Some students fear math and try to get rid of it all the time. On the other hand, there are some who enjoy it, love it, and look at it as a challenge worth taking. This third stage of India’s Mathematical Olympiad demands clarity and right preparation. But the first step in your preparation definitely has to be knowing the syllabus details. Let us help you with that!
INMO Exam: An Overview
The INMO exam is conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) under the National Board for Higher Mathematics. Only students who qualify for the Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) are eligible.
Students selected through INMO move forward to the International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC). From there, the best performers represent India at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
Here is a quick snapshot of the INMO 2026 exam. This table gives you all the key details in one place.
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Name | Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO 2026) |
| Conducting Body | HBCSE under NBHM |
| Exam Date | 18 January 2026 |
| Day | Sunday |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Question Type | Descriptive |
| Total Questions | 6 |
| Exam Duration | 4.5 Hours |
| Exam Timing | 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM |
| Official Website | olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in |
INMO 2026 Schedule and Timeline
Knowing the timeline helps you plan better:
| Event | Expected Timeline |
| RMO Results | Late Nov to Early Dec 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Early January 2026 |
| INMO Exam Date | 18 January 2026 |
| Result Declaration | Feb to March 2026 |
| IMOTC Training Camp | May to June 2026 |
INMO Exam Pattern 2026
The INMO exam is very different from school exams. There are no MCQs or shortcuts. You must explain your thinking clearly.
Exam Pattern at a Glance:
| Feature | Details |
| Number of Questions | 6 |
| Marks Per Question | 17 |
| Total Marks | 102 |
| Duration | 4.5 Hours |
| Nature of Questions | Proof-based |
| Calculus | Not included |
Each question in the INMO question paper carries equal weight. Even solving two or three questions well can give you a strong score.
INMO Syllabus 2026: Subject-wise Breakdown
The INMO syllabus is based on Classes 11 and 12 mathematics, but the difficulty level is much higher. Questions often combine ideas from multiple topics. Below is the complete INMO syllabus 2026, organized subject-wise.
Read More on Official website : https://olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in/how-to-prepare/syllabus/
INMO Algebra Syllabus
Algebra questions test logic, patterns, and structure.
| Topics | Coverage |
| Inequalities | AM-GM, Cauchy-Schwarz, applications |
| Progressions | AP, GP, HP |
| Indices | Laws and applications |
| Linear Equations | Systems of equations |
| Theory of Equations | Roots and relations |
| Binomial Theorem | Properties and coefficients |
| Complex Numbers | Algebraic properties |
| Polynomials | One and two variables |
| Functional Equations | Finding valid functions |
| Sequences | Patterns and recursion |
INMO Geometry Syllabus
Geometry questions often require diagrams and deep insight.
| Topics | Coverage |
| Triangles | Properties and theorems |
| Quadrilaterals | Types and relations |
| Circles | Chords, tangents, angles |
| Euclidean Constructions | Classical methods |
| Concurrency & Collinearity | Ceva, Menelaus |
| Trigonometry | Identities and formulas |
| Coordinate Geometry | Lines, circles, conics |
| Vectors | Basics and applications |
| Polygons | Properties and angles |
INMO Combinatorics Syllabus
Combinatorics focuses on counting and logical arrangement.
| Topics | Coverage |
| Basic Enumeration | Counting techniques |
| Pigeonhole Principle | Applications |
| Recursion | Recursive thinking |
| Graph Theory | Basic concepts |
INMO Number Theory Syllabus
Number theory questions are concept-heavy and logical.
| Topics | Coverage |
| Divisibility | GCD, Euclidean algorithm |
| Diophantine Equations | Integer solutions |
| Congruences | Modular arithmetic |
| Chinese Remainder Theorem | Applications |
| Fermat’s Little Theorem | Properties |
| Wilson’s Theorem | Prime checks |
| Euler’s Phi Function | Advanced concepts |
| Pythagorean Triples | Properties |
How to Prepare for INMO 2026
Preparation for INMO is not about speed. It is about clarity. Here is a simple approach:
- Focus on understanding concepts deeply
- Practice writing full solutions
- Learn how to explain each step
- Solve past INMO and RMO questions
- Spend time thinking, not rushing
Remember, consistency matters more than long hours.
Best Books for INMO Preparation
Choosing the right INMO books makes a big difference. Here are a few suggestions:
| Subject | Recommended Books |
| Number Theory | Problems in Elementary Number Theory – Titu Andreescu |
| Geometry | Geometry Revisited – H.S.M. Coxeter |
| Olympiad Practice | Mathematical Olympiad Challenges |
| Mixed Topics | An Excursion in Mathematics |
| Online Resource | Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) |
Conclusion
As we mentioned in the beginning of this blog, INMO Olympiad 2026 is a challenging exam. But it is worth putting in the effort! The syllabus is huge, but manageable if studied with the right approach. Focus on thinking clearly, writing neatly, and solving fewer problems well instead of many problems poorly. With steady practice, strong concepts, and regular mock tests, you can move closer to IMOTC and beyond.
At Aakash, our structured mathematics programs, Olympiad-focused test series, and expert-led guidance help students build strong fundamentals. You get exposure to advanced problem-solving required for competitions like INMO. With regular assessments, detailed performance analysis, and mentoring support, you can track your progress and sharpen your approach at every stage of the Olympiad journey. Explore Aakash’s Olympiad offerings and choose a learning path that keeps you exam-ready and confident!
FAQs
1. Is calculus included in the INMO syllabus?
No. Calculus is not part of the INMO syllabus. The exam focuses on algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics only.
2. Can Class 10 students appear for INMO?
No. Only students who qualify for RMO and meet the eligibility rules set by HBCSE can appear for INMO.
3. Are all questions compulsory in INMO?
Yes. All six questions asked in the exam are compulsory. However, you are evaluated on the quality of solutions, not completion.
4. How important is proof writing for INMO?
Proof writing is very important for INMO! Even a correct answer without proper explanation may get low marks. Clear logic is essential.
5. How many students are selected after INMO?
Around 30 to 35 students are selected for the IMOTC training camp, from which the final IMO team is chosen.
