Stages of Mathematical Olympiad

The Mathematical Olympiad Programme in India, which leads to the participation of Indian students in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) on behalf of the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM) of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India. This programme is one of the major initiatives undertaken by the NBHM. Its main purpose is to spot mathematical talent among pre-university students in the country.

For the purpose of training and selection of students for the Olympiad contest several regions all over the country have been designated and each assigned a Regional Coordinator. Additionally, two groups of schools: Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV) and Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV) are also treated as separate regions and have a ‘Regional Coordinator’ each. 

Stage 1:

The first stage examination, the Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics(IOQM) (Previously PRMO) is a three hour examination with 30 questions. The answer to each question is either a single-digit number or a two-digit number and will need to be marked on a machine-readable OMR response sheet. The IOQM question paper will be in English and Hindi.

The syllabus may be found here.

Sample/Previous Years’ IOQM questions can be downloaded from here.

Queries regarding IOQM may be sent by email to mtaprmo@gmail.com or alternatively you can visit: https://www.mtai.org.in/

Queries will not be replied to individually, but via the FAQ section on this website.

Stage 2:

The second stage examination, the Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) is a three-hour examination with six problems. The RMOs are offered in English, Hindi and other regional languages as deemed appropriate by the respective Regional Coordinators. The problems under each topic involve a high level of difficulty and sophistication.

Stage 3:

The best-performing students from the RMO qualify for the third stage – the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO). The INMO is held on the third Sunday of January across the country.

Stage 4:

The top students from the INMO (approximately 65) are invited for the fourth stage, the International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC) held at HBCSE (or any other institute in India) from April to May. At this camp, orientation is provided to students for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Emphasis is laid on developing conceptual foundations and problem-solving skills. Several selection tests are held during this camp. On the basis of performance in these tests, six students are selected to represent India at the IMO. Resource persons from different institutions across the country are invited to the training camps.

Stage 5:

The selected team undergoes a rigorous training programme for about 8-10 days at HBCSE prior to its departure for the IMO.

Stage 6:

The Olympiad programme culminates with the participation of the students in the IMO. The students are accompanied by 4 teachers or mentors.