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IMO Syllabus 2026 for Class 1-12 Detailed Curriculum, Exam Pattern & Preparation Guide

IMO Syllabus 2026 for Class 1-12 Detailed Curriculum, Exam Pattern & Preparation Guide

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International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) Syllabus for Classes 1 to 12

The IMO Syllabus 2026-27 for Classes 1 to 12 is designed to strengthen mathematical understanding, logical reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical thinking. The IMO olympiad syllabus is divided into key sections such as Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Everyday Mathematics, and the Achievers Section.

The Achievers Section includes higher-order thinking questions that test students’ ability to apply concepts to more challenging problems. It focuses on the current class syllabus.

For SOF IMO Level 1, questions are based approximately 60% on the current class syllabus and 40% on the previous class syllabus. Students can check the detailed class-wise syllabus below to understand the topics they need to cover and plan their IMO preparation effectively.

Also Check: SOF IMO Exam Dates

Class Wise SOF IMO Syllabus 2026-27

S. No	IMO All Classes Syllabus PDF
1	IMO Syllabus for Class 1
2	IMO Syllabus for Class 2
3	IMO Syllabus for Class 3
4	IMO Syllabus for Class 4
5	IMO Syllabus for Class 5
6	IMO Syllabus for Class 6
7	IMO Syllabus for Class 7
8	IMO Syllabus for Class 8
9	IMO Syllabus for Class 9
10	IMO Syllabus for Class 10
11	IMO Syllabus for Class 11
12	IMO Syllabus for Class 12

SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) 2026-27 Complete Overview

The SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) 2026-27 is conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) for students of Classes 1 to 12.

IMO Exam Details	SOF IMO 2026-27 Information
Exam Name	SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) 2026-27
Conducting Body	Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF)
Eligibility	Students studying in Classes 1 to 12 in schools recognised by SOF
Exam Level	School-level Mathematics Olympiad
Registration Process	Registration through respective school authorities
IMO Level 1 – Exam Date 1	23 October 2026
IMO Level 1 – Exam Date 2	26 November 2026
IMO Level 1 – Exam Date 3	10 December 2026
Exam Mode	Offline
Registration Fee	₹170
Exam Frequency	Once a year
Exam Objective	To identify and encourage students with strong interest and aptitude in Mathematics
Language of Exam	English
Exam Duration	1 Hour

Class-wise SOF IMO Syllabus 2026-27 for Classes 1 to 12

IMO Syllabus Class 1

The IMO Olympiad syllabus for Class 1 introduces students to basic mathematical reasoning, patterns, shapes, number sense, measurements, and everyday mathematics. The paper contains 35 questions for 40 marks, with higher-order questions included in the Achievers Section.

Section	Topics Covered	Questions	Marks/Q	Marks
Logical Reasoning	Patterns, Odd One Out, Measuring Units, Geometrical Shapes, Spatial Understanding, Grouping, Analogy, Ranking Test, Figure-based Problems	10	1	10
Mathematical Reasoning	Numerals, Number Names, 2-digit Number Sense, Addition, Subtraction, Length, Weight, Comparisons, Time, Money, Shapes and Solids	10	1	10
Everyday Mathematics	Based on Mathematical Reasoning topics	10	1	10
Achievers Section	Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) based on Mathematical Reasoning	5	2	10
Total	—	35	—	40

IMO Syllabus Class 2

The Class 2 syllabus develops number sense, computational ability, measurement concepts and logical thinking through age-appropriate Olympiad questions.

Section	Topics Covered	Questions	Marks/Q	Marks
Logical Reasoning	Patterns, Odd One Out, Measuring Units, Shapes, Analogy, Ranking, Grouping of Figures, Embedded Figures, Coding-Decoding	10	1	10
Mathematical Reasoning	Numerals, Number Names, 3-digit Number Sense, Operations, Length, Weight, Capacity, Time, Temperature, Money, Lines, Shapes, Pictographs, Patterns	10	1	10
Everyday Mathematics	Based on Mathematical Reasoning topics	10	1	10
Achievers Section	HOTS questions based on Mathematical Reasoning	5	2	10
Total	—	35	—	40

The provided syllabus confirms this 35-question, 40-mark structure for Class 2.

