IOQM, RMO and INMO guide
The Mathematical Olympiad route in India, stage by stage — who can sit IOQM, what each paper looks like, how many students move on, and when each stage is held.
- Stage 1 conducted by
- MTA(I)
- Programme run by
- HBCSE, for NBHM
- Classes
- 8 to 12
- IOQM paper
- 30 questions, 3 hours, 100 marks
- Answers
- Integers from 00 to 99, on an OMR sheet
- Negative marking
- None
What is IOQM?
IOQM, the Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics, is the first stage of the Mathematical Olympiad programme in India. MTA(I) conducts it; the later stages, RMO and INMO, lead to the camp that selects India’s IMO team.
The programme is organised by HBCSE on behalf of the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM). HBCSE’s brochure calls IOQM “the first essential step” for any student aiming at the IMO.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in (official document)
Who can sit IOQM?
For IOQM 2026: Class 8 to 12, born 1 August 2007 to 31 July 2014, and not having qualified (or been scheduled to appear in) the Class 12 board examination before 30 October 2026.
| Class and age | Class 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, born between 1 August 2007 and 31 July 2014 |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Eligible to hold an Indian passport. OCI cardholders are provisionally eligible for every stage up to and including the IMOTC, but not for selection to the Indian IMO team |
| Residence | Residing and studying in India, or studying in an Indian school system, since 30 October 2024 or earlier |
| Class 12 board | Must not have qualified (or be scheduled to appear in) the Class 12 board examination earlier than 30 October 2026 |
| University | Must not have started (or plan to start) university studies by 1 June 2027 |
| INMO 2026 awardees | May write INMO 2027 directly, without IOQM and RMO, if they meet the other criteria |
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: ioqm.mtai.org.in (official document)
What is the pattern of IOQM, RMO and INMO?
IOQM is a three-hour objective paper of 30 questions for 100 marks, each answer an integer from 00 to 99. RMO and INMO are written papers of six proof problems, three and four and a half hours long.
| Stage | Paper | Type |
|---|---|---|
| IOQM | 30 questions (ten each of 2, 3 and 5 marks) · 100 marks · 3 hours | Objective, OMR; answers are integers 00–99; no negative marking |
| RMO | 6 problems of 17 marks each · 102 marks · 3 hours | Descriptive; each question needs a detailed proof |
| INMO | 6 problems of 17 marks each · 102 marks · 4½ hours | Descriptive; each question needs a detailed proof |
All three are offline, pen-and-paper examinations.
The IOQM paper is set in English and Hindi; a student who wants Hindi chooses it at registration.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in (official document)
What is the syllabus for the Mathematical Olympiad?
HBCSE expects familiarity with every topic in the NCERT Mathematics books for Classes 8 to 12. Problems come mainly from algebra, combinatorics, geometry and number theory, and grow harder from RMO to INMO to the IMO.
MTA(I)’s IOQM FAQ says familiarity with basic concepts from number theory, geometry, algebra and combinatorics is helpful, and that calculus and statistics are excluded.
The same FAQ adds that success typically depends more on clarity of thought and problem-solving ability than on extensive knowledge.
- Algebra
- Combinatorics
- Geometry
- Number theory
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in (official document)
How does a student go from IOQM to the IMO?
Through five stages: IOQM, then RMO for the top IOQM scorers in each region, INMO for the top RMO scorers, a training camp for INMO awardees, and finally the six-member team at the IMO.
HBCSE’s stages page adds that regional INMO training camps (INMOTC) prepare RMO qualifiers for INMO, and a pre-departure camp follows team selection.
- IOQMMTA(I)
A student needs at least 10% of the total marks to be considered. From each region, the top 200 students of Classes 8–11 and the top 40 of Class 12 qualify for RMO (ties included), plus 5 more girls from Classes 8–11.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in (official document)
- RMO
From each region, the top 30 students of Classes 8–11 and the top 6 of Class 12 qualify for INMO, plus 5 more girls from Classes 8–11; ties are broken by IOQM scores.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in (official document)
- INMO
The top 48 students of Classes 8–11 and the top 12 of Class 12 nationally become INMO awardees, with up to 5 more girls from the merit list. Awardees can write the next year’s INMO directly.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in (official document)
- IMOTC
INMO awardees are invited to a month-long training camp in April–May, at HBCSE or another institute. Selection tests there choose the team of six for the IMO, who then attend a pre-departure camp.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in (official document)
- IMO
Held in July each year in a different country: two written papers on consecutive days, each of three problems in four and a half hours. India has taken part since 1989.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in (official document)
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in (official document)
When are IOQM, RMO and INMO in 2026–27?
IOQM 2026 was held in September. RMO 2026 and INMO 2027 follow on the dates HBCSE has announced, listed below with their status as of today.
Next: RMO — 15 November 2026 (Upcoming)
| Exam | Date | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| IOQM | 6 September 2026 | Held | MTA(I) |
| RMO | 15 November 2026 | Upcoming | HBCSE |
| INMO | 17 January 2027 | Upcoming | HBCSE |
Checked against the official sources on 14 September 2026. Confirm on the conducting body's site before you rely on a date.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in (official document)
Where can a student find past IOQM, RMO and INMO papers?
HBCSE publishes past papers and sample questions on its Olympiad website, and MTA(I)’s IOQM portal points students there.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: ioqm.mtai.org.in
IOQM at Zigyan
IOQM is one of the Olympiads listed for the Class IX Foundation and Class X Excellence programmes.
IOQM, answered
Is there negative marking in IOQM?
No. MTA(I) states there is no negative marking in IOQM 2026.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: ioqm.mtai.org.in
Can a Class 12 student sit IOQM?
Yes, while still studying in Class 12. Once a student has passed the Class 12 board examination they are no longer eligible, even after a gap year or when reappearing to improve marks.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: ioqm.mtai.org.in
Is IOQM online or offline?
Offline. MTA(I) states that IOQM 2026 is conducted in offline mode using an OMR answer sheet.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: ioqm.mtai.org.in
Who conducts IOQM, RMO and INMO?
MTA(I) conducts IOQM. The Mathematical Olympiad programme as a whole, including RMO, INMO and the training camp, is organised by HBCSE on behalf of the National Board for Higher Mathematics.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in (official document)
How is a student’s RMO region decided?
By the postal address of the student’s school. Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas form separate regions of their own.
Last reviewed 14 September 2026 · Source: olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in (official document)
Official sources
Every fact in this guide was read from the conducting bodies’ own pages and documents. Confirm on them before you rely on a date or rule — they change from cycle to cycle.
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