SOF IMO 2026: Schools, apply 30 days before Oct 23 Level 1 exam

The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) has announced the schedule and details for the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) 2026-27. The first Level 1 exam was conducted on 23 October 2026, with two more dates set for 26 November 2026 and 10 December 2026. This annual competition is designed to assess and nurture students’ mathematical reasoning and logical abilities.

The IMO is open to students from classes 1 to 12 and aims to identify academic talents and develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and cognitive skills, aligning with the objectives prescribed by the National Education Policy (NEP). The curriculum is structured to prepare students for competitive environments from an early age.

Eligibility and Application Process

Students from classes 1 to 12, who are enrolled in a school recognized by SOF, are eligible to participate in the Level 1 exam. The application process is exclusively handled through respective school authorities, as individual student applications are not accepted. Schools are required to submit application forms at least 30 days before the chosen exam date.

The registration fee for the IMO 2026-27 is ₹170. The exam is conducted once a year in an offline mode, with English as the sole examination language. The primary objective of the Olympiad is to identify and foster a passion for Mathematics among young learners.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The SOF IMO exam has a duration of one hour and typically consists of multiple-choice questions and problem-solving tasks. The syllabus for both Level 1 and Level 2 covers a range of mathematical topics, including algebra, trigonometry, geometry, linear equations, differential equations, limits and derivatives, integers, and probability.

The exam is divided into four sections: Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Everyday Mathematics, and the Achievers Section. For most classes, there is no negative marking in either level of the exam. Sample papers for the IMO 2026-27 exam have been made available by SOF to assist students in their preparation.

Level 2 Eligibility and Awards

Eligibility for the Level 2 International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is restricted to students from classes 3 to 12. Students in classes 1 and 2 are not eligible for a Level 2 examination. Selection for the Level 2 exam is based on performance in Level 1, with the top 5% of participating students from each class qualifying.

Winners of the 2026-27 SOF IMO will be recognized with international, zonal, and school topper awards. The top three international rank holders are slated to receive cash awards, medals, and certificates. In addition, schools and educators who contribute to the success of their students will also be acknowledged with various awards and scholarships.

Further reading

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Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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