Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics
 |
| Type | National‐level mathematics competition |
|---|---|
| Website | https://ioqmexam.in/ |
The Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM) is an annual mathematics competition for secondary and senior secondary school students, which ultimately selects the national team for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Formerly called the Preliminary Regional Mathematical Olympiad (PRMO), it was rebranded IOQM in 2020.[1][2]
History
[edit]Initially, PRMO was held only in Mumbai region. The first All India PRMO was held in 2017. To emphasize its national‐level qualifying role, PRMO was renamed IOQM in 2020.[2]
Organizing bodies
[edit]- Mathematics Teachers’ Association (India) (MTA(I)) – center registration, logistics, question‐setting and result publication.[3]
- Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) – selects qualifiers for next stage.[4]
- National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM), Department of Atomic Energy – funding and international liaison.[2]
Objectives
[edit]IOQM tests creative problem‐solving and deep mathematical reasoning beyond the school curriculum, serving to:
- Benchmark mathematical talent nationwide.
- Provide a structured pathway from school‐level competition to international representation.
Eligibility
[edit]- Class: Students enrolled in Classes 8–12 in any recognized Indian school.[4]
- Citizenship: Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI); only Indian citizens may represent India internationally.[4]
- Age: Under 20 years on 31 July of the IMO year and not enrolled in a tertiary degree program.[4]
- Institutional quotas: Region status for Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV).[5]
Exam format and syllabus
[edit]The IOQM is a single three‐hour, pen‐and‐paper examination; answers are marked on an OMR sheet.
- Questions: 30 integer‐type (00–99) problems, no negative marking.
- Marks distribution: 10×2-mark, 10×3-mark, 10×5-mark (total 100 marks).[1]
- Languages: English and Hindi.[1]
- Syllabus: algebra, number theory, combinatorics and geometry beyond what is covered in school curriculum.[6]
Registration and fees
[edit]For the 2025–26 cycle:[3]
- Centre registration: 9 June – 28 June 2025.
- Student registration (via centers): 9 June – 25 July 2025; individual online: 30 June – 25 July 2025.
- Examination date: 7 September 2025.
- Fees: ₹180 (KVs, JNVs), ₹300 (other schools).
Centers and logistics
[edit]IOQM is conducted at over 1,500 centers nationwide, coordinated by MTA(I). HBCSE oversees security protocols, question paper transport, and result processing.[4]
Participation statistics
[edit]In 2024, 107,936 students appeared for IOQM, with class‐wise breakdown as follows:[7]
| Class | No. of Students |
|---|---|
| 8 | 15,366 |
| 9 | 25,078 |
| 10 | 28,353 |
| 11 | 22,194 |
| 12 | 16,945 |
| Total | 107,936 |
Honors
[edit]- Certificate of Merit awarded to the top 10% students.[3]
Impact and career pathways
[edit]Success in IOQM opens doors to elite institutes and careers in academia, research, industry and finance.[8]
- Preparation for the IOQM aids in excelling in national undergraduate mathematics entrance examinations, such as those conducted by the ISI, CMI, and the University of Delhi.
- Career opportunities: data science, quantitative finance, research, academia.
Qualification
[edit]Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) selects Top 205 (incl. 5 reserved for girls) from Classes 8–11 and Top 40 from Class 12 in each region, with a minimum score of 10%.[4]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Mathematical Olympiad – IOQM". IOQM Official. Retrieved 15 June 2025.
- ^ a b c "Mathematics Olympiad". NBHM, DAE. Retrieved 15 June 2025.
- ^ a b c "IOQM 2025–26". MTA(I). Retrieved 15 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "Mathematical Olympiad 2025–26". HBCSE. Retrieved 15 June 2025.
- ^ "About IOQM". IOQM Official. Retrieved 15 June 2025.
- ^ "IOQM Syllabus". IOQM Official. Retrieved 15 June 2025.
- ^ "IOQM 2024–25 Participation Statistics". IOQM Official. Retrieved 15 June 2025.
- ^ "IOQM – Careers and Pathways". IOQM Official. Retrieved 15 June 2025.