The Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) is one of the most prestigious mathematics competitions in India. It is organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) in collaboration with the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM). The exam is conducted on the third Sunday of January every year.
INMO Exam Date 2026: Official Schedule
The Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on:
| Particulars | Details |
| INMO Exam Date | Sunday, January 18, 2026 |
| Exam Timing | 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Exam Centres | Designated centres across India |
Note: It is mandatory to register for INMO to appear for the exam. The registration deadline was open till 17:30 on January 14, 2026. For other exam-specific details, visit the INMO official website.
What is the INMO Olympiad?
The INMO Olympiad is the third stage in India’s Mathematics Olympiad Program. It is an advanced proof-based mathematics exam that selects the best young mathematicians at the national level. The chosen candidates are trained to represent the country at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
The overall sequence for India’s International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) pathway is:
| Stage No. | Exam / Stage Name | Purpose |
| 1 | Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM) | First screening test to identify talented students in mathematics |
| 2 | Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) | Regional-level selection of top performers from IOQM |
| 3 | Indian National Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (INMOTC) | Regional-level training where students are trained for the INMO |
| 4 | Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) | National-level advanced proof-based mathematics examination |
| 5 | International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC) | Intensive training of top INMO qualifiers for international selection |
| 6 | Pre-Departure Camp (PDC) | Final preparation camp for the 6 selected students for the Indian team |
| 7 | International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) | International competition of mathematics where students represent India |
For INMO, only the top performers from RMO qualify to appear for INMO.
Key Features of INMO
INMO is one of the most respected mathematics competitions in India. The key features are:
- The exam focuses on logical reasoning and mathematical proof writing, rather than just final answers.
- The paper contains 6 long-answer questions that evaluate deep conceptual understanding.
- Questions are much more advanced than board exams or JEE-level mathematics.
- No penalty for wrong answers. Marks are awarded based on the quality of solutions.
- The exam is conducted simultaneously across India under strict supervision to ensure fair comparison.
INMO Exam Eligibility
The INMO exam eligibility for the year 26 involves selecting candidates who:
- Qualify through the RMO (Regional Mathematical Olympiad) 2025
- Are enrolled in a recognised school in India or Indian schools abroad for the overseas quota
- Are studying in any class from 8 to 12
- Were born on or after July 1, 2004
Note: Students who were INMO awardees in 2025 can directly appear for INMO 2026 without qualifying for RMO again, provided they meet other eligibility requirements.
Benefits of Qualifying INMO
Clearing the INMO opens a world of opportunities beyond national recognition. Here are the different INMO benefits for qualifying students:
1. Access to International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC)
Qualifiers are invited to the IMOTC, an advanced training program where the brightest students are groomed for international contests. Candidates get the exposure and opportunity to meet other students with the same mindset.
2. Scholarship & Financial Support
Students may become eligible for government-backed or institutional scholarships. They may receive monthly stipends or special fellowships like the NBHM scholarship or Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) benefits. The scholarships and financial aid are aimed at supporting higher education in mathematics or related fields.
3. Academic Recognition
INMO qualifiers receive certificates. These are prestigious additions to academic profiles, highlighting exceptional mathematical capability. It also develops interest and builds relevant skills for technical subjects.
4. Personal Growth
Qualifying INMO marks the student’s capability to overcome challenges. It develops confidence and offers a different perspective to evaluate oneself.
How to Prepare for INMO?
Preparing for INMO involves mastering logical reasoning, proof construction, analytical thinking, and problem-solving. A few general tips to follow are:
- Solve past INMO/RMO papers and focus on the best techniques to demonstrate the proof.
- Develop strong foundations in essential and advanced topics like number theory, geometry, algebra, and combinatorics.
- Practice time-management by taking an exam at actual time and environment setup
- Solve mock papers and previous question sets to improve speed and accuracy
- Seek guidance from experienced mentors or attend training programs
- Understand the strengths and weaknesses and leverage them during preparation for the Olympiad.
Final Thoughts
The INMO Olympiad is a milestone for mathematically talented students preparing for national and international challenges. With the INMO exam date for 2026 out now, aspirants can focus their preparation with clarity and determination. Ensure to follow updates on the INMO official website, understand the eligibility requirements, and work strategically. We wish you success in one of India’s most prestigious mathematics competitions.
FAQs
Q1. When is the INMO Exam 2025-26 scheduled?
The INMO exam is set to be conducted on January 18, 2026. The timing of the exam will be between 12 and 4:30 PM.
Q2. Is a calculator or any electronic device allowed in the INMO exam?
No, calculators, mobile phones, smart watches, or any electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the INMO examination hall.
Q3. What are the total marks in INMO?
Since each question in the INMO carries 17 marks, the question paper has a total of 102 marks.
