IMO Eligibility Criteria 2026

International Maths Olympiad, commonly known as IMO, is an annual competition organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation for students ranging from Classes 1 to 12 across various countries. The primary objective of this examination is to engage and challenge the young minds worldwide in the field of Mathematics.

IMO participants receive rankings based on their performance, and the results are categorized at five different levels: school, city, regional, zonal, and the prestigious international level.

For students interested in taking part in IMO 2025-26, it's crucial to understand the eligibility criteria to determine their eligibility for the competition. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the IMO Eligibility Criteria for Classes 1 to 12. By the end of this article, aspiring students will have a clear understanding of whether they meet the requirements for the upcoming IMO exam

The eligibility for Class 10 students to participate in the SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is determined at two distinct levels.

1. Level 1 Eligibility (Mandatory for all Participants)

Criteria	Details
Student Status	Must be studying in Class 10 during the academic session 2025-2026.
School Enrolment	Must be enrolled in a school registered with the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF).
Application Method	Application must be submitted only through the participating school. Individual registration is not allowed.

2. Level 2 Eligibility (Qualifying for the Second Round)

A Class 10 student must satisfy ANY ONE of the following criteria in the Level 1 examination (held in Nov/Dec 2025) to qualify for the Level 2 exam (held in Feb 2026):

Criteria	Qualification Requirement
International Rank	Must be among the Top 5% of students internationally (class-wise).
Zonal/State Rank	Must be among the Top 25 rank holders from their respective Zone/State (class-wise).
School Topper	Must be the Class Topper from their school, provided a minimum of 10 students from that class appeared for the Level 1 exam.

FAQs

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The IMO Eligibility Criteria for 2024 include specific age restrictions and class categories. It is essential to meet these criteria to participate in the competition.

The age limit for IMO 2024 may vary based on the class category. Generally, it is open to students from Classes 1 to 12, but specific age limits for each class are set by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF).

The eligibility criteria typically specify the classes eligible to participate and their respective age limits. It is essential to check the official SOF website or communication for specific details for IMO 2024.

To confirm your eligibility, you should visit the official SOF website and review the detailed eligibility criteria for IMO 2024. Check the age restrictions and class categories to determine if you qualify.

Apart from age and class eligibility, there are generally no specific qualifications required to participate in IMO. It is open to all students who meet the age and class criteria.

Yes, IMO is an international competition, and students from various countries can participate. The eligibility criteria are typically applicable universally, but students should check with their country's organizing body for specific details.

Preparation for IMO should ideally begin well in advance to excel in the competition. It's advisable to start preparing as soon as possible, depending on your current mathematical proficiency.

The upper age limit for IMO may vary based on the class category and organizing body's rules. Typically, it follows the age eligibility criteria specified for each class.

To apply for IMO 2024, you should follow the registration process outlined by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF). Visit the official website for registration details and deadlines.