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The IMO Syllabus 2025-26 aims to help students from Classes 1 to 12 assess and enhance their mathematical skills while preparing them for future academic competitions. Organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF), the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) offers a platform to foster a passion for mathematics among young learners.
This annual exam is conducted offline and is open to students studying in schools recognized by SOF. The application process is facilitated through respective school authorities, and the registration fee is ₹125.
For the Level 1 exam, students can appear on any one of the following dates:
The test comprises multiple-choice questions to be completed in 1 hour, and is conducted in English. The exam remains consistent in terms of themes and chapters across Levels I and II, although the difficulty level increases in the latter.
A detailed, class-wise IMO syllabus 2025-26 including topic-wise breakdown, section-wise weightage, and key concepts is provided to help candidates prepare effectively. This structured approach ensures that students not only perform well in the Olympiad but also strengthen their foundational understanding of mathematics.
To ensure a smooth selection process, it is important for students to be familiar with the complete syllabus and exam structure. In this section, we provide you with a clear understanding of the IMO exam pattern, types of questions asked, and preparation tips. Refer to the table below for a comprehensive overview of the IMO Syllabus 2025-26.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Organizing Body |
Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) |
|
Exam Name |
International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2024–25 |
|
Exam Dates |
12th November 2025, 28th November 2025, 12th December 2025 |
|
Question Type |
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
|
Exam Duration |
1 Hour |
|
Mode of Exam |
Offline |
|
Official Website |
The IMO Exam Pattern 2025-26 includes multiple-choice questions and problem-solving exercises designed to evaluate students’ mathematical skills and logical reasoning abilities. The Level 1 exam is 60 minutes long and features 35 objective (multiple-choice) questions. Below is the detailed International Mathematical Olympiad Exam Pattern for 2025-26.
|
Class |
Section |
No. of Questions |
Marks per Question |
Total Marks |
|
1 to 4 |
Logical Reasoning |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Mathematical Reasoning |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
|
Everyday Mathematics |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
|
Achievers Section |
5 |
2 |
10 |
|
|
Grand Total |
35 |
40 |
||
|
5 to 10 |
Logical Reasoning |
15 |
1 |
15 |
|
Mathematical Reasoning |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
|
Everyday Mathematics |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
|
Achievers Section |
5 |
3 |
15 |
|
|
Grand Total |
50 |
60 |
||
|
11 to 12 |
Logical Reasoning |
15 |
1 |
15 |
|
Mathematical Reasoning / Applied Mathematics |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
|
Everyday Mathematics |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
|
Achievers Section |
5 |
3 |
15 |
|
|
Grand Total |
50 |
60 |
The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) for Class 1 includes a total of 35 questions to be completed within one hour. The practice section will contain questions strictly based on the current class syllabus. Students are advised to prepare using the NCERT Class 1 textbooks. It's recommended to complete the syllabus at least one month before the exam for better preparation. The detailed IMO Syllabus for Class 1 (2025-26) is provided in the table below.
|
Section |
Topics |
No. of Questions |
Marks/Question |
Total marks |
|
Section 1 - Logical Reasoning |
Patterns, Odd One Out, Measuring Units, Geometrical Shapes, Spatial Understanding, Grouping, Analogy, Ranking Test, Problems based on Figures. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 2 -Mathematical Reasoning |
Numerals, Number Names, Number Sense (2-digit numbers), Addition, Subtraction, Lengths, Weights and Comparisons, Time, Money, Geometrical Shapes and Solids. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 3 -Everyday Mathematics |
Syllabus as per Section-2. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 4 - Achievers Section |
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section-2 |
5 |
2 |
10 |
|
Total = 35 |
Total = 40 |
The syllabus for IMO Class 2 is structured to assess students' understanding of basic mathematical concepts. Students can refer to the table below for a detailed breakdown of the IMO Syllabus for Class 2.
