/scholarships in the relevant category will be distributed as follows:
- The award/scholarship amount will be distributed equally among up to ten students who achieve the same rank. In addition, each winner will receive a medal (in the applicable category) and a certificate.
- If 11 or more students receive the same rank, instead of a cash award/scholarship, each winner will receive a scholarship of Rs.1,000/- plus a medal (in the applicable category) and a certificate.
| At Zonal Level | ||
| RANK | SCHOLARSHIPS | NO. OF AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS |
| 1st | Rs 5000/- Each + Zonal Gold Medal*+ Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 312 |
| 2nd | Rs 2500/- Each + Zonal Silver Medal*+ Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 312 |
| 3rd | Rs 1000/- Each + Zonal Bronze Medal*+ Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 312 |
| 4th to 10th | Gifts worth Rs 500/- Each + Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 2184 |
| 11th to 25th | Certificate of Zonal Excellence | 4680 |
| Rank 26+ | Merit Certificate | All |
* If two or more students achieve the same Zonal rank, cash awards/scholarships in the relevant category will be distributed as follows:
The award/scholarship amount will be distributed equally among up to five students who achieve the same rank. In addition, each winner will receive a medal (for the appropriate category) and a certificate.
If six or more students receive the same rank, instead of a cash award/scholarship, each winner will receive a scholarship of Rs.1,000/- plus a medal (in the applicable category) and a certificate.
Medal of Distinction and Certificate of Distinction are awarded for first-level performance in single and two-level exams, respectively, while Zonal medals and Certificate of Zonal Excellence are awarded for second-level performance.
| At Zonal Level | ||
| RANK | SCHOLARSHIPS | NO. OF AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS |
| 1 to 25 | Medal of Distinction** + Certificate of Distinction + Student Performance Report | 7800 |
| Rank 26+ | Participation Certificate + Student Performance Report | All |
AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS – SCHOOLS
| At International Level | ||
| CATEGORY | AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS | NO. OF AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS |
| Best Principal* | Rs 25000/- + Citation + Trophy | 20 |
| Best Teacher | Rs 10000/- + Citation + Trophy | 10 |
| At Zonal Level | ||
| CATEGORY | AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS | NO. OF AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS |
| Best Principal* | Rs 10000/- +Citation + Trophy | 130 |
| Best Teacher | Rs 5000/- Citation + Trophy | 78 |
| At District Level | ||
| CATEGORY | AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS | NO. OF AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS |
| Best Principal* | Rs 2500/- + Citation + Trophy | 500 |
| Best Teacher | Rs 1000/- + Citation + Trophy | 400 |
SCHOOL LEVEL.
In addition, the following are provided:
- – Appreciation Certificates for all Principals and Teachers.
- – Appreciation gifts for select principals and teachers
International Maths Olympiad Registration
How to Register?
- Schools can register by contacting the SOF directly.
- Interested students should contact their school coordinator about enrollment.
- Individual participation is usually not permitted; students must register through their schools.
- Registration forms can be obtained from school officials and submitted before the deadline.
- The exam fee varies by category and is payable at the time of registration.
IMO Olympiad Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Follow the prescribed syllabus and concentrate on key concepts.
- Regular practice includes solving previous years’ exam papers and taking mock tests.
- Improve Logical Thinking: Practice logical reasoning problems to improve problem-solving abilities.
- Time Management: Practice finishing the exam within the allotted time frame.
- Use Reference Materials: Use SOF workbooks and sample papers to improve your preparation.
- Join a Coaching or Study Group: Participating in a study group or enrolling in coaching can provide additional support and structured preparation.
- Stay updated: Follow SOF announcements and be aware of any changes in exam patterns or schedules.
