How to Participate in Mathematics Olympiad? | Mathematics Olympiad for Class 1 PDF Download

What is the SOF (IMO) Exam?

The International Mathematics Olympiad (SOF IMO) is a yearly academic contest conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students from classes 1 to 12. It aims to assess students' mathematical reasoning, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

• The syllabus is designed to help students explore and improve their math skills, equipping them for future competitive challenges. 
• As recommended by the National Education Policy (NEP), such Olympiads foster problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and cognitive development in students.

SOF (IMO) Exam Overview

The table below covers  important details about the SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) exam.

SOF (IMO) Eligibility Criteria

The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) has set specific eligibility requirements for students wishing to participate in the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO). Below are the detailed criteria for Level 1 and Level 2 of the examination.

General Eligibility Requirements

• School Registration: Schools must register their students for participation. Schools not yet registered can complete the registration process by emailing SOF.
• Eligible Classes: Students from Grades 1 to 12 can participate in the IMO.
• Application Process: Students must submit their application forms through their respective schools. Individual applications are not accepted by SOF.
• Subject Requirement: Mathematics is a compulsory subject for all participating students.
• Recognized Boards: Only students from CBSE, ICSE, and State Boards are eligible.

IMO Level 1 Eligibility

• Students from Classes 1 to 12 can participate.
• Participants can appear only for the Olympiad of their respective class.
• There are no additional eligibility requirements for Level 1.

IMO Level 2 Eligibility

• Only students from Classes 3 to 12 are eligible for Level 2.
• There is no Level 2 exam for students in Classes 1 and 2.
• Selection for Level 2 is based on:
   - Top 5% of students from each class in Level 1 qualify for Level 2.

Steps to participate in IMO

Schools should apply and submit the form for the SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) at least 30 days before the exam date. Students cannot submit their applications individually. Applications must be submitted only through schools.

To take part, students simply need to follow these simple instructions:

Accessing Registration Forms:

• ​Students in Classes 1 to 12 are eligible to participate in the SOF IMO.
• Registration forms are given to all the schools that are already part of SOF. 
• Schools not yet registered can request prospectuses by emailing info@sofworld.org or making a phone call. 

Completing and Returning Forms:

• After all the students have submitted their forms, schools are required to return the registration forms to SOF, completely filled out and in good order, by the specified deadline. 

Roll Numbers:

• The school's coordinating teacher is responsible for completing the School Registration Form (SRF) and Students' Registration Sheet (SRS) following the provided guidelines. 
• These forms should be sent to SOF's office before the designated submission deadline. 
• Upon receipt of the Students' Registration Sheet (SRS) from the school, SOF will register the school and students. 
• SOF will then generate roll numbers for all participating students

Registration Fee Details:

• Schools in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, & Nepal pay a registration fee of Rs 125* (including GST) per student/Olympiad to SOF for the examination.
• An extra charge of Rs 25** per student may be added by schools for in-charge honorarium, teacher remuneration, and other expenses.
• For countries outside India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, & Nepal, the registration fee is US $9 per student/Olympiad*, with an additional US$1** per student for related expenses.
• *Includes GST.
• **Additional charge for related expenses.

Fee Exemption: 

• Students with major physical disabilities or Indian students whose parent lost their life during defense operations are exempt from fees.

No Individual Registrations:

• It's important to note that individual student registrations are not accepted. Students should register through their respective schools to participate in the IMO.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Pattern:

• The IMO exam comprises following stages for students.
• Section I covers verbal & nonverbal reasoning.
• Section II focuses on mathematical reasoning.
• Section III emphasizes topics in section -2.
• Section IV covers higher-order thinking questions based on the topics incorporated in the syllabus of section 2. 
• The question paper includes 35 objective-type questions for Classes 1 to 4 and 50 for Classes 5 to 10.
• Duration: Students have 60 minutes to complete it.

Marking Scheme:

The exam pattern and the marking scheme have been outlined in the table below:

Note: There is no negative marking. 

Syllabus

• Section – 1: Patterns, Odd One Out, Measuring Units, Geometrical Shapes, Spatial Understanding, Grouping of Figures, Analogy, Ranking Test, Problems Based on Figures.
• Section – 2: Numerals, Number Names, Number Sense (2-digit numbers), Addition, Subtraction, Lengths, Weights and Comparisons, Time, Money, Geometrical Shapes and Solids.
• Section – 3: Syllabus as per Section – 2.
• Section – 4: Higher Order Thinking Questions - Syllabus as per Section – 2.

How To Prepare for the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO)

The SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is a competitive exam that tests students' knowledge and problem-solving skills in the field of mathematics. To excel in this exam, one must prepare thoroughly and strategically.

1. Know What to Study

Before you start, find out which topics will come in the exam. This will help you focus on the right things. You can ask your teacher or look in your maths book to know what’s in the syllabus.

2. Solve Fun Practice Questions

Try solving practice papers and old IMO questions. This will help you understand the types of questions asked in the exam. The more you practice, the quicker and better you’ll get!

3. Learn Maths in a Fun Way

Math can be super fun! You can play math games, watch cool videos, or solve puzzles. Try to ask “why” and “how” when you solve questions. This will make you smarter and faster!

4. Keep Practicing Every Day

Try to learn something new in math every day. Practice a few sums daily—even 15–20 minutes helps a lot! Slowly, you’ll become a math star!

5. Stay Curious and Keep Exploring

Math is everywhere—on the clock, in games and in shopping! Look around and see how you can use math in real life. It will help you love the subject even more!

6. Stay Happy and Confident!

Believe in yourself! Keep a smile on your face and enjoy learning. Don’t forget to take breaks, play, and sleep well. A happy and fresh mind learns the best!

By following these fun and easy tips, you’ll be all set to shine in the IMO! Keep learning, keep smiling—and enjoy the magic of math!