|
Section |
Topics |
No. of Questions |
Marks/Question |
Total marks |
|
Section 1 - Logical Reasoning |
Patterns, Odd One Out, Measuring Units, Geometrical Shapes, Analogy, Ranking Test, Grouping of Figures, Embedded Figures, Coding-Decoding. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 2 -Mathematical Reasoning |
Numerals, number names, Number Sense (3-digit Numbers), Computation Operations, Length, Weight, Capacity, Time, Temperature, Money, Lines, Shapes and Solids, Pictographs, Patterns. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 3 -Everyday Mathematics |
Syllabus as per Section 2. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 4 - Achievers Section |
Higher Order Thinking Questions- Syllabus as per Section 2. |
5 |
2 |
10 |
|
Total = 35 |
Total = 40 |
The Class 3 IMO exam comprises 35 questions carrying a total of 40 marks, with a duration of one hour. For effective preparation, students should solve previous years’ question papers and refer to the NCERT Class 3 textbooks. In Level I, 60% of the questions are based on the current Class 3 syllabus, while 40% are from the Class 2 syllabus. Questions from the Class 3 syllabus are featured prominently in the Achievers section. The complete IMO Syllabus for Class 3 is outlined in the table below.
|
Section |
Topics |
No. of Questions |
Marks/Question |
Total marks |
|
Section 1 - Logical Reasoning |
Patterns, Analogy and Classification, Alphabet Test, Coding-Decoding, Ranking Test, Grouping of Figures and Figure Matrix, Mirror Images, Geometrical Shapes, Embedded Figures, Possible Combinations, Clock and Calendar. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 2 -Mathematical Reasoning |
Numerals, Number Names, Number Sense (4-digit numbers), Computation Operations, Fractions, Length, Weight, Capacity, Temperature, Time, Money, Geometry, Data Handling. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 3 -Everyday Mathematics |
Syllabus as per Section 2. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 4 - Achievers Section |
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2. |
5 |
2 |
10 |
|
Total = 35 |
Total = 40 |
Students of Grade 4 can find all the essential details of the IMO Syllabus for Class 4 here. The examination consists of 35 questions with a total weightage of 40 marks. The questions are designed to test students’ understanding of mathematical concepts relevant to their grade level.
|
Section |
Topics |
No. of Questions |
Marks/Question |
Total marks |
|
Section 1 - Logical Reasoning |
Patterns, Alphabet Test, Coding-Decoding, Ranking Test, Mirror Images, Geometrical Shapes and Solids, Embedded Figures, Direction Sense Test, Possible Combinations, Analogy and Classification, Clock and Calendar. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 2 -Mathematical Reasoning |
Numerals, Number Names, Number Sense (more than 4-digit numbers), Computation Operations, Fractions, Length, Weight, Capacity, Time, Money, Geometry, Perimeter of Various Shapes, Symmetry, Conversions, Data Handling. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 3 -Everyday Mathematics |
Syllabus as per Section 2. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 4 - Achievers Section |
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section–2. |
5 |
2 |
10 |
|
Total = 35 |
Total = 40 |
The Class 5 IMO exam includes 50 questions carrying a total of 60 marks. To succeed in this exam, students are advised to regularly practice problems from NCERT textbooks, previous year papers, and logical reasoning books. In Level I, 60% of the questions are from the Class 5 syllabus and 40% from Class 4. However, at the Achievers stage, questions are entirely based on the Class 5 syllabus. It is crucial for students to cover all key topics from the International Mathematics curriculum. The detailed IMO Syllabus for Class 5 is given in the table below.
|
Section |
Topics |
No. of Questions |
Marks/Question |
Total marks |
|
Section 1 - Logical Reasoning |
Patterns, Analogy and Classification, Geometrical Shapes, Mirror and Water Images, Direction Sense Test, Ranking Test, Alphabet Test, Logical Sequence of Words, Puzzle Test, Coding-Decoding, Clock and Calendar. |
15 |
1 |
15 |
|
Section 2 -Mathematical Reasoning |
Numerals, Number Names, Number Sense (7 and 8 digit numbers), Computation Operations, Fractions and Decimals, Measurement of Length, Weight, Capacity, Time, Temperature and Money, Conversions, Geometrical Shapes and Solids, Angles, Perimeter of Various Shapes & Area of Rectangle and Square, Symmetry, Data Handling. |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
Section 3 -Everyday Mathematics |
Syllabus as per Section-2. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 4 - Achievers Section |
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section-2. |
5 |
3 |
15 |
|
Total = 50 |
Total = 60 |
The IMO exam for Class 6 comprises 50 questions worth a total of 60 marks. The paper includes questions from both Class 5 and Class 6 syllabi, making it important for students to review concepts from both grades. Practicing standardized test papers is highly recommended to help students recognize their strengths and focus on areas that need improvement.