IMO Syllabus Class 3

The Class 3 SOF IMO Level 1 syllabus covers logical reasoning, number operations, fractions, measurement, geometry and data handling. Students attempt 35 questions carrying 40 marks.

Section	Topics Covered	Questions	Marks/Q	Marks
Logical Reasoning	Patterns, Analogy, Classification, Alphabet Test, Coding-Decoding, Ranking, Figure Matrix, Mirror Images, Shapes, Embedded Figures, Combinations, Clock and Calendar	10	1	10
Mathematical Reasoning	Numerals, Number Names, 4-digit Number Sense, Operations, Fractions, Length, Weight, Capacity, Temperature, Time, Money, Geometry, Data Handling	10	1	10
Everyday Mathematics	Based on Mathematical Reasoning topics	10	1	10
Achievers Section	HOTS questions based on Mathematical Reasoning	5	2	10
Total	—	35	—	40

IMO Syllabus Class 4

The Class 4 syllabus expands mathematical and reasoning skills through number operations, fractions, geometry, perimeter, symmetry, measurement and data handling.

Section	Topics Covered	Questions	Marks/Q	Marks
Logical Reasoning	Patterns, Alphabet Test, Coding-Decoding, Ranking, Mirror Images, Shapes and Solids, Embedded Figures, Direction Sense, Combinations, Analogy, Clock and Calendar	10	1	10
Mathematical Reasoning	Numerals, Number Sense, Operations, Fractions, Length, Weight, Capacity, Time, Money, Geometry, Perimeter, Symmetry, Conversions, Data Handling	10	1	10
Everyday Mathematics	Based on Mathematical Reasoning topics	10	1	10
Achievers Section	HOTS questions based on Mathematical Reasoning	5	2	10
Total	—	35	—	40

The examination consists of 35 questions carrying 40 marks.

IMO Syllabus Class 5

From Class 5 onwards, the SOF IMO paper contains 50 questions for 60 marks. The syllabus includes more advanced reasoning, fractions and decimals, measurement, geometry, angles, area, perimeter, symmetry and data handling.

Section	Topics Covered	Questions	Marks/Q	Marks
Logical Reasoning	Patterns, Analogy, Classification, Shapes, Mirror & Water Images, Direction Sense, Ranking, Alphabet Test, Word Sequences, Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, Clock and Calendar	15	1	15
Mathematical Reasoning	Number Sense, Operations, Fractions, Decimals, Measurement, Conversions, Shapes, Angles, Perimeter, Area, Symmetry, Data Handling	20	1	20
Everyday Mathematics	Based on Mathematical Reasoning topics	10	1	10
Achievers Section	HOTS questions based on Mathematical Reasoning	5	3	15
Total	—	50	—	60

IMO Syllabus Class 6

The Class 6 IMO Olympiad syllabus introduces students to integers, fractions, decimals, mensuration, algebra, ratio and proportion along with verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

Section	Topics Covered	Questions	Marks/Q	Marks
Logical Reasoning	Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning	15	1	15
Mathematical Reasoning	Knowing Our Numbers, Whole Numbers, Playing with Numbers, Basic Geometry, Elementary Shapes, Integers, Fractions, Decimals, Data Handling, Mensuration, Algebra, Ratio and Proportion	20	1	20
Everyday Mathematics	Based on Mathematical Reasoning topics	10	1	10
Achievers Section	HOTS questions based on Mathematical Reasoning	5	3	15
Total	—	50	—	60

The paper contains 50 questions carrying 60 marks.

IMO Syllabus Class 7

The Class 7 syllabus builds stronger problem-solving skills through algebra, rational numbers, geometry, data handling, exponents, equations and quantitative applications.