IMO Olympiad 2025 Exam Dates
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
| Level 1 Exam | November – December |
| Level 1 Results | January – February |
| Level 2 Exam | February – March |
| Final Results | April |
| Prize Distribution | May – June |
Additional Resources for IMO
- Official SOF Website: www.sofworld.org
- Online Mock Tests and Sample Papers: Available on the SOF portal and other educational websites.(https://sofworld.org/sof-international-mathematics-olympiad-sample-papers )
- Mathematics Olympiad Preparation Books: Publications by leading educational publishers can be used for extra practice.(https://sofworld.org/sof-international-mathematics-olympiad-books )
- YouTube Tutorials and Online Courses: Many educators provide free and paid tutorials on how to excel in IMO.
- Mobile Apps for IMO Preparation: Various apps offer daily quizzes, practice tests, and logical reasoning exercises.
IMO Olympiad FAQs
Q1. What is IMO?
Ans. SOF IMO is a prestigious annual competition for high school students from all over the world who are interested in math and its applications. Participants compete in a series of difficult problems designed to put their math and problem-solving abilities to the test. The competition aims to inspire and nurture the next generation of mathematicians while also promoting mathematical excellence.
Q2. What is the fee for the International Mathematics Olympiad?
Ans. Schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal must pay an INR 125 registration fee to SOF, while other countries must pay USD 9 (including GST) per student / Olympiad to cover the cost of the examination.
Q3. How do I register for the International Mathematics Olympiad?
Ans. Students can only register for the SOF IMO International Mathematics Olympiad at their respective schools. Individual registrations are not accepted.
Q4. How Can a Student Benefit From the IMO Exam?
Ans. IMO Promises the following benefits-
- Multi-Level Ranking: school, city, zonal, regional, international.
- Student Performance Report: Strengths, weaknesses, and detailed analysis.
- Scholarships and Awards: Cash prizes, medals, and certificates.
- Prestigious Recognition: Toppers honored at a grand ceremony in Delhi.
- The prize fund worth ₹20 crores includes scholarships and awards.
Q5. Who is eligible to sit for the Olympiads?
Ans. To participate in the Olympiads, students from grades 1-12 are eligible. There is no minimum mark requirement for the 1st level Olympiads. Students who qualify for the 2nd level exam include the top 5% of students by class, the top 25 rank holders by zone, and class toppers from each participating school with at least 10 students who score 50%.
Q6. Are there any special books that participants should use to prepare for the IMO?
Ans. In general, NCERT books/course books prescribed by the CBSE/ICSE/STATE BOARDS can be used for preparation. Here are the following books, test series, and resources for Olympiad preparation:
- MTG Class-wise Workbooks (For Classes 1-12)
- Olympiad Prep-Guides (For Classes 1–10)
- ‘SOF Olympiad Trainer’ Mobile Apps and OSDS (Olympic Skill Development System)
- Previous Years Papers
- Olympiads’ Books of Reasoning (to prepare for the reasoning section of Olympiads)
- Math Skill Development System
Q7. I have already competed in the Olympiads when I was in lower school. Can I appear again?
Ans. Certainly, this will allow you to improve your previous rankings, and if you succeed, you will be eligible for certificates and prizes again.
Q8. When are the Olympiad results announced?
Ans. Olympiad results are available within 8 weeks of the exam. The results are forwarded to the appropriate schools. The results are also available on our website.
Q9. Can I participate in multiple Olympiad exams?
Ans. The ICSO, NSO, IMO, IEO, ICO, ISSO, IHO, and IGKO are distinct competitions held by the same Foundation. Students may register for all Olympiads based on their class eligibility.
Q10. We have less than ten students at our school who are interested in participating in SOF IMO. Can we still sign up for the test?
Ans. Yes, there is not minimum number of entries from a school to participate in SOF IMO Exam.
Conclusion
The SOF International Mathematics Olympiad is an excellent opportunity for students to sharpen their mathematical skills and compete at a national and international level. Participation not only enhances knowledge but also builds confidence and helps students prepare for future academic challenges. The competition serves as a stepping stone for students who aspire to excel in mathematics and logical reasoning, paving the way for success in various national and global competitive exams.
For more details, visit the official website:https://sofworld.org/imo