|
Section |
Topics |
NO. OF Questions |
Marks/Question |
Total marks |
|
Section 1 - Logical Reasoning |
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. |
15 |
1 |
15 |
|
Section 2 -Mathematical Reasoning |
Knowing Our Numbers, Whole Numbers, Playing with Numbers, Basic Geometrical Ideas, Understanding Elementary Shapes, Integers, Fractions, Decimals, Data Handling, Mensuration, Algebra, Ratio and Proportion. |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
Section 3 -Everyday Mathematics |
Syllabus as per Section - 2. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 4 - Achievers Section |
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2. |
5 |
3 |
15 |
|
Total = 50 |
Total = 60 |
The IMO Class 7 exam consists of 50 questions to be completed within one hour, carrying a total of 60 marks. The syllabus includes 60% questions from the Class 7 curriculum and 40% from the Class 6 syllabus. To perform well, students should thoroughly study NCERT textbooks from both classes.
|
Section |
Topics |
No. of Questions |
Marks/Question |
Total marks |
|
Section 1 - Logical Reasoning |
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
15 |
1 |
15 |
|
Section 2 -Mathematical Reasoning |
Integers, Fractions and Decimals, Exponents and Powers, Algebraic Expressions, Simple Equations, Lines and Angles, Comparing Quantities, The Triangle and its Properties, Symmetry, Rational Numbers, Perimeter and Area, Data Handling, Visualising Solid Shapes. |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
Section 3 -Everyday Mathematics |
Syllabus as per Section - 2. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 4 - Achievers Section |
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2. |
5 |
3 |
15 |
|
Total = 50 |
Total = 60 |
The Class 8 IMO exam features 50 questions worth 60 marks. Preparation should include a strong focus on NCERT Class 8 textbooks, along with revision of Class 7 concepts. In Level I, 60% of the questions are based on the current class syllabus, while 40% are derived from the previous grade. Refer to the table below for a detailed breakdown of the IMO Syllabus for Class 8.
|
Section |
Topics |
No. of Questions |
Marks/Question |
Total marks |
|
Section 1 - Logical Reasoning |
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. |
15 |
1 |
15 |
|
Section 2 -Mathematical Reasoning |
Rational Numbers, Squares and Square Roots, Cubes and Cube Roots, Exponents and Powers, Comparing Quantities, Algebraic Expressions, Linear Equations in One Variable, Understanding Quadrilaterals, Mensuration, Data Handling, Direct and Inverse Proportions, Factorisation, Introduction to Graphs. |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
Section 3 -Everyday Mathematics |
Syllabus as per Section - 2. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 4 - Achievers Section |
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2. |
5 |
3 |
15 |
|
Total = 50 |
Total = 60 |
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) for Class 9 consists of 50 questions, totaling 60 marks, to be attempted in one hour. The questions are concept-based and may require detailed reasoning. Students are advised to prepare thoroughly using NCERT Class 9 Mathematics books and previous years’ question papers to excel in the IMO 2025-26 exam.
|
Section |
Topics |
No. of Questions |
Marks/Question |
Total marks |
|
Section 1 - Logical Reasoning |
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. |
15 |
1 |
15 |
|
Section 2 -Mathematical Reasoning |
Number Systems, Polynomials, Coordinate Geometry, Linear Equations in Two Variables, Introduction to Euclid’s Geometry, Lines and Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Heron’s Formula, Surface Areas and Volumes, Statistics. |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
Section 3 -Everyday Mathematics |
The syllabus of this section will be based on the syllabus of Mathematical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 4 - Achievers Section |
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2. |
5 |
3 |
15 |
|
Total = 50 |
Total = 60 |
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) for Class 10 comprises 50 questions divided into four sections. The total exam duration is one hour. To prepare effectively, students should focus on the NCERT Class 10 Mathematics textbook. The question paper includes 60% questions from the current class (Class 10) and 40% from the previous class (Class 9). Section 4, known as the Achievers Section, features advanced-level questions based on the CBSE Class 10 syllabus.
