How to prepare for olympiad exams

Know the paper first

Most school olympiad papers (SOF IMO, IEO, NCO and IGKO, and the Unified Council NSTSE) are multiple choice, answered in about an hour, with no negative marking. Sections mix reasoning with syllabus questions, and an achievers section stretches stronger children. Read our short guides: IMO, IEO, NSTSE, NCO, IGKO.

Practise topic by topic

Split the syllabus into topics and give each one its own session. Accuracy first, speed later. The practice index lists every topic for classes 1 to 10, and each session deep-links straight into the right player.

Then full papers under time

In the final month, switch to complete papers with a clock, so the answer sheet and the 60 minutes feel familiar rather than frightening. Free mock tests are built into the Practice Hall for every class.

A little every day beats Sunday cramming

Fifteen to twenty minutes daily builds more than two hours once a week, because memory consolidates between sessions. Missed questions should come back after a few days: spaced review is the single highest-value habit, and the Practice Hall does it automatically with its review bank.

For young children, keep it play

Classes 1 to 3 do better with one question at a time, read-aloud and a second chance before the answer shows. Stars at the end matter more than percentages. Our kid mode is built exactly this way.

Quick answers

How early should we start preparing?

Eight to ten weeks of regular practice is plenty for a first attempt. Children who enjoy it often continue year round.

Are coaching classes necessary?

No. Structured daily practice with explanations and spaced review covers the same ground, free.

How many mock papers should we do?

Four to six full papers in the final month is a healthy number, spaced across days rather than bunched.

Practise for it, free

Start with the practice index: every class and subject, 755 topics in total.