Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) 2025-26

One of the most prominent mathematics contests in India is the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO), which prepares students to compete for their nation at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). In order to find and develop mathematical talent among high school students nationwide, INMO is organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) under the auspices of the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM).

The final date has been announced on the official HBCSE Olympiad portal. The INMO 2025–26 is scheduled for January 18, 2026. The exam assesses a student’s creativity, logical reasoning, and deep conceptual understanding of mathematics, in addition to their ability to solve standard textbook problems.

Through structured study plans, problem-solving sessions, Olympiad-specific guidance, and practice materials created by seasoned mentors, ALLEN offers professional academic support to help students succeed in this competitive journey.

1.0What is INMO?

The high degree of difficulty and emphasis on proof-based problem-solving that characterise the INMO are well known. In contrast to traditional school exams, which frequently emphasise memorisation and predetermined question formats, INMO pushes students to approach problems creatively, conceptually, and logically.

The Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) comes after the Pre-Regional Mathematical Olympiad (PRMO). Students are only shortlisted and deemed eligible to take the INMO if they pass the RMO.

For many math enthusiasts, winning INMO opens the door to competing in the International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC) and potentially being chosen to represent India at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).

2.0INMO 2025-26 Exam Date

The INMO 2025–26 will be held on January 18, 2026. The exam date has been officially announced on the HBCSE Olympiad website (https://olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in/). Regional coordinators will inform students who qualify through the RMO 2025.

 Eligible applicants must report to their assigned locations throughout India for the INMO 2025–26. A centre's designation as an INMO exam location is contingent upon its successful verification and approval by the organising committee. All qualified students will receive their INMO Admit Cards 2025–26 a few days prior to the test.

3.0Indian National Mathematical Olympiad Eligibility 2025-26

Students must possess a valid RMO 2025 qualification from their respective region to be eligible for the INMO 2025–26. They must be citizens of India and currently studying there. Students must not have been accepted into any college or university course prior to June 1, 2026, nor should they have completed or be enrolled in Class 12 before May 31, 2026. Students in Classes 8 through 11 are usually eligible. Eligible candidates will receive their INMO admit cards prior to the exam date, and their regional coordinator will notify those who fulfil these requirements.

4.0INMO 2025-26 Syllabus

Though there is no officially prescribed syllabus for the INMO exam, the questions tend to be from advanced mathematics that is commonly covered at the higher secondary level (Class 11–12). The problems are proof-based and are aimed at testing a profound understanding of concepts, original thinking, and mathematical maturity.

It is of higher difficulty than usual school mathematics and questions are framed to assess profound conceptual knowledge and imagination.

5.0INMO Exam Pattern

All the students who are going to appear for the INMO 2025-26 should know about the INMO Exam Pattern. Knowing the test pattern will assist Class 11 and 12 students in planning for the final examination. The INMO test has 6-7 problems to be solved within four hours. Geometry, algebra, number theory, and combinatorics are the subjects included in these problems. Calculus is not included in the test. 

To assist students achieve success, ALLEN offers focused training, experienced guidance, and purposely made practice problems that follow the INMO format to help improve problem-solving skills and confidence.

• The exam is descriptive (proof-based).
• Duration: 4.5 hours
• Number of questions: 6 to 7
• Narrative questions only.
• There are no multiple-choice questions.
• The answers need to have elaborate logical reasoning and mathematical proof.

6.0Indian National Mathematical Olympiad Preparation Tips

In contrast to standard school exams, the INMO exam requires a thorough conceptual understanding, logical reasoning, and the capacity to create rigorous mathematical proofs. As it includes advanced, non-routine problems in algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics, students cannot rely solely on textbook knowledge or memorization. 

Because of this, INMO exam preparation tips are crucial because they assist students in creating a methodical approach to problem-solving, efficiently allocating their time throughout the four-hour exam, and avoiding typical errors. Students can greatly improve their performance and confidence with the right direction and astute preparation methods, like those provided by ALLEN's knowledgeable faculty.

Here’s how to effectively prepare for INMO 2025-26:

• Understand the Concepts: Concentrate on making a strong mathematical foundation in algebra, geometry, combinatorics, and number theory.
• Practice Previous Year Papers: Practice previous year papers of INMO and get an idea about the question trend.
• Use the Right Books: Consult books such as Challenge and Thrill of Pre-College Mathematics, Problem Primer for Olympiads, and Excursion in Mathematics.
• Work on Proof-Writing Skills: As INMO is proof-based, practice writing logical and clear-cut solutions.
• Join Training Camps: Attend INMO-level mock tests or workshops held by different Olympiad training institutions.

7.0Path to IMO after INMO

For those hoping to represent India at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), qualifying INMO is just the first step in their journey to the Mathematical Olympiad. In order to find and develop India's best mathematical talent, the route beyond INMO entails rigorous preparation, national-level selection exams, and advanced training.

Students who qualify INMO move on to:

1. International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC) at HBCSE
2. Pre-Departure Camp for selection of the final IMO team
3. International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2026, held in July 2026

Premier undergraduate programs for INMO Awardees

Several prestigious undergraduate programs in India offer direct admission or special consideration to INMO awardees, who are regarded as some of the nation's most brilliant mathematicians. Through specific channels, institutions such as the Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) and the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) provide INMO awardees with admission opportunities, frequently with merit-based scholarships or lenient entrance requirements.

Excluded from IIT-JEE, through exclusive tests and/or interviews, for admission to:

• BTech in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, etc at IIT Madras. (1 gender-neutral seat; 1 female seat; per program)
• BTech in Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Kanpur. (3 seats)
• BS in Mathematics and Scientific Computing at IIT Kanpur. (2 seats)
• BS in Statistics and Data Science at IIT Kanpur. (2 seats)
• BS in Mathematics at IIT Bombay] (6 seats)
• BTech in Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Gandhinagar
• Exempted from admission test for B.Sc. Mathematics at CMI
• Exempted from admission test for B. Stat and B. Math at ISI through a special interview.