SOF IMO and the International Mathematical Olympiad: same initials, different exams

Updated 10 Nov 2026
Reading time 2 minutes

SOF's IMO is a school olympiad for Classes 1 to 12, taken in your child's school. The International Mathematical Olympiad is the world contest for the best young mathematicians; India's team is chosen only through HBCSE's national programme.

How India picks its team for the International Mathematical Olympiad

1. IOQM: for students in Classes 8 to 12 (see the IOQM page of the Mathematics Teachers' Association (India))
2. RMO: 15 Nov 2026, 3 hours, 6 questions, each needing a written proof
3. INMO: 17 Jan 2027, 4.5 hours, 6 questions
4. Training camp: about 65 top INMO students, at HBCSE
5. International Mathematical Olympiad: India won 2 gold and 4 silver medals at the 67th, in Shanghai in July 2026

SOF IMO

Classes 1 to 12; through the school only; ₹170; on paper in school; 2026-27 dates 23 Oct (held), 26 Nov, 10 Dec 2026. SOF IMO guide.

Does SOF IMO lead to the International Mathematical Olympiad?

No. They are different organisers. India's team comes only through HBCSE's stages, starting with IOQM in Classes 8 to 12.

Can a younger child prepare for the International Mathematical Olympiad?

The first stage, IOQM, is open from Class 8. School olympiads like SOF IMO are good practice with timed multiple-choice papers, but the national stages need written proofs.

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