About the Mathematical Olympiad
The Mathematical Olympiad Programme in India is coordinated by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) on behalf of the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM), under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India. The programme’s objective is to identify and develop mathematical aptitude among pre-university students nationwide, ultimately enabling them to participate in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
For efficient training and selection, the country is divided into several regions, each led by a Regional Coordinator. Additionally, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV) and Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV) serve as separate regions with dedicated coordinators.
Mathematical Olympiad Stages
The Mathematical Olympiad Programme in India is organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) on behalf of the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM), under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India. This programme aims to identify and nurture mathematical talent among pre-university students across the country, leading to the participation of Indian students in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
To streamline training and selection, the country is divided into multiple regions, each supervised by a Regional Coordinator. Additionally, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV) and Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV) function as independent regions with their respective coordinators.
Stage 1: IOQM
The initial stage is the Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM), previously known as PRMO. It’s a three-hour exam with 30 questions, requiring either single-digit or two-digit responses, marked on an OMR sheet. Available in English and Hindi.
Stage 2: RMO
The second stage, the Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO), is a three-hour test with six questions. Conducted in English, Hindi, and regional languages, it challenges students with high-level questions for in-depth problem-solving.
Stage 3: INMO
Successful RMO candidates advance to the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO), held on the third Sunday of January. This stage is a key selection point for advanced training.
Stage 4: IMOTC
Students who excel in the INMO (about 65) are invited to the International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC), organized by HBCSE in April or May. They receive in-depth training, with selection tests used to choose the final six members for India’s IMO team.
PDC: Pre-Departure Camp for IMO
The final six students undergo an intensive 8-10 day training at HBCSE, known as the Pre-Departure Camp (PDC), just before the IMO.
Stage 5: IMO
In the last stage, the top six students represent India at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), held each July at a host country.
Abbreviations Used in MATH OLYMPIAD
- IOQM: Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics
Conducted by the Mathematical Teachers’ Association (India) [MTA(I)] - RMO: Regional Mathematical Olympiad
- INMO: Indian National Mathematical Olympiad
- IMOTC: International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp
- TSTs: Team Selection Tests
- PDC: Pre-Departure Camp
- IMO: International Mathematical Olympiad