What is the IMO exam?
The IMO, short for International Mathematics Olympiad, is a maths competition for school children run by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF). Children from class 1 to class 12 answer a multiple-choice paper in their own school, once a year. Here is what parents ask us about it, and how your child can practise for it free.
Who runs the IMO?
The Science Olympiad Foundation, a non-profit educational organisation based in New Delhi. SOF also runs the IEO (English), NCO (cyber) and IGKO (general knowledge) olympiads. One naming trap: this school-level MCQ exam is different from the International Mathematical Olympiad, the famous proof-based world championship for older students. Both are called IMO, but they share nothing except the short name.
Who can appear?
Students of classes 1 to 12, in most cases through a school registered with SOF. The paper is in English. Our free practice covers classes 1 to 10, where most candidates sit.
What is in the paper?
Four sections: Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Everyday Mathematics and the Achievers Section. Achievers Section questions carry more marks (2 or 3 instead of 1) and stretch stronger students. There is no negative marking, so a child should attempt every question rather than leave blanks.
Is there a second level?
Yes. Everyone first sits level 1. For classes 3 to 12, top performers of level 1 are invited to level 2, held a few months later. Children in classes 1 and 2 are ranked on level 1 alone.
How should my child prepare?
Topic by topic first, full papers under time later. The free aliensbrain kids Practice Hall maths topics cover every class from 1 to 10: fresh questions on every attempt, an explanation after every answer in classes 4 to 10, and a gentle one-question-at-a-time mode for classes 1 to 3.
Paper pattern at a glance
| Class group | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Classes 1 to 4 | 35 multiple-choice questions | 60 minutes |
| Classes 5 to 10 | 50 multiple-choice questions | 60 minutes |
Classes 11 and 12 follow the same style with a class-appropriate syllabus.
Quick answers
How many questions are in the IMO paper?
35 questions for classes 1 to 4 and 50 for classes 5 to 10, all multiple choice, answered in 60 minutes.
Is the SOF IMO the same as the International Mathematical Olympiad?
No. The SOF IMO is a school-level multiple-choice exam open to all children. The International Mathematical Olympiad is a proof-based world championship for a small number of selected older students.
Is there negative marking in the SOF IMO?
No. Every question is worth attempting, and guessing costs nothing.
Where can we practise IMO questions free?
In the aliensbrain kids Practice Hall, with fresh IMO-style questions for classes 1 to 10 and mock tests.
Practise for it, free
Start with the class 1 to 10 maths topics, or pick your class and subject.
Also read: What is the IEO exam? · What is the NSTSE exam? · What is the NCO exam? · What is the IGKO exam? · How to prepare for olympiad exams
Exam facts and practice links last updated: 12 September 2026. We are not affiliated with SOF or the Unified Council; for registration dates and official patterns, see sofworld.org and unifiedcouncil.com.