SOF International Mathematics Olympiad
One of India's largest school-level math competitions for classes 1-12. Two-level structure with top 5% qualifying for Level 2.
Grade Levels
Grades 1-12
Format
Multiple Choice
Scoring
Two levels. Level 1 open to all. Top 5% qualify for Level 2. Objective/MCQ format.
Participants
Millions
November
Level 1 (November-December)
December
Level 1 continued (December)
February
Level 2 (February, for top 5% qualifiers)
Registration
Through SOF-registered schools
Prizes & Recognition
Medals, certificates, scholarships, and cash prizes for top performers.
About This Competition
The SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (SOF IMO) is one of the largest school-level mathematics competitions in India, organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation. Covering classes 1 through 12, it reaches millions of students across India and neighboring countries each year.
The competition follows a two-level structure. Level 1 is open to all students registered through SOF-affiliated schools and is held in November-December. The top 5% of Level 1 participants, along with class toppers and zone/school toppers, qualify for Level 2, held in February. The exam is entirely objective/MCQ-based, testing logical reasoning, mathematical reasoning, and everyday mathematics.
Note: Despite sharing the 'IMO' abbreviation, this competition is not related to the International Mathematical Olympiad organized by the IMO Board. The SOF IMO focuses on school-level mathematics and is designed to identify and nurture mathematical talent from an early age, with an extensive prize structure including medals, certificates, scholarships, and cash prizes.
How to Prepare
Align Study with School Curriculum
SOF IMO closely follows the Indian school curriculum (CBSE/ICSE). Review your textbook thoroughly and practice additional problems beyond what's assigned in class.
Two Levels — Prepare for Both
SOF IMO has Level 1 (school) and Level 2 (zonal). Qualifying for Level 2 requires strong fundamentals. Focus on accuracy and speed in Level 1.
Use SOF's Official Workbooks and Sample Papers
SOF publishes official workbooks and sample papers for each grade at sofworld.org. These are the most accurate representation of actual test questions.
Compete Across India with Millions of Students
SOF IMO is one of India's largest academic competitions. The scholarship prizes and certificates provide excellent recognition for your mathematical abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SOF International Mathematics Olympiad?
The SOF IMO is one of India's largest school-level mathematics competitions, organized by the Science Olympiad Foundation. It covers classes 1 through 12 with an objective/MCQ format and a two-level structure. Note: This is not related to the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) organized by the IMO Board.
How does the two-level system work?
Level 1 is open to all students registered through SOF-affiliated schools. The top 5% of Level 1 participants, along with class toppers and zone/school toppers, qualify for Level 2 held in February.
What is the exam format?
The exam is entirely objective/MCQ-based. Questions cover logical reasoning, mathematical reasoning, and everyday mathematics, with the difficulty appropriate to each class level.
What prizes are available?
SOF IMO offers an extensive prize structure including gold, silver, and bronze medals, certificates of excellence, scholarships, and cash prizes for top performers at school, zonal, and international levels.
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