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International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2026-27: Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus, Pattern & Registration - Complete Guide
Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) IMO 2026-27 is an examination of the Math Olympiad for students of Classes 1 to 12. This examination is very helpful for testing the mathematical knowledge, problem-solving ability, and reasoning skills of the students through various levels of the exam.
Students can give SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) through their respective schools. Through the examination, students can measure their preparations at the school, zonal, national, and international level.
The International Math Olympiad (IMO) was first held in the year 1959 in Romania. Since then, the IMO examination has been held every year and the students from more than 100 countries take part in the mathematics examination.
In IMO Olympiad 2026, the syllabus of Level 1 and Level 2 exams have similarities but questions in Level 2 exam are more difficult. The official IMO 2026 competition will be held from 10th to 20th July 2026 in Shanghai, China.
IMO Exam 2026-27 Highlights
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Exam Name | International Mathematical Olympiad |
| Short Name | IMO |
| Conducting Body | Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Medium | English |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Application Fee | Rs 170 |
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Exam Duration | 1 Hour |
IMO 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Students who want to appear for the SOF IMO Exam 2026-27 must fulfil the required eligibility conditions.
- Students from Classes 1 to 12 can participate in Level 1 of the IMO exam.
- Students from Classes 3 to 12 who qualify in Level 1 can appear for Level 2.
- The Level 1 exam is open to all eligible school students.
IMO Exam Dates 2026-27
The SOF IMO Level 1 Exam 2026 will be conducted on the following dates:
| Exam Level | Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | October 23, November 26, and December 10, 2026 |
| Level 2 | Expected in January 2027 |
| Result Announcement | Expected in March 2027 |
The exam is conducted for students from Classes 1 to 12 and follows the syllabus of CBSE, ICSE/ISC, and State Boards.
IMO Level 1 Exam Pattern 2026
The Level 1 IMO exam is held during school hours. It is an objective-type exam with a duration of 60 minutes.
The question paper includes four sections:
- Logical Reasoning
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Everyday Mathematics
- Achievers Section
For Classes 1 to 4, the exam has 35 questions, while Classes 5 to 12 have 50 questions.
IMO Level 1 Pattern for Classes 1 to 4
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Everyday Mathematics | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Achievers Section | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Total | 35 | 40 |
IMO Level 1 Pattern for Classes 5 to 12
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | 15 | 1 | 15 |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Everyday Mathematics | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 |
| Total | 50 | 60 |
IMO Level 1 Exam Details
SOF IMO Level 1 is conducted on various dates and schools have the liberty of choosing an appropriate date for the examination of their students. For each date, there is a unique question paper designed by SOF.
The question paper is in the English language and the questions in the exam are according to the syllabus prescribed by CBSE, ICSE/ISC, and State Boards.
IMO Level 2 Exam Pattern 2026
Those students who get eligible to take part in the Level 2 examination of SOF IMO Exam 2026-27 can take part in the Level 2 examination. Level 2 examination is for the students from Class 3 to Class 12.
Selection of students for Level 2 depends upon the performance of students in the Level 1 examination.
Following are the criteria for selection of students for Level 2:
- At International Level: Top 5% students of each class who took the Level 1 examination.
- At Zone/State Level: Top 25 rankers of each zone and category.
- At School Level: Class toppers are selected if at least 10 students from their class have taken the examination and have scored qualifying marks.
IMO Level 2 Pattern for Classes 1 to 4
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 30 | 1 | 30 |
| Achievers Section | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Total | 35 | 40 |
IMO Level 2 Pattern for Classes 5 to 10
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 45 | 1 | 45 |
| Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 |
| Total | 50 | 60 |
IMO Level 2 Pattern for Classes 11 to 12
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 25 | 1 | 25 |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 |
| Total | 50 | 60 |
SOF IMO Syllabus 2026-27
The IMO syllabus 2026-27 is designed according to the Mathematics syllabus of various boards. Approximately 60% of the syllabus is taken from the class topics, while the rest 40% is taken from the syllabus of the previous class.
Mock tests and past year papers can be practiced by students.