Section	Topics Covered	Questions	Marks/Q	Marks
Logical Reasoning	Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning	15	1	15
Mathematical Reasoning	Integers, Fractions & Decimals, Exponents & Powers, Algebraic Expressions, Simple Equations, Lines & Angles, Comparing Quantities, Triangles, Symmetry, Rational Numbers, Perimeter & Area, Data Handling, Solid Shapes	20	1	20
Everyday Mathematics	Based on Mathematical Reasoning topics	10	1	10
Achievers Section	HOTS questions based on Mathematical Reasoning	5	3	15
Total	—	50	—	60

The supplied syllabus specifies 50 questions, 60 marks and a one-hour duration for Class 7.

IMO Syllabus Class 8

The IMO Syllabus Class 8 focuses on higher-level mathematical reasoning and problem-solving through rational numbers, algebra, mensuration, factorisation, graphs and data handling. Students attempt 50 questions carrying 60 marks.

Section	Topics Covered	Questions	Marks/Q	Marks
Logical Reasoning	Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning	15	1	15
Mathematical Reasoning	Rational Numbers, Squares & Square Roots, Cubes & Cube Roots, Exponents & Powers, Comparing Quantities, Algebraic Expressions, Linear Equations, Quadrilaterals, Mensuration, Data Handling, Direct & Inverse Proportions, Factorisation, Graphs	20	1	20
Everyday Mathematics	Mathematical Reasoning and application-based concepts	10	1	10
Achievers Section	Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) based on Mathematical Reasoning	5	3	15
Total	—	50	—	60

IMO Syllabus Class 9

The IMO Syllabus Class 9 covers important secondary-level mathematics topics including number systems, polynomials, coordinate geometry, linear equations, geometry, mensuration and statistics. The paper consists of 50 questions for 60 marks with a separate higher-order Achievers Section.

Section	Topics Covered	Questions	Marks/Q	Marks
Logical Reasoning	Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning	15	1	15
Mathematical Reasoning	Number Systems, Polynomials, Coordinate Geometry, Linear Equations in Two Variables, Euclid’s Geometry, Lines & Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Heron’s Formula, Surface Areas & Volumes, Statistics	20	1	20
Everyday Mathematics	Mathematical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude	10	1	10
Achievers Section	HOTS questions based on Mathematical Reasoning	5	3	15
Total	—	50	—	60

IMO Syllabus Class 10

The Class 10 syllabus covers core mathematical concepts including real numbers, quadratic equations, arithmetic progressions, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, circles, mensuration, statistics and probability.

Section	Topics Covered	Questions	Marks/Q	Marks
Logical Reasoning	Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning	15	1	15
Mathematical Reasoning	Real Numbers, Polynomials, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic Progressions, Triangles, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Circles, Areas Related to Circles, Surface Areas & Volumes, Statistics, Probability	20	1	20
Everyday Mathematics	Mathematical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude	10	1	10
Achievers Section	HOTS questions based on Mathematical Reasoning	5	3	15
Total	—	50	—	60

The provided Class 10 syllabus specifies 50 questions divided into four sections.

IMO Syllabus Class 11

The Class 11 syllabus moves into advanced Olympiad mathematics, including functions, complex numbers, sequences, trigonometry, conic sections, combinatorics, limits, probability and 3D geometry. Students taking Applied Mathematics have an alternative topic set.

Section	Topics Covered	Questions	Marks/Q	Marks
Logical Reasoning	Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning	15	1	15
Mathematical / Applied Mathematics	Sets, Relations & Functions, Logarithms, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Sequences & Series, Trigonometry, Straight Lines, Conic Sections, P&C, Binomial Theorem, Statistics, Limits & Derivatives, Probability, 3D Geometry; or prescribed Applied Mathematics topics	20	1	20
Everyday Mathematics	Quantitative Aptitude	10	1	10
Achievers Section	Advanced class-specific mathematical concepts and HOTS	5	3	15
Total	—	50	—	60

IMO Syllabus Class 12

The Class 12 IMO Maths syllabus covers advanced topics such as functions, matrices, determinants, calculus, differential equations, vectors, three-dimensional geometry, probability and linear programming.

