SOF IMO
SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO)
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The SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is an annual school-based mathematics competition run by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students in classes 1 to 12. It is aimed at students enrolled in a school recognised by SOF, and it is designed to assess mathematical reasoning and logical ability rather than rote recall. The exam is held once a year, is delivered offline in English, and runs for 1 hour; the registration fee is ₹170. Participation is arranged through school authorities - students cannot apply individually, and schools are asked to submit the form at least 30 days before the exam date. Level 1 is open to classes 1–12, with three scheduled dates in the 2026-27 cycle: 23 October 2026, 26 November 2026 and 10 December 2026. There is a second level for classes 3–12 only; classes 1 and 2 finish at Level 1. Qualification to Level 2 goes to the class-wise top 5% of Level 1 participants. The syllabus spans topics such as algebra, trigonometry, geometry, linear equations, differential equations, limits and derivatives, integers and probability, with the exact scope set by class. Preparation advice from SOF is to study the exam pattern and syllabus, work through sample papers and previous years' papers, and strengthen fundamentals through regular practice. Awards include international, zonal and school-topper recognition. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with SOF.
What you'll study
About SOF IMO preparation
Who is eligible to sit the SOF IMO?
Students in classes 1 to 12 who are enrolled in a school recognised by SOF are eligible for Level 1. You can only appear for your own class's paper. Level 2 is restricted to classes 3 to 12, so classes 1 and 2 have no second level at all.
How do I register - can I apply on my own?
No. Students cannot submit applications individually; applications go through school authorities only. Schools should apply and submit the form at least 30 days before the exam date, so ask your school coordinator early in the session rather than close to the test date.
What is the exam format and how long is it?
The exam is offline (pen-and-paper), delivered in English, and lasts 1 hour. SOF describes the pattern as multiple-choice questions and problem-solving tasks testing mathematical applications and logical reasoning. Confirm the exact question count and marking scheme for your class with your school or the official SOF pages.
When is the exam held?
For the 2026-27 cycle, Level 1 has three dates: 23 October 2026, 26 November 2026 and 10 December 2026. Your school chooses which date applies to you, so check with your coordinator. The fee of registration is ₹170.
How do I qualify for Level 2?
Class-wise top 5% of the participating students in the Level 1 exam are selected for the Level 2 exam. Your standing is measured against other Level 1 participants in your own class, so the cut-off shifts with the strength of that cohort rather than being a fixed score.
What topics does the syllabus cover?
SOF lists a broad range including algebra, trigonometry, geometry, linear equations, differential equations, limits and derivatives, integers and probability, with the scope set per class. Download the class-specific syllabus rather than studying the whole list - much of it applies only to senior classes.
How should I prepare, and in what order?
SOF's own guidance is to first learn the exam pattern and syllabus, then solve sample papers and previous years' papers, and keep strengthening fundamentals through regular practice. A sensible order is syllabus review, topic-wise practice, then timed full papers, reviewing every error before moving on.
What are the most common ways candidates lose marks?
Typical causes are skipping the syllabus check and preparing the wrong topics, practising untimed so the 1-hour limit bites in the real paper, and ignoring logical reasoning because it feels less like school maths. Reviewing mistakes from sample papers matters more than attempting extra fresh questions.
Can I retake the exam if I do poorly?
The exam is conducted once a year, and the source material does not describe a retake or re-sit policy. Treat each cycle as a single attempt: prepare for the date your school assigns, and if the result disappoints, plan for the next annual cycle instead.
What awards are available?
SOF states that winners receive international, zonal and school-topper awards across classes 1 to 12, with the top three international rank holders receiving cash awards, medals and certificates. Schools, principals and teachers are also recognised. Exact award amounts and slabs are published by SOF.