Indian National Mathematical Olympiad – Wikipedia

Annual high school mathematics competition held in India

The Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) is a highly selective high school mathematics competition held annually in India. It is conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) under the aegis of the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM).^[1][2]

The Mathematical Olympiad Program (MOP) comprises a five-stage process overseen by the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM). The initial stage, the Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM), is organized by the Mathematics Teachers’ Association (MTA). Subsequent stages are conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE).^[3]

In order to be eligible to take the INMO, a participant must be either an Indian citizen or an Overseas Citizen of India. Only Indian citizens may join the Indian IMO team. In addition, all participants, regardless, must meet qualification indices determined by previous rounds.

The Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM) is a national exam for students in grades 8-12. It’s used to shortlist students for HBCSE’s Mathematical Olympiad program. Students must be under 20 years old by June 30 of the IMO year and cannot have passed Class 12.

It is conducted in two categories Category A (Class 8 to 11) and Category B (Class 12). It is a 6-question subjective examination of 3 hours duration. It is usually held on the first Sunday of November. It is equivalent of the BMO1 for in the United Kingdom. Top 30 (Category A) and 6 (Category B) performers of RMO advance to represent their region at the INMO.^[4]

It is a 6-question subjective examination of 4.5 hours duration. It is usually held on the third Sunday of January. It is similar to the BMO2 conducted in the United Kingdom. It is a national level examination. Top 48 (Category A) and 12 (Category B) performers of INMO are declared INMO Awardees every year.^[4]

INMO Awardees attend a four-week IMOTC in May. First-timers start in early May, while returning participants join a week later. Four selection tests and two practice tests are held, and the top six qualify for the IMO team.

The selected six-member team attends a two-week Pre-departure Camp (PDC) before the IMO in July. Accompanied by a leader, deputy leader, and observer, the team represents India. Ministry of Education funds travel, and NBHM covers other expenses.

1. Team India had its best performance (World #4) at the IMO in 2024. ^[10]
2. Pranjal Srivastava is the most decorated Indian (World #13) at the IMO Hall of Fame. ^[11]