SOF International Mathematics Olympiad 2025-26: The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) conducts the prestigious International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) each academic year for students from Classes 1 to 12. The primary objective of this competition is to evaluate and nurture students’ mathematical aptitude, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
With a growing emphasis on foundational learning and analytical thinking, as advocated by the National Education Policy (NEP), the SOF IMO provides a platform for students to excel and gain recognition at various academic levels.


What is SOF IMO?
The SOF IMO is a national and international-level mathematics competition designed to identify young talent in the field of mathematics. The Olympiad goes beyond textbook learning, aiming to sharpen students’ analytical and reasoning capabilities from an early stage. It is conducted in two levels—Level 1 and Level 2—and is open to students studying in a recognized school affiliated with SOF.
SOF International Mathematics Olympiad 2025-26 Overview
- Organizing Body: Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)
- Eligibility: Students from Classes 1 to 12 (enrolled in SOF-recognized schools)
- Exam Level: Intermediate
- Mode of Exam: Offline (conducted in schools)
- Application Mode: Through respective schools (individual applications are not accepted)
- Exam Dates for Level 1:
- Date 1: 12th November 2025
- Date 2: 28th November 2025
- Date 3: 12th December 2025
- Registration Fee: ₹125 per student
- Frequency: Conducted once a year
- Duration: 1 hour
- Language of Exam: English
IMO Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) designed to test both fundamental knowledge and application-based problem-solving. The pattern includes sections on logical reasoning and mathematics, with increasing difficulty based on the class level.
The syllabus for Level 1 and Level 2 includes:
- For junior classes: Number sense, basic arithmetic operations, measurement, data handling, and geometry.
- For senior classes: Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, linear equations, limits and derivatives, integers, probability, and differential equations.
The questions are carefully curated to encourage logical thinking and analytical reasoning. Level 2 of the IMO is generally more advanced and analytical compared to Level 1.
SOF International Mathematics Olympiad 2025-26 Eligibility Criteria
- Level 1: Students from Classes 1 to 12 are eligible. There are no specific marks or grades required for participation, and each student can only appear for the Olympiad level of their respective class.
- Level 2: Only students from Classes 3 to 12 are eligible. Students of Classes 1 and 2 are not required to take Level 2. To qualify, students must rank among the top 5% in their class at the Level 1 exam.
How to Participate
Participation in the SOF IMO must be facilitated by the school. Interested schools need to register at least 30 days before the selected exam date. Individual applications from students are not entertained. Schools are expected to collect registration fees and submit the list of participating students to SOF along with the required documentation.
Sample Papers and Preparation Strategy
SOF provides sample question papers in PDF format to help students understand the exam pattern and question types. These are useful tools for both teachers and students to gauge readiness and identify areas for improvement.
Preparation Tips:
- Familiarize yourself with the IMO syllabus and structure.
- Practice sample papers and previous years’ question sets.
- Develop strong conceptual clarity in mathematics.
- Focus on logical reasoning and critical thinking exercises.
- Use Olympiad books, online tutorials, and worksheets for extra practice.
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SOF International Mathematics Olympiad Awards, Scholarships, and Recognition
The SOF IMO offers a wide range of awards and recognitions for top-performing students. These awards are distributed at the international, zonal, and school levels:
- International Level: Top three rankers from each class receive medals, certificates, and cash prizes.
- Zonal and School Level: Zonal toppers and school-level achievers are awarded medals and merit certificates.
- Educator Recognition: Principals and teachers of high-performing schools are honored with appreciation awards and gifts for their contribution to student success.
For more Details About the SOF IMO – Click Here