Section	Topics Covered	Questions	Marks/Q	Marks
Logical Reasoning	Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning	15	1	15
Mathematical / Applied Mathematics	Relations & Functions, Inverse Trigonometry, Matrices, Determinants, Continuity & Differentiability, Applications of Derivatives, Integrals, Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, 3D Geometry, Probability, Linear Programming; or prescribed Applied Mathematics topics	20	1	20
Everyday Mathematics	Quantitative Aptitude	10	1	10
Achievers Section	Matrices, Determinants, Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Programming, Probability and related HOTS	5	3	15
Total	—	50	—	60

The provided Class 12 structure confirms 50 questions for a total of 60 marks.

SOF IMO Level 1 and Level 2 Syllabus – What Students Should Know?

For the SOF IMO Level 1 syllabus, the supplied material states that questions are generally divided between the current class syllabus (60%) and previous class syllabus (40%), while the Achievers Section is based on the current class syllabus. For example, this structure is explicitly stated for Classes 3, 7, 10 and 11.

Syllabus Area	Coverage
SOF IMO Level 1 Syllabus	Approx. 60% current class + 40% previous class
Achievers Section	Current class syllabus; Higher Order Thinking questions
SOF IMO Level 2 Syllabus	Current class syllabus for students qualifying for Level 2
Main Skills Tested	Mathematical reasoning, logical reasoning, quantitative application and HOTS
Classes 1–4 Paper	35 Questions, 40 Marks
Classes 5–12 Paper	50 Questions, 60 Marks

Key Highlights of the IMO Olympiad Exam Pattern

Exam Pattern Details	SOF IMO Information
Exam Format	Objective-type examination
Question Type	Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
Exam Duration	1 Hour
Classes Eligible	Classes 1 to 12
Difficulty Level	Varies according to the class
Core Skills Tested	Mathematical reasoning, logical reasoning, problem-solving and application of concepts
Major Sections	Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Everyday Mathematics and Achievers Section
Achievers Section	Higher-order thinking questions designed to test deeper conceptual understanding and application
Syllabus Level	Primarily based on the corresponding class-level curriculum and Olympiad-oriented application of mathematical concepts
Exam Focus	Conceptual understanding, reasoning ability, accuracy, speed and application-based problem solving

How to Prepare for SOF IMO 2026-27 Using the IMO Syllabus?

A strong IMO preparation strategy should begin with the IMO syllabus for your class. Instead of practising random questions, students should identify the topics included in each section and prepare them systematically.

Start with the class-wise syllabus: List all topics from Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning and Everyday Mathematics before beginning preparation.
Strengthen mathematical concepts: Build a clear understanding of formulas, concepts and problem-solving methods before attempting difficult Olympiad questions.
Practise logical reasoning regularly: Include verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions in your daily practice.
Focus on the Achievers Section: Practise Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions because this section carries higher marks per question.
Solve previous year papers: Use earlier IMO papers to understand question difficulty, recurring concepts and the actual exam format.
Take timed mock tests: Practising complete papers under the exam time limit helps improve speed, accuracy and question selection.
Analyse mistakes: Maintain a list of concepts or question types where you frequently make errors and revise them regularly.

Which Sections of the IMO Syllabus Need More Focus?

Students should prepare every section of the IMO Olympiad syllabus, but the preparation approach should differ according to the type of questions asked.

IMO Section	What Students Should Focus On?
Logical Reasoning	Patterns, analytical thinking, verbal and non-verbal reasoning
Mathematical Reasoning	Concept clarity, calculations and mathematical problem-solving
Everyday Mathematics	Applying mathematical concepts to practical and application-based problems
Achievers Section	HOTS, multi-step problems and challenging application-based questions

The Achievers Section deserves particular attention because its questions carry more marks than regular questions. However, students should not ignore the other sections, as consistent performance across the paper is important for achieving a strong overall score.

Important Resources for IMO 2026-27

S. No	Important Links for IMO Exam 2026
1	IMO Registration
2	IMO Eligibility Criteria
3	IMO Mock Tests
4	IMO Sample Papers
5	IMO Important Questions
6	IMO Previous Year Question Papers
7	IMO Exam Results

FAQs on IMO Syllabus 2026 for Class 1-12 Detailed Curriculum, Exam Pattern & Preparation Guide

1. Is the SOF IMO syllabus 2026-27 based on the school syllabus?

Yes. SOF states that the Olympiad syllabus follows the curriculum prescribed by CBSE, ICSE and various state boards. Students should also practise application-based and reasoning questions because IMO tests how well mathematical concepts can be applied to solve problems.

