How to Participate in Maths Olympiad? | Mathematical Olympiad Class 8 PDF Download

What is the IMO?

• The IMO, short for International Mathematics Olympiad, is a yearly competition organized by the International Mathematical Olympiad organization for school students worldwide.
• The primary goal of the IMO is to showcase and promote students' mathematical abilities on an international level.
• Participants from various countries compete to demonstrate their mathematical skills by solving a range of challenging puzzles and applying logical reasoning.
• The competition not only emphasizes the enjoyment of tackling mathematical challenges but also aims to foster and develop essential problem-solving skills among students.

IMO Eligibility Criteria: 

• All students from Classes 1 to 12 are eligible to take the IMO Level 1 exam.
• There are no additional eligibility requirements, such as minimum marks.
• Students in Classes 1 and 2 are ranked based on their Level 1 results and do not need to take Level 2.

IMO Level 2 Exam Eligibility Criteria :
Students from Classes 3 to 12 eligible for the IMO Level 2 exam include:

• Top 5%: Students from Classes 3 to 12 who are in the top 5% of their class in the IMO Level 1 exam.
• Top 25 Rank Holders: The top 25 rank holders in each class and zone.
• Class Toppers: Class toppers from schools where at least 10 students from a class participate in the exam and achieve at least 50% to qualify.

Steps to Participate in IMO

Welcoming participants from grades 1 to 12, the SOF National Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) provides an exciting opportunity for students. To join, students can follow these simple steps:

1. Accessing Registration Forms:

• Schools Registered with SOF: Interested students can obtain registration forms from their schools if those schools are registered with the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF).
• School Registration: The IMO is typically organized through registered schools. If your school is not registered with SOF, you can encourage them to register.
• Individual Registration: Once your school is registered, the next step is individual registration. Schools provide details on how to register, including filling out an application form and paying a registration fee.

2. Completing and Returning Forms:

• Ensure that the registration forms are filled out accurately and returned to SOF by the specified deadline. This step is crucial for securing participation in the IMO.

3. Roll Number Assignment:

• The school's coordinating teacher will generate students' Roll Numbers according to the given guidelines.
• A copy of the roll numbers, along with the Students' Registration Sheet (SRS) and School Registration Form (SRF), should be sent to the Foundation's office before the submission deadline.

4. Flexible Examination Dates:

• Students have the flexibility to choose a convenient date for the IMO Level 1 exam, which is conducted on three different dates.
• Each date features a unique set of questions, adding to the excitement of the competition.

5. 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.

6. Registration Fee Details:

• Students in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal:. nominal registration fee of Rs 125 (including GST) per student covers the cost of the examination.
• Additional Charges: There may be an extra charge of Rs 25 per student for the in-charge's honorarium, teacher remuneration, and related expenses, as determined by the schools.
• Fee Exemptions: Students with major physical disabilities or those with parents martyred during defense operations are exempt from fees.
• Students from Other Countries: Can participate by paying a registration fee of US$9, with an additional US$1.

Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Pattern

Level 1. Conducted in schools during school hours, this exam includes objective-type questions. The exam lasts for 60 minutes, with 60% of the questions coming from the current class syllabus and 40% from the previous class syllabus. For example, the Class 8 IMO exam will feature 60% questions from the Class 6 syllabus and 40% from the Class 7 syllabus.

Level 2. This level is for students from class 3 to class 12. Qualifiers are the top 5% of candidates (class-wise), the top 25 rank holders (both class-wise and zone-wise), and class toppers if at least 10 students participate, achieving 50% qualifying marks. Questions in this level come exclusively from the current class syllabus. 

Note: There is no negative marking.

Syllabus

Section 1: Logical Reasoning

This section includes questions that test logical thinking and analytical skills. Topics include:

• Series Completion and Inserting
• Analogy and Classification
• Coding-Decoding
• Blood Relations
• Direction Sense Test
• Logical Venn Diagrams
• Alpha-Numeric Sequence Puzzle
• Mathematical Operations
• Analytical Reasoning
• Mirror and Water Images
• Embedded Figures
• Figure Formation
• Paper Folding and Paper Cutting
• Cubes and Dice
• Dot Situation

Section 2: Mathematical Reasoning 

This section covers questions related to:

• 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

Section 3: Everyday Mathematics
This section focuses on aiding students to improve their problem-solving skills concerning various Mathematical concepts. The Syllabus of this section will be based on the Syllabus of Mathematical Reasoning.

Section 4: Achiever Section
This section presents challenging questions aimed at testing students' ability to apply mathematical concepts in novel and complex scenarios. The syllabus aligns with the topics covered in Section 2, focusing on higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills.
Note: The IMO Class 8 exam comprises a total of 50 questions, and the duration of the exam is 1 hour.

Marking scheme 

Other SOF Olympiad Exams

• IEO – International English Olympiad
• NSO- National Science Olympiad
  
• IGKO – International General Knowledge Olympiad
• NCO – National Cyber Olympiad

Preparation Tips and Tricks

Preparation:

• Master the Basics: Make sure you have a strong grasp of fundamental math concepts from your classes. Pay attention to understanding numbers, their functions, basic shapes, and simple fractions.
• Explore Outside the Classroom: Keep your curiosity for math alive by exploring resources beyond your regular lessons. Engage with math games, websites, and other enjoyable methods to enhance your learning and discover effective problem-solving techniques.
• Practice Often: Regular practice is essential for improving your math skills. Solve a variety of problems from books, worksheets, and online sources. Challenge yourself by timing your attempts to improve both speed and accuracy, simulating a test environment.
• Get Help When You Need It: If you find a concept challenging, don't hesitate to seek help. Reach out to your teacher, a tutor, or classmates. Consider joining math clubs or study groups to collaborate and share insights with others.

Exam Strategies:

• Remain Calm and Stay Focused: Keep yourself relaxed and focused during the exam. Take deep breaths to calm your nerves and read each question carefully before attempting to solve it.
• Manage Your Time Wisely: Allocate your time effectively across different sections of the exam, giving more attention to areas where you feel less confident. Start with tougher questions, but avoid spending too much time on any single one.
• Read Each Question Carefully: Pay close attention to the wording of each question and ensure you fully understand what is being asked before you begin solving it. Look for hints and keywords that can guide you to the correct answer.
• Think Logically: Use your logical reasoning skills to eliminate clearly incorrect choices and narrow down your options when unsure about a question. Discarding obviously wrong answers increases your chances of selecting the correct one.
• Double-Check Your Work: Before finishing, take a moment to review your answers and check for mistakes. Ensure you have addressed all questions and that your responses are clear and accurate.

Bonus Tips:

• Stay Inquisitive: Keep a curious mindset towards mathematics and relish the process of problem-solving. Delve into mathematical puzzles, games, and real-world applications of maths to deepen your understanding and appreciation for the subject.
• Make Learning Enjoyable: Discover fun ways to engage with mathematics, such as participating in math competitions, attending math-related events, or solving puzzles with friends and family. Integrate hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences to make maths more enjoyable and accessible.
• Have Self-Confidence: Trust in your abilities and your preparation. Have faith that you can excel in the International Mathematical Olympiad and approach each problem with a positive attitude.

Keep in Mind:

Getting ready for the IMO Class 8 test isn't just about getting top marks; it's also about enjoying math and improving your problem-solving abilities. Enjoy the process of learning, celebrate how far you've come, and keep yourself inspired to achieve your best in math.