The Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) is one of the most prestigious mathematics competitions in India. It is the second stage of the Mathematical Olympiad Programme, conducted by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) on behalf of the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM).

For students who are passionate about mathematics, INMO is not just an exam — it’s the pathway to represent India at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).

     Stages of the Mathematical Olympiad Programme

 

1. Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM)

2. Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO)

3. IMO Training Camp (IMOTC)

4. IMO Pre-Departure Camp

5. International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)

   Eligibility Criteria: From IOQM to INMO

   1. Top 600 students in IOQM merit list qualify for INMO, regardless of regional quota.

      • Out of these, 100 students will be from Class 12.

      • 500 students will be from Class 8–11.

   2. From each region (including KV and JNV schools), the following minimum selections are made:

      • 25 students (Class 11 or below).

      • 5 students (Class 12).

      • 3 girl students (Class 11 or below) irrespective of their scores.

   3. Special Rules for Girl Students:

      • No girl from Class 12 is selected under the girls’ quota.

      • Class 12 girls can qualify only if they are among the top 100 students in that category.

   4. Overseas Students:

      • A maximum of 6 students studying abroad in Indian schools can qualify, provided they score above 30% of IOQM marks.

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   INMO Exam Pattern

   The INMO exam is a 4-hour long paper with 6 descriptive questions. Students are expected to:

   • Provide complete logical solutions.

   • Show all steps with clear reasoning.

   • Write detailed proofs wherever required.

   INMO Syllabus

   The syllabus for INMO (and all other Olympiad stages in India) is pre-degree college mathematics.

   • Arithmetic of integers

   • Geometry

   • Quadratic equations and expressions

   • Trigonometry

   • Coordinate geometry

   • System of linear equations

   • Permutations and combinations

   • Factorization of polynomials

   • Inequalities

   • Elementary combinatorics

   • Probability theory and number theory

   • Finite series

   • Complex numbers

   • Elementary graph theory

     Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about INMO

     1. Who can appear for INMO?
     Students who qualify the Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) are eligible to appear for INMO. Generally, students from Classes 8 to 12 can participate, provided they clear earlier Olympiad stages.

     2. How difficult is INMO compared to RMO?
     INMO is more advanced than RMO. The questions are not just about solving but also require detailed proofs, logical reasoning, and step-by-step explanations.

     3. How many questions are asked in INMO?
     INMO is a 4-hour exam with 6 descriptive questions. Each question tests deep conceptual understanding of mathematics.

     4. How many students qualify from INMO to the next stage?
     Around 900 students are selected for INMO. Out of them, about 30–35 top scorers are chosen for the International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC).

     5. What is taught in the INMO Training Camp?
     At the HBCSE camp, selected students are trained in advanced problem-solving skills in Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, and Combinatorics. They also take selection tests, based on which the top 6 students represent India at IMO.

     6. Which subjects are important for INMO?
     The main areas tested are:

     • Algebra

     • Geometry

     • Number Theory

     • Combinatorics

     7. How should I prepare for INMO?

     • Solve previous year papers regularly.

     • Focus on proof-writing and logical explanations.

     • Use reference books like Challenges and Thrills of Pre-College Mathematics and Problem Solving Strategies.

     • Take guidance from Olympiad mentors or online classes.

     8. Is INMO useful for competitive exams like JEE/ISI?
     Yes! Preparing for INMO improves logical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, which helps in exams like JEE Advanced, ISI, CMI, and other top math exams.