IMO Class-wise Syllabus 2026
IMO Class 1 Syllabus
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Patterns, Analogy, Spatial Understanding, Geometrical Shapes, Odd One Out, Measuring Units, Figure-based Problems, Grouping, Ranking Tests |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Numerals, Time, Money, Subtraction, Length, Geometrical Shapes and Solids, Patterns, Number Names, Addition, Number Sense |
| Everyday Mathematics | Same topics as Mathematical Reasoning |
| Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions (HOTS) based on Section 2 |
IMO Class 2 Syllabus
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Patterns, Embedded Figures, Ranking Test, Analogy, Measuring Units, Odd One Out, Grouping of Figures, Geometrical Shapes, Coding-Decoding |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Numerals, Length, Weight, Capacity, Time, Lines, Shapes and Solids, Number Names, Number Sense, Operations, Pictographs, Money, Patterns, Temperature |
| Everyday Mathematics | Same syllabus as Mathematical Reasoning |
| Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions (HOTS) based on Section 2 |
IMO Class 3 Syllabus
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Patterns, Analogy, Classification, Coding-Decoding, Grouping of Figures, Figure Matrix, Alphabet Test, Mirror Images, Embedded Figures, Ranking Test, Days and Dates |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Numerals, Number Names, Number Sense, Computation Operations, Fractions, Capacity, Length, Weight, Temperature, Time, Geometry, Money, Data Handling |
| Everyday Mathematics | Based on Mathematical Reasoning syllabus |
| Achievers Section | HOTS based on Section 2 |
IMO Class 4 Syllabus
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Patterns, Ranking Test, Embedded Figures, Geometrical Shapes and Solids, Alphabet Test, Analogy, Classification, Coding-Decoding, Mirror Images, Direction Sense |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Numerals, Fractions, Length, Weight, Time, Money, Capacity, Geometry, Symmetry, Conversions, Data Handling, Operations, Perimeter, Number Sense |
| Everyday Mathematics | Based on Mathematical Reasoning syllabus |
| Achievers Section | HOTS based on Section 2 |
IMO Class 5 Syllabus 2026
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Patterns, Analogy and Classification, Logical Sequence of Words, Mirror and Water Images, Direction Sense Test, Ranking Test, Geometrical Shapes, Alphabet Test, Puzzle Test, Coding-Decoding |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Numerals, Number Names, Number Sense, Computation Operations, Length, Weight, Capacity, Fractions and Decimals, Volume, Time, Temperature, Money, Conversions, Angles, Perimeter, Area of Rectangle and Square, Geometrical Shapes and Solids, Symmetry, Data Handling |
| Everyday Mathematics | Based on Mathematical Reasoning syllabus |
| Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions (HOTS) based on Section 2 |
IMO Class 6 Syllabus 2026
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Knowing Our Numbers, Whole Numbers, Playing with Numbers, Basic Geometrical Ideas, Understanding Elementary Shapes, Fractions, Decimals, Integers, Data Handling, Mensuration, Ratio and Proportion, Algebra, Symmetry, Practical Geometry |
| Everyday Mathematics | Based on Mathematical Reasoning syllabus |
| Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions (HOTS) based on Section 2 |
IMO Class 7 Syllabus 2026
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Integers, Exponents and Powers, Algebraic Expressions, Linear Equations, Lines and Angles, Comparing Quantities, Fractions and Decimals, Triangles, Symmetry, Congruence of Triangles, Perimeter and Area, Data Handling, Rational Numbers, Visualising Solid Shapes, Practical Geometry |
| Everyday Mathematics | Based on Mathematical Reasoning syllabus |
| Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions (HOTS) based on Section 2 |
IMO Class 8 Syllabus 2026
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Rational Numbers, Squares and Square Roots, Cubes and Cube Roots, Exponents and Powers, Quadrilaterals, Linear Equations, Constructions, Comparing Quantities, Algebraic Expressions and Identities, Mensuration, Factorisation, Solid Shapes, Data Handling, Graphs, Direct and Inverse Variations |
| Everyday Mathematics | Based on Mathematical Reasoning syllabus |
| Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions (HOTS) based on Section 2 |
IMO Class 9 Syllabus 2026
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Number Systems, Polynomials, Linear Equations in Two Variables, Euclid’s Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Lines and Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Areas of Parallelograms and Triangles, Circles, Surface Areas and Volumes, Heron’s Formula, Probability, Statistics |
| Everyday Mathematics | Based on Mathematical Reasoning syllabus |
| Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions (HOTS) based on Section 2 |
IMO Class 10 Syllabus 2026
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Real Numbers, Polynomials, Pair of Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic Progressions, Triangles, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Circles, Constructions, Areas Related to Circles, Surface Areas and Volumes, Statistics, Probability |
| Everyday Mathematics | Based on Mathematical Reasoning syllabus |
| Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions (HOTS) based on Section 2 |
IMO Class 11 Syllabus 2026
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Sets, Relations and Functions, Linear Inequations, Logarithms, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Limits and Derivatives, Sequences and Series, Trigonometry, Straight Lines, Circles, Mathematical Induction, Permutations and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Statistics, Probability, Conic Sections, 3D Geometry |
| Everyday Mathematics | Mathematical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude |
| Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions (HOTS) based on Section 2 |
IMO Class 12 Syllabus 2026
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| Mathematical Reasoning | Relations and Functions, Matrices and Determinants, Integrals, Inverse Trigonometric Functions, Applications of Derivatives, Applications of Integrals, Continuity and Differentiability, 3D Geometry, Vector Algebra, Differential Equations, Probability, Linear Programming |
| Everyday Mathematics | Mathematical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude |
| Achievers Section | Higher Order Thinking Questions (HOTS) based on Section 2 |
IMO 2026 Registration Process
The registration process for the SOF IMO Exam 2026-27 is completed through schools.
Students cannot send registration forms directly to SOF. They need to contact their respective schools for the application process.
IMO Registration Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Registration Mode | Offline |
| Registration Through | Respective Schools |
| Application Fee (India) | Rs 125 per student |
| International Registration Fee | $11 per student |
IMO Exam 2026 FAQs
Q1. How should students prepare for IMO exam?
Students must first know the syllabus of class level mathematics. Practice with sample papers, mock test papers and past years question papers make students familiar with the exam pattern.
Syllabus of IMO comprises topics from CBSE, ICSE/ISC, and State Board Mathematics.
Q2. Can students apply individually for IMO 2026?
No, individual application is not possible for SOF IMO examination. Application process for the exam is made through schools.
Q3. What is the fee for IMO exam 2026?
IMO examination fee is Rs 170 according to the exam details. Students must pay the required fee according to school requirements.
Q4. What will be the cutoff marks for IMO 2026?
Students must obtain the required cutoff marks to clear the IMO exam.
Q5. Who can apply for the Olympiad examination?
Students from Classes 1 to 12 can apply for Level 1 Olympiad examinations. Class 3 to 12 students can clear Level 2 examination depending upon their performance in Level 1.
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