SASMO
A major Asia-Pacific math competition with 120,000+ students from 20+ countries. Features both multiple-choice and non-routine problem-solving sections.
Grade Levels
Grades 1-12
Format
Mixed Format · 25 questions · 90 minutes
Scoring
25 questions in 2 sections. Top 40% receive awards: Gold (top 8%), Silver (next 12%), Bronze (next 20%). Perfect scorers receive $100 cash.
Participants
120,000+
Established
2006
January
Registration deadline (January)
April
Competition held in April
Registration
Through schools or as private candidates (online)
Prizes & Recognition
Gold, Silver, Bronze medals and certificates for top 40%. Perfect Score Award with $100 cash prize.
About This Competition
SASMO (Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad) is one of the largest mathematics competitions in the Asia-Pacific region, organized by the Singapore International Math Contests Centre (SIMCC). With over 120,000 participants from more than 20 countries, SASMO provides an accessible yet challenging platform for students from grade 1 through grade 12.
The competition features 25 questions in two sections: Section A contains 15 multiple-choice questions, while Section B presents 10 non-routine problems requiring worked solutions. Students have 90 minutes to complete the paper. The award structure recognizes the top 40% of participants: Gold (top 8%), Silver (next 12%), and Bronze (next 20%).
SASMO is designed to stretch students beyond routine classroom mathematics. Problems emphasize logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and creative problem-solving. The competition is accessible through schools or as private candidates in many countries, making it one of the most widely available international math competitions for young learners.
How to Prepare
Build Strong Heuristic Problem-Solving Skills
SASMO tests heuristic and model-drawing approaches popular in Singapore Math. Practice systematic problem-solving methods like 'working backwards' and 'making a model'.
Tackle the Non-Routine Section Carefully
SASMO has both routine and non-routine sections. The non-routine problems carry more weight and require creative approaches. Allocate sufficient time for these.
Use SASMO Past Year Papers and Workbooks
SIMCC publishes SASMO past year paper compilations and practice workbooks. These are available through sasmo.org and local educational bookstores.
Builds Skills for Higher-Level Competitions
SASMO is designed as a stepping stone to harder competitions like SMO and IMO. Focus on developing thinking skills that will serve you at every level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SASMO?
SASMO (Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad) is a major math competition organized by SIMCC (Singapore International Math Contests Centre). It serves over 120,000 students from 20+ countries across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, with grade levels from 1 to 12.
What is the format of SASMO?
SASMO consists of 25 questions in two sections: Section A has 15 multiple-choice questions, and Section B has 10 non-routine questions requiring worked solutions. Students have 90 minutes to complete the paper.
How are awards determined?
The top 40% of participants receive awards: Gold (top 8%), Silver (next 12%), and Bronze (next 20%). Students who achieve a perfect score receive a special Perfect Score Award with a $100 cash prize.
Can students participate individually?
Yes. While most students participate through their schools, private candidates can also register online in many countries. Check the SASMO website for registration details specific to your country.
What topics does SASMO cover?
SASMO focuses on non-routine problem-solving that goes beyond the standard school curriculum. Problems test logical thinking, pattern recognition, spatial visualization, and creative mathematical reasoning appropriate to each grade level.
Related Competitions
Math Kangaroo
The world's largest mathematics competition with 6 million+ participants in 90+ countries. Multiple-choice format across 6 difficulty levels, emphasizing fun and accessible problem-solving.
International Mathematical Olympiad
The oldest and most prestigious international math competition, bringing together top pre-university mathematicians from 100+ countries. Founded in 1959 in Romania.
Balkan Mathematical Olympiad
Regional olympiad for Balkan countries including Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus. Important stepping stone toward IMO for participating nations.
European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad
International olympiad for female students from 55+ countries. IMO-format competition promoting gender diversity in mathematics.
Asian Pacific Mathematics Olympiad
Regional olympiad for Asia-Pacific nations. 5 proof-based problems in 4 hours, serving as an important IMO preparation event.
Singapore Mathematical Olympiad
Singapore's primary math competition and IMO selection pipeline. Three categories across secondary and pre-university levels.