Does problem-solving feel like a sport? Or is it that the tricky maths questions make your brain happy? Then INMO has to be on your list. But before you dream of national-level glory or start your prep, it’s a must to be certain about the eligibility criteria.
It clears:
- Who can write the INMO exam?
- What class should you be in?
- What non-negotiable rules/details are a must to follow?
If you are looking for the complete INMO exam eligibility criteria 2026, read ahead.
What is INMO
The INMO full form is the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad. The Mathematics Teachers’ Association (India) (MTAI) conducts the first stage (IOQM) of India’s Mathematical Olympiad Program, which leads to the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO).
The Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) is conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) in Mumbai, under the aegis of the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM).
Here are important details you need to know about INMO exam date 2026:
INMO Exam Date: 18 January 2026
INMO Eligibility Criteria
The candidates must meet the necessary criteria in order to be able to take the INMO exam. The student will be in charge of making sure that the eligibility requirements are met.
If it is discovered later in the program that a student does not meet the eligibility requirements, they may be disqualified from the program.
- Students must have qualified RMO 2025, conducted on 16 November 2025.
- Only candidates whose names appear on the officially published list are permitted to appear for INMO 2026.
| Eligibility Aspect | INMO Criteria |
| Educational Qualification | Students must be currently studying in Class 9, 10, 11, or 12 during the Olympiad academic year. INMO is meant only for students who are actively learning high-school–level mathematics. |
| Who is Not Eligible (Education) | Students below Class 9 or those who have already passed Class 12 are not eligible. This keeps the exam focused on current school students. |
| Age Limit | Students must be born on or after 1 July 2004. This age rule ensures the competition stays relevant for present-day high schoolers. |
| Class 12 Completion Rule | Students must not have completed Class 12 (or an equivalent exam) before the year of the Olympiad. |
| Geographical Criteria | Students from any state or Union Territory in India can apply. There are no restrictions based on location, school board, or place of residence. |
| Previous IMO Participation | Students who have already participated in IMO or were selected for an IMO team earlier are not allowed to appear for INMO. This keeps the platform open for new talent. |
| INSO Participants | Students who have qualified for INSO can appear for INMO, as long as they meet all other eligibility rules. |
INMO Selection Criteria 2026
Regional Selection Criteria:
- From each region:
- Up to 28 students from Classes 8, 9, 10, and 11
- Up to 6 students from Class 12
- Selection is based on INMO performance.
Tie-Breaking Rules:
- In case of a tie in INMO Olympiad scores, the Pre-RMO score is used as the tie-breaker.
- If the tie remains unresolved, all tied candidates are included in the final list sent to HBCSE.
Additional Selections:
- Five extra girl students from Classes 8 to 11 are selected from each region, excluding those already chosen under the general category.
- Up to five students each from:
- Non-KV CBSE schools abroad
- KV schools outside India
- These students are selected based on recommendations from CBSE and KVS authorities.
Further Stages:
- Typically, around 28 candidates per region appear for INMO.
- From approximately 500 INMO participants, 30 students are shortlisted for a one-month training camp at HBCSE.
- After training, the top six students are selected to represent India at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
| Category | Classes | Eligibility Condition | Selection per Region | Tie-Breaking Rule | Girls’ Quota |
| Category A | Classes 8, 9, 10, 11 | Must score non-zero in RMO 2026 | Top 30 students qualify for INMO 2026 | Tie at 30th rank resolved using IOQM 2025 scores | 5 additional girls selected, irrespective of girls already in the top 30 |
| Category B | Class 12 | Must score non-zero in RMO 2026 | Top 6 students qualify for INMO 2026 | Tie at 6th rank resolved using IOQM 2025 scores | No separate quota; girls qualify only if in the top 6 |
Perks of Qualifying for INMO 2026
So, you must be wondering, what perks do I get if I qualify for this olympiad ? Well, there are a few, to say the least.
| Location | College / University | How INMO Helps |
| India | IISc Bangalore | INMO qualifiers can get special admission to the BS (Research) program, often without going through other entrance exams. |
| IIT Kanpur | Eligible for special admission to B.Tech CSE. Only 6 seats are available, making this a rare and highly competitive opportunity. | |
| Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) | Direct admission to mathematics and computer science programs for INMO achievers. | |
| IISERs | Direct entry to the BS–MS dual degree programs is ideal for students interested in science and advanced mathematics. | |
| IMSc, Chennai | INMO qualifiers are considered for internships and research roles in mathematical sciences. | |
| TIFR | Offers internships, workshops, and training camps, helping students build strong research exposure. | |
| St. Stephen’s College | INMO achievements are viewed very favourably during the admission process. | |
| Ashoka University | Supports Olympiad achievers through admissions advantages and scholarships. | |
| Outside India | MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Caltech, Princeton (USA) | INMO is highly valued for STEM admissions and strengthens applications for math-heavy programs. |
| Oxford & Cambridge (UK) | INMO achievements are strongly favoured, especially for mathematics and related courses. | |
| ETH Zurich (Switzerland) | Recognises INMO for math and engineering admissions. | |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | Values INMO for math, engineering, and computer science programs. | |
| University of Waterloo (Canada) | Looks favourably on INMO for admissions and scholarships, particularly in math and CS. |
FAQs
1. Is qualifying RMO enough to guarantee selection for INMO?
No.
Qualifying RMO is necessary, but not sufficient. RMO is only the entry point. INMO selection depends on your rank. Only top students from each category are selected. This includes Top 30 (Category A) and Top 6 (Category B). There is also a girls’ quota. In case of ties, IOQM scores are used.
2. What is the INMO official website to check the INMO Eligibility Criteria 2026?
The official source is the HBCSE Olympiads portal. All updates are announced there. The website is: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in.