2. What is the SOF IMO Level 1 syllabus 2026?

The SOF IMO Level 1 syllabus includes approximately 60% questions from the student's current class syllabus and 40% from the previous class syllabus. The Achievers Section is based on the current class syllabus only.

3. What is the SOF IMO Level 2 syllabus 2026-27?

The SOF IMO Level 2 syllabus is based on the current class syllabus only. Level 2 is conducted for eligible students from Classes 3 to 12, and its Achievers Section also contains questions from the current class syllabus.

4. Is the IMO Level 1 and Level 2 syllabus the same?

Not completely. Level 1 includes approximately 60% of questions from the current class syllabus and 40% from the previous class, whereas Level 2 questions are based on the current class syllabus only. The paper structure also differs between Level 1 and Level 2.

5. What are the main sections of the IMO Olympiad syllabus 2026?

For Level 1, the major sections are Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Everyday Mathematics and the Achievers Section. For Classes 11 and 12, Mathematical Reasoning may be replaced by or offered alongside Applied Mathematics according to the applicable stream.

6. What is included in the IMO Syllabus Class 8?

The current IMO Syllabus Class 8 includes Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning along with class-specific Mathematics topics such as exponents and powers, quadrilaterals, proportional reasoning, geometric concepts, data handling, algebra and area. The Achievers Section contains higher-order questions based on the Mathematics syllabus.

7. What topics are covered in the IMO Syllabus Class 9?

The Class 9 syllabus covers class-level Mathematics along with Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, application-based Mathematics and Higher Order Thinking questions. Students should follow the latest class-wise SOF syllabus because syllabus changes or reductions may be reflected in the actual question paper.

8. Does the IMO syllabus change every year?

The broad structure may remain similar, but students should check the latest syllabus for their academic session. SOF states that changes or reductions based on applicable educational guidelines and board syllabi can be reflected in the actual question papers.

9. Is NCERT enough for SOF IMO 2026-27 preparation?

NCERT and school textbooks can help students build strong mathematical fundamentals, but IMO also tests logical reasoning, application and higher-order thinking. Students should therefore combine concept study with Olympiad-level questions, previous year papers and mock tests.

10. Does IMO have questions from the previous class syllabus?

Yes, in Level 1. Approximately 40% of Level 1 questions are from the previous class syllabus and 60% are from the current class syllabus. For example, a Class 7 Level 1 paper has approximately 60% Class 7 and 40% Class 6 syllabus coverage.

11. What is the IMO syllabus for Classes 11 and 12?

For Classes 11 and 12, the syllabus includes advanced Mathematics or Applied Mathematics topics along with Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude and the Achievers Section. The exact topics differ by class and the Mathematics option followed by the student.

12. How should students complete the IMO syllabus before the exam?

Students should first divide the syllabus section-wise, strengthen each mathematical concept, practise Logical Reasoning regularly and then move to Olympiad-level questions. After topic-wise preparation, solving previous year papers and timed mock tests can help improve speed, accuracy and exam readiness.

13. Where can students check the complete class-wise IMO syllabus?

Students can check the complete class-wise syllabus for Classes 1 to 12 on this Vedantu page, and the official site, including section-wise topics, question distribution and marks. The page separately covers the syllabus from Class 1 through Class 12.

14. Are Higher Order Thinking Skills questions included in both IMO levels?

Yes. The Achievers Section contains Higher Order Thinking questions based on the student's current class syllabus. SOF's Level 1 and Level 2 patterns both include an Achievers Section for the applicable classes.

15. Is the IMO syllabus the same for CBSE, ICSE and State Board students?

SOF states that the Olympiad syllabus is based on curricula prescribed by CBSE, ICSE and various state boards. Students from different boards can therefore participate, but they should use the official class-wise IMO syllabus as the final reference for preparation.