|
Section |
Topics |
No. of Questions |
Marks/Question |
Total marks |
|
Section 1 - Logical Reasoning |
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. |
15 |
1 |
15 |
|
Section 2 -Mathematical Reasoning |
Real Numbers, Polynomials, Pair of Linear Equations in Two Variables, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic Progressions, Triangles, Coordinate Geometry, Introduction to Trigonometry, Some Applications of Trigonometry, Circles, Areas Related to Circles, Surface Areas and Volumes, Statistics, Probability. |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
Section 3 -Everyday Mathematics |
The syllabus of this section will be based on the syllabus of Mathematical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 4 - Achievers Section |
Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2. |
5 |
3 |
15 |
|
Total = 50 |
Total = 60 |
The IMO Class 11 exam includes 50 questions carrying a total of 60 marks. Of these, 60% are based on the Class 11 syllabus and 40% on Class 10 topics. However, the Achievers Section will contain questions solely from the Class 11 curriculum. Students are advised to refer to NCERT Class 11 Mathematics books and practice regularly. The detailed syllabus for Class 11 is provided in the table below.
|
Section |
Topics |
No. of Questions |
Marks/Question |
Total marks |
|
Section 1 - Logical Reasoning |
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. |
15 |
1 |
15 |
|
Section 2 -Mathematical Reasoning |
Sets, Relations and Functions, Logarithms, Complex Numbers & Quadratic Equations, Linear Inequalities, Sequences and Series, Trigonometry, Straight Lines, Conic Sections, Permutations and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Statistics, Limits and Derivatives, Probability, Introduction to 3-D Geometry. OR Numbers, Quantification, Numerical Applications, Sets, Relations and Functions, Sequences and Series, Permutations and Combinations, Mathematical Reasoning, Limits, Continuity and Differentiability, Probability, Descriptive Statistics, Basics of Financial Mathematics, Straight Lines, Circles. |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
Section 3 -Everyday Mathematics |
The syllabus of this section will be based on the syllabus of Quantitative Aptitude. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 4 - Achievers Section |
Sets, Relations and Functions, Sequences and Series, Permutations and Combinations, Limits and Derivatives, Straight Lines, Circles, Parabola, Probability. |
5 |
3 |
15 |
|
Total = 50 |
Total = 60 |
The IMO Class 12 exam consists of 50 questions with a total of 60 marks, to be attempted within one hour. To prepare, students should study thoroughly from NCERT Class 12 Mathematics textbooks and revise Class 11 concepts as well. For more clarity, students may also refer to the official CBSE Class 12 syllabus to align their preparation with the topics covered in the exam.
|
Section |
Topics |
No. of Questions |
Marks/Question |
Total marks |
|
Section 1 - Logical Reasoning |
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. |
15 |
1 |
15 |
|
Section 2 -Mathematical Reasoning |
Relations and Functions, Inverse Trigonometric Functions, Matrices and Determinants, Continuity and Differentiability, Application of Derivatives, Integrals, Application of Integrals, Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, Three Dimensional Geometry, Probability, Linear Programming. OR Numbers, Quantification, Numerical Applications, Solutions of Simultaneous Linear Equations, Matrices, Determinants, Application of Derivatives, Integration, Application of Integrations, Differential Equations, Probability, Inferential Statistics, Index numbers, Time-based data, Financial Mathematics, Linear Programming. |
20 |
1 |
20 |
|
Section 3 -Everyday Mathematics |
The syllabus of this section will be based on the syllabus of Quantitative Aptitude. |
10 |
1 |
10 |
|
Section 4 - Achievers Section |
Matrices, Determinants, Application of Derivatives, Integration, Application of Integrations, Differential Equations, Linear Programming, Probability. |
5 |
3 |
15 |
|
Total = 50 |
Total = 60 |
Q1. What is the syllabus for the IMO 2025-26 exam?
Answer: The IMO 2025-26 syllabus is based on the school curriculum for Classes 1 to 12, primarily following CBSE, ICSE, and state board guidelines. It includes four sections: Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Everyday Mathematics, and Achievers Section.
Q2. Will questions be asked only from the current class syllabus?
Answer: For Level 1, 60% of the questions are from the current class syllabus, while 40% are from the previous class. However, in the Achievers Section, questions are strictly based on the current class only.
Q3. How many questions are there in the IMO exam and what is the exam duration?
Answer: The number of questions varies by class:
Q4. What is the best way to prepare for the IMO 2025-26 exam?
Answer: Students should study NCERT textbooks thoroughly, solve previous years' IMO papers, and practice logical reasoning problems. Understanding concepts clearly and practicing higher-order thinking questions from the Achievers Section is also crucial.
Q5. Is the syllabus the same for both Level 1 and Level 2 of the IMO?
Answer: Yes, the syllabus remains the same for both levels. However, the difficulty level of questions increases in Level 2. Only students from Classes 3 to 12 who qualify Level 1 are eligible to appear for Level 2.
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