“How many marks will be needed to qualify for INMO?”
“What will be the cut off for my category?”
“When will the results be declared?”
As soon as students walk out after giving their INMO exam, these are the questions that run through every student’s mind.
About INMO 2026
The Indian National Mathematical Olympiad is conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) under NBHM. It is the third stage of India’s Mathematical Olympiad programme.
Students who qualify for the INMO Olympiad move one step closer to the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) selection process.
INMO 2026 Exam Overview
Here are a few important details about the INMO exam at a glance:
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Name | Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) |
| Exam Date | 18 January 2026 |
| Day | Sunday |
| Mode | Offline (Pen-and-paper) |
| Question Type | Descriptive, proof-based |
| Duration | 4.5 Hours |
| Total Questions | 6 |
| Maximum Marks | 102 |
| Conducting Body | HBCSE |
| INMO Official Website | olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in |
INMO Categories Explained
INMO uses different categories to ensure fair selection across classes and groups.
| Category | Applicable Class |
| Category A | Class 8 to 11 |
| Category AG | Girls (Class 8 to 11) |
| Category B | Class 12 |
Each category has its own cut off, which is decided based on performance within that group.
INMO Cut Off 2026 (To Be Released)
The official INMO Cut Off 2026 will be released after the examination results are declared. It will be published on the HBCSE portal along with INMO score details. Until then, students can refer to previous years’ cut offs to understand likely trends and expectations.
INMO 2025 Cutoff – Category-Wise Data
Students who met the following cut off marks in 2025 were shortlisted for the IMOTC camp held in May 2025.
INMO Cut Off 2025 Table
| Category | Class | Cut Off Marks |
| Category A | Class 8–11 | 31 |
| Category AG | Class 8–11 | 20 |
| Category B | Class 12 | 34 |
What We Learn from 2025:
- Cut-offs were moderate
- Category B had a slightly higher cutoff
- Girls’ quota had a lower threshold
- Paper difficulty played a role in reduced scores
INMO Cut Off 2024 – Category-Wise Data
The 2024 cut-offs were significantly higher compared to 2025.
INMO Cut Off 2024 Table
| Category | Class | Cut Off Marks |
| Category A | Class 8–11 | 52 |
| Category AG | Class 8–11 | 42 |
| Category B | Class 12 | 68 |
Key Takeaways from 2024
- The Paper was more scoring
- Competition was intense
- Higher cut-offs across all categories
- Class 12 students faced the toughest benchmark
INMO Cut Off Comparison: 2024 vs 2025
| Category | 2024 Cut Off | 2025 Cut Off | Change |
| Category A | 52 | 31 | Decrease |
| Category AG | 42 | 20 | Decrease |
| Category B | 68 | 34 | Decrease |
Trend Insight
- INMO cut-offs can change sharply year to year
- Students should not rely on one year’s data
- Preparation should aim beyond minimum marks
INMO 2026 Expected Cut Off – Trend-Based View
Based on past trends, students can expect the following general pattern for INMO 2026.
| Category | Expected Position |
| Category A | Moderate range |
| Category AG | Lower than Category A |
| Category B | Highest among all categories |
Note: These are not official values. Final cut offs depend on exam difficulty and evaluation.
Factors Affecting INMO Cut Off 2026
Several elements influence how cut-offs are decided each year, including:
- Paper Difficulty: Tough papers reduce cut-offs
- Number of Candidates: Higher competition can raise cut-offs
- Proof Quality: Clear reasoning scores higher
- Category-Based Selection: Separate thresholds
- Regional Quotas: Balanced representation
- Tie-Breaking Rules: Pre-RMO scores considered
- Past Trends: Used as a reference, not a rule
Why INMO Cut-Offs Are Unpredictable
Unlike objective exams, INMO is proof-based. This makes scoring more subjective.
- Partial answers may get limited credit
- Logical clarity matters more than the final result
- Two students with the same answer may score differently
This is why cut-offs can vary widely each year.
Benefits After Qualifying INMO 2026
Qualifying in INMO opens many academic doors, such as:
- Entry to IMOTC training camp
- Selection chance for the International Mathematical Olympiad
- Eligibility for NBHM Scholarship
- Access to top institutes like ISI and CMI
- Strong academic profile for future studies
What Should Students Aim For?
Instead of targeting the cut-off, students should aim to:
- Solve 3–4 problems fully
- Write clean, logical solutions
- Avoid rushed answers
- Focus on accuracy, not quantity
This approach gives a safer margin.
Conclusion
The INMO 2026 cut-off will be released after the exam, but past data already shows one clear message. INMO rewards depth, clarity, and thinking ability, not shortcuts. Cut-offs rise and fall every year, but strong preparation always pays off.
Rather than worrying about numbers, students should focus on understanding concepts deeply and expressing solutions clearly. With consistent practice and patience, clearing the INMO cut-off becomes an achievable goal.
FAQs
1. Is the INMO cut-off the same every year?
No. INMO cut-offs change every year depending on paper difficulty, student performance, and evaluation standards. There is no fixed benchmark.
2. Does scoring above cut off guarantee selection?
Meeting the cut-off makes you eligible, but final selection also depends on category limits and regional quotas.
3. Are cut-offs different for girls?
Yes. Category AG has a separate cut-off to encourage wider participation among female students.
4. Can Class 11 students compete with Class 12 students?
Students compete within separate categories. Class 12 students fall under Category B, which has a different cutoff.
