It is time to put your calendar in case you are one of the thousands of students who want to take part in the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) this year. The IMO Exam Date 2025-26 has been officially announced by Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) and the schedule is available to all schools and students taking part in it in India and elsewhere.
IMO is a school level mathematics competition, which is one of the most prestigious mathematics competitions in the world, and it is held every year to examine logical thinking, numerical aptitude and problem solving skills of students in Class 1-12.
This blog will discuss the finer aspects of the IMO exam schedule, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus overview and preparation tips. We shall also respond to some of the most frequently posed questions regarding the Olympiad so that the students can prepare with confidence.
IMO Exam Date 2025-26: Exam Schedule Released.
The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) has declared the dates of the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) Level 1 and Level 2 examination in the 202526 academic year.
The test will be done in two levels Level 1 (School level) and Level 2 (National/International level). Students who qualify in Level 1 receive an opportunity to take Level 2 which is relatively harder and analytical.
Level 1 Exam Dates:
-
November 12, 2025
-
November 28, 2025
-
December 12, 2025
Level 2 Exam Date:
-
January 2026 (Tentative)
Result Dates:
-
Level 1 Results: January 2026 (Tentative)
-
Level 2 Results: March 2026 (Tentative)
IMO 2025-26 Exam Schedule Overview
Here’s a quick look at the full timeline of the upcoming IMO exams:
|
Event |
Date/Month (Tentative) |
|
Registration Deadline |
August–September 2025 |
|
IMO Level 1 Exam |
November 12, 28 & December 12, 2025 |
|
IMO Level 1 Result |
January 2026 |
|
IMO Level 2 Exam |
January 2026 |
|
IMO Level 2 Result |
March 2026 |
Students should note that SOF conducts Level 1 on different dates to accommodate schools’ scheduling preferences. However, each student will appear on only one of the three dates.
What is the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO)?
The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO), which is organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation, is a competitive test that assists students to enhance their conceptual knowledge of mathematics and logical thinking.
It is meant to encourage the minds of the youth to acquire analytical skills and problem solving abilities that are beyond the normal school curriculum. The exam is open to students in Class 1 to Class 12, and is separated into two rounds:
1. Level 1: It is organized at the school level and is conducted to all registered participants.
2. Level 2: It is performed among the best students of each class who meet the requirements on Level 1 performance.
Read More: Olympiad 2026 Trends: Subjects, Difficulty Level & Competition Insights
Who Can Participate in IMO 2025-26?
Any student in Class 1 to 12 in any recognized school under CBSE, ICSE or any state board is eligible to take part. The schools deal with the registration and the students can register with their school coordinators.
• Registration does not have a minimum score criterion.
• Only one level at a time can be taken by the students.
• The minimum number of student entries required by schools is 10.
IMO 2025-26 Exam Pattern and Marking scheme.
The IMO paper is structured in such a way that it evaluates both the basic mathematical knowledge and logical ability. The pattern of the exam of different classes is as follows:
|
Class |
Sections |
No. of Questions |
Marks per Question |
Total Marks |
|
Class 1-4 |
Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Everyday Maths, Achievers Section |
35 |
1–3 |
40 |
|
Class 5-12 |
Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Everyday Maths, Achievers Section |
50 |
1–3 |
60 |
The Achievers Section carries higher weightage and includes advanced questions that require conceptual clarity and application of logic.
Syllabus Overview for IMO 2025-26
The IMO syllabus is based on the existing school curriculum prescribed by the CBSE, ICSE, and various state boards. However, the difficulty level increases as you move to higher grades and the Level 2 exam.
Below is a brief overview of what students can expect:
|
Class Range |
Main Topics Covered |
|
Class 1–4 |
Number Sense, Geometry, Patterns, Measurement, Logical Reasoning |
|
Class 5–8 |
Fractions, Algebra, Data Handling, Geometry, Integers, Logical Puzzles |
|
Class 9–10 |
Polynomials, Coordinate Geometry, Probability, Quadratic Equations, Number Systems |
|
Class 11–12 |
Calculus, Complex Numbers, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Permutations & Combinations |
Using imo maths olympiad books helps students explore a variety of conceptual and application-based questions aligned with this syllabus.
Why Participate in the IMO Exam 2025-26?
Being part of the IMO is not all about academic recognition. Here’s why it’s valuable:
• Improves logical thinking and reasoning.
• Increases problem-solving and time management.
• Establishes a platform to competitive exams such as the JEE, KVPY and the NTSE.
• National and international level recognition through certificates and medals.
• Promotes self-education and clarity of the concept at an early age.
The accuracy and conceptual depth of students who train with the appropriate books for international maths olympiad can be greatly enhanced.
When Should You Start Preparing for IMO 2025-26?
Ideally, then preparation must start at least 4-6 months prior to the exam. Preparation at the early stage provides students with sufficient time to develop conceptual knowledge and practice a higher order problem.
The students can begin with simple concepts of the school syllabus and step up to higher level problems. International Maths Olympiad books is useful in exposure to different types of questions that frequently occur in Olympiads.
FAQs
Q1: When is the IMO Exam Date 2025-26?
The IMO Exam Date 2025-26 for Level 1 is scheduled for November 12, November 28, and December 12, 2025. The Level 2 exam is expected to be conducted in January 2026, with results announced in January and March 2026, respectively.
Q2: What is the duration and mode of the IMO Exam?
The IMO exam duration is 60 minutes, and it is conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode through participating schools. Students must fill in their answers in an OMR sheet provided by SOF.
Q3: How can students check their IMO results?
Results will be available on the official SOF website (www.sofworld.org) once declared. Students can check their results by entering their roll number in the format – School Code, Class, and Roll Number.
Q4: What are the prizes and awards for IMO toppers?
SOF awards International, Zonal, and School-level winners with medals, certificates, and cash prizes. Top performers at the international level can also receive scholarships and recognition from the foundation.
Q5: Is there negative marking in IMO?
No, there is no negative marking in IMO. Students are encouraged to attempt all questions without the fear of losing marks.
IMO 2025-26 Preparation Timeline
To stay organized, here’s a sample preparation timeline for students targeting IMO success:
|
Month |
Preparation Focus |
|
April – June 2025 |
Concept Building & Basics |
|
July – September 2025 |
Topic-wise Practice & Mock Tests |
|
October 2025 |
Revision & Time Management Practice |
|
November – December 2025 |
Final Practice & Attempt Level 1 |
|
January – March 2026 |
Prepare for Level 2 (for qualified students) |
Final Thoughts
The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is not just an exam, it is a window opening to the establishment of a solid mathematical background and the improvement of logical thinking abilities.
The IMO Exam Date 2025-26 is officially declared and students have plenty of time to plan their strategy. Through early initiation, conceptual clarity and constant practice using imo maths olympiad books, one can be assured of high positions in both levels.
It is important to remember that IMO success is not only a matter of talent but is a matter of practice, analysis, and persistence.
That is why, prepare, set your exam dates, and begin your preparation process to IMO 2025-26 with the purpose and interest.
