IMO Exam 2025-26 Eligibility Criteria and Age Limit

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Author at PW

March 24, 2025

The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is a SOF Cut-Off mathematics competition designed to develop and improve children's mathematical abilities in grades 1 to 12.

The IMO aims to encourage children to love mathematics by asking problems that evaluate their problem-solving ability, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking. This popular examination provides students with the opportunity to compete at both the national and international levels, laying the basis for future academic and professional achievement in mathematics.

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What is the IMO EXAM?

The SOF IMO is an annual mathematics competition that attracts applicants from all across the world. The examination aims to cover various grade levels, ensuring that the difficulty level is adequate for the age group of the students. The IMO focuses on understanding mathematical ideas, critical thinking, and using knowledge to solve complex problems rather than just memorizing formulae.

IMO Exam Application Process 2025-26

Interested students may get IMO examination registration forms from their schools. Students may apply for a registration form at their local schools by following the processes described below.

SOF-registered schools will get a prospectus, which includes registration forms.
Before proceeding, schools must first register with SOF. Students may register using their schools.
If the school is not registered with SOF, they may still get the prospect by contacting SOF.
Schools may contact SOF by phone (0124-4951200) or email.
Interested students should complete the necessary information and return the applications to their respective schools.
The school must submit officially registered forms to SOF by the due date.

IMO Exam 2025-26 Eligibility Criteria

The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is a competition offered to students in grades I–XII who are under the age of 20 by July 31 of the current year. All students, regardless of nationality, are eligible to participate in IMO provided they fulfill specific requirements. To participate in the IMO 2025-26, you must complete the following requirements:

Age

You must be born on or after July 1, 2004, and no older than 19 years before the 31st of July.

Education

You must be studying in high school or university and have not finished your studies before the IMO competition year.

Nationality

You must be a citizen or permanent resident of the country you represent and have its nationality.

Selection

Your result in the National Mathematics Competition can decide your selection by your country's National Mathematics Olympiad (NMO).

Participation

Every country may send up to six students to the IMO. In rare exceptional cases, the government may permit less than six students to be sent.

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Benefits of Attempting the Olympiad Exam

There are various advantages to participation in Olympiad Exams organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF).

The Olympiad will prepare students to improve their thinking abilities.
Participating in the Olympiad examination helps students recognize their potential.
The student will improve their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Competing at the international and national levels helps students prepare for major competitive examinations.
It contributes to a solid understanding of the facts surrounding the matter in question.
Olympiad tests assess students' talents. Students may take several Olympiad examinations and get an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses based on their performance.

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IMO Exam Syllabus 2025-26

The IMO syllabus is designed to assess students' mathematical understanding from grades 1 to 12, and it includes topics such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, number systems, and so on. The Math Olympiad Syllabus can be divided into levels based on the class of the student. As students advance through the course, their level of difficulty grows.

IMO Test Preparation

The Mathematics Olympiad syllabus aims to offer young students a platform to recognize and enhance their academic abilities in mathematics, preparing them for a competitive world.

Understand the IMO syllabus and examination schedule completely, and be sure not to ignore any important topics when preparing.
Get support from an expert teacher who will allow you to look at your mistakes and point out how to solve them during your IMO exam preparation.
Set aside time for studying each day and stick to it without fail.
Refer to the right study material.
Test your exam preparation by completing IMO sample papers, IMO previous year question papers, and IMO mock tests.
Always find a quiet and calm environment to study.
Eat healthily to ensure a well-balanced diet.

IMO Exam Eligibility Criteria FAQs

Q1 - What is Syllabus and Exam Pattern for IMO 2025-26?

Ans - The IMO syllabus aims to assess students' mathematical understanding from grades 1 to 12, and it includes topics such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, number systems, and so on.

Q2 - Who gets the IMO Scholarship/Awards?

Ans - Every youngster will get a participation certificate and SPR. Level 2 students will get a merit certificate. Level 1 winners will receive awards for both courses 1 and 2. Level 2 winners will get international and zonal topper awards. Each winner will get one reward for the IMO examination.

Q3 - What is IMO 2025-26?

Ans - The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2025-26 is a final-stage Mathematical Olympiad 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.

Q4 - Who is qualified to take the IMO SOF exam?

Ans - The first stage of the SOF math olympiad is open to all students in grades 1 to 12. There is no set qualifying condition, such as minimum grades or academic %. The initial level of the IMO exam is administered on different dates between December and January.

Q5 – What is the IMO age limit?

Ans - All students in Classes I to XII who are less than 20 on July 31st of this year are eligible to participate in the IMO. If they fulfill the requirements, students from any nation are welcome to join the IMO.

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