Are you a student in classes 8 to 12 who is curious and enjoys working with numbers? Do you enjoy solving difficult problems and thinking creatively? If yes, strap in, because the Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM) 2025-26 cycle is going to begin soon, giving you a first-rate opportunity to start a journey that could lead you to represent India at the International Mathematical Olympiad!
This article is your reference to the Math Olympiad. It will help you understand, participate in, and excel in the upcoming Math Olympiad.
What is the Math Olympiad?
The Math Olympiad aims to identify and nurture the country’s best young mathematicians. It is not typical school math; it requires significant analytical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The Olympiad has six stages aimed at assessing and building the participant’s ability, culminating in the prestigious International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
The 6 Stages of the Math Olympiad
The Indian Olympiad programme is structured, with each stage building upon the previous one—what better way to find challenging excitement? The programme provides great opportunities for mathematical understanding and problem-solving skills throughout the journey.
1. IOQM (Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics)
This is the entry point for your journey to the Olympiad. This examination will take place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, and will last 3 hours. It is an OMR-based exam consisting of 30 integer-type questions. Qualifying in the IOQM is the first step to access the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) of 2026 and the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO) of 2027.
2. RMO (Regional Math Olympiad)
Those who clear the IOQM proceed to the next stage, the Regional Math Olympiad (RMO), which is based on proof and scheduled for Sunday, November 9, 2025. The RMO is a 3-hour subjective test with 6 proof-based problems. It requires a better understanding and the ability to communicate a mathematical argument clearly and logically.
3. INMO (Indian National Math Olympiad)
The best performers in the Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) will qualify for the Indian National Mathematics Olympiad on Sunday, January 18, 2026. This is a 4½-hour proof-writing exam that tests higher-level problem-solving ability and mathematical maturity.
4. IMOTC (International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp)
The participants who do well in the contest will be invited to an intensive training camp run by HBCSE. This camp will include expertise via individualised coaching and mentorship from renowned mathematicians to help them acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to represent India at the international competition.
5. PDC (Pre-Departure Camp)
As the IMO draws near, a final pre-departure camp is held to refine tactics, resolve last-minute issues, and prepare the team for the world stage.
6. IMO (International Mathematical Olympiad)
A select group of the top performers from earlier stages and training will be chosen to represent India at the International Mathematical Olympiad, where they will compete against the world’s best young minds. Additionally, selected female participants may also compete in the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad (EGMO).
Who Can Participate? Check Your Eligibility
The Math Olympiad is inclusive, allowing a broad range of students who meet certain criteria:
- Classes: Any student currently enrolled in Grades 8 to 12 is eligible to participate. This also includes open-school students who fall within the age range above, if they are studying those classes.
- Age: Participants must be born on or after August 1st, 2006 and before January 1, 2013.
- Citizenship: The Olympiad is open to Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders. However, only Indian citizens can represent IMO.
Important Dates: Mark Your Calendars!
Keeping track of important dates is essential for a smooth registration and participation process. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to engage and succeed!
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Centre Registration (for schools) | 09 June, 2025- 28 July, 2025 |
| Student Registration (via centres) | 09 June, 2025- 25 July, 2025 |
| Individual Online Registration (Directly by students) | 30 June, 2025- 25 July, 2025 |
| IOQM Exam Date | 7 September, 2025 (Sunday) |
| RMO Exam Date | 9 November, 2025 (Sunday) |
| INMO Exam Date | 18 January, 2025 (Sunday) |
Fees Structure of the Math Olympiad
The registration fees have been organised into a detailed structure as follows:
| Fees | Schools |
|---|---|
| ₹180 per student | Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) |
| ₹180 per student | Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) |
| ₹300 per student | Other schools |
How to Register for the Math Olympiad?
There are two primary methods of registration, providing flexibility for both students and schools:
| Centre Registration (for Schools) | Schools, including KVs, JNVs, and other institutions, can log in to the designated portal to register their students in bulk. This is often the preferred method for schools facilitating participation. |
| Individual Online Registration (Directly by Students) | For students who wish to register independently or whose schools are not handling the registration, direct online registration is available. This option became available on June 30, 2025, and can be accessed through the official IOQM portal: ioqmexam.in. Alternatively, you can navigate to HBCSE’s dedicated Math Olympiad page for more details. |
Useful Links You Can Refer to for Information
Save these important links for easy access to all the information you need:
- IOQM Registration Portal: ioqmexam.in
- HBCSE Math Olympiad Information (2025-26 Cycle): olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in/mathematical-olympiad-2025-2026
- Official IMO Website: www.imo-official.org/ (for information on the International Mathematical Olympiad)
- Official EGMO Website: www.egmo.org/ (for information on the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad)
- Mathematics Teachers Association (India) Website: www.mtai.org.in (for additional details and resources)
For queries, you can contact:
- General Queries: 8433527956, 8618586971
- Centre Helpdesk: iocqm.centre.helpdesk@gmail.com
- Student Helpdesk: ioqm.student.helpdesk@gmail.com
Reasons for Participation: The Distinct Advantages of the Math Olympiad
Competing in the Math Olympiad offers much more than simple bragging rights. You’ll not only cultivate your mathematical thinking and improve your problem-solving skills, but you’ll also reignite your interest in learning. Get prepared to develop and pursue more opportunities than you thought possible!
- Engage with Fun Problem Solving: The course allows students to engage with mathematics in ways generally not included in the school’s curriculum. Trying a wide range of enjoyable and challenging problems will activate your creativity and critical thought.
- Elevate your Problem-Solving Abilities: The Olympiad format requires demonstrable proficiency in rigorous proof, clarity of thought, and inventive approaches to mathematical issues.
- Earn International Recognition: Successful placers will receive certificates with recognition in Canada, opening up many fulfilling opportunities.
- Pathway to IMO: For your outstanding mathematical talent, this program aims to provide you with a route to represent India in the most prestigious International Mathematical competitions.
- Future Career Pathways: The analytical and problem-solving abilities you will cultivate through Olympiad preparation will serve you very well, enabling you to leverage a career path based on rigorous research in engineering, sciences, finance, data sciences, and many other avenues.
Tips to Prepare for the Math Olympiad: Your Roadmap to Success
To be successful at the Math Olympiad, one needs to learn many things, and it’s essential to have a plan for preparation:
- Work on Previous Papers: The best preparation is to work on past IOQM, RMO, and INMO papers, preferably those from recent years. Links to papers are typically uploaded to the IOQM, RMO, and INMO websites. This helps you identify and understand the paper’s structure, typical content, and expected level of difficulty.
- Focus on Main Areas: Mainly focus on the important mathematical areas that are typically assessed during the Olympiad, including algebra, number theory, combinatorics, and geometry. You must be sufficiently proficient and possess a deep conceptual understanding of these areas.
- Learn Proofing Skills: Olympiad Mathematics is intensely focused on proving problems. Therefore, you must develop the habit of writing clear, precise, and logically sound proofs.
- Work with Others: Try to collaborate with other students or discuss problems with your teachers or mentors. This way, you can exchange ideas with other students regarding problem-solving, and your teachers may take different approaches to problem-solving.
- Look Up Resources: Check the relevant websites regularly for news, announcements, and additional resources.
Quick At-a-Glance Recap
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibity | Class 8–12 (including open-school students)Age born August 1, 2006 – January 1, 2013 |
| Registration | Centre: June 9, 2025 – July 28, 2025Individual Online: June 30, 2025 – July 25, 2025 |
| Fee | ₹180 (KV/JNV)₹300 (others) |
| Exam | IOQM: September 7, 2025RMO: November 9, 2025INMO: January 18, 2026 |
| Websites | ioqmexam.inolympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in/mathematical-olympiad-2025-2026 |
Steps for Participating in the Math Olympiad.
The Math Olympiad is a wonderful way to stretch your abilities, expand your knowledge of mathematics, and join a community with others who share your passion for mathematics.
1. Contact Your Teacher or School: Discuss your interest in registering for the Math Olympiad with your mathematics teacher or school administration. They can walk you through the process, and if you have a school team, they can facilitate a group registration form.
2. Registration: Whether you register as a school or an individual online, please ensure you register well in advance of July 25, 2025. Early registration means you’re less likely to rush at the last minute.
3. Practice and Enjoy the Journey: The Math Olympiad is an excellent opportunity to learn, explore and discover. The journey is a beautiful thing in and of itself. You will have challenges, learn something from every challenge, and better yet, experience the thrill of crunching numbers, writing proofs, and extending your thoughts into the realms of the unknown!
The Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM) is more than just an exam; it is the foundation on which an incredible adventure in the world of mathematics begins! What a fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself, enhance your problem-solving abilities, and compete at both national and international levels, including the International Math Olympiad (IMO)! If you are a passionate young mathematician seeking to enhance your mathematical skills and knowledge, this Math Olympiad is ideal for you. Raise your enthusiasm for mathematics to a whole new and incredible level on a local or global stage!
