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How to Prepare for the Maths Olympiad 2023-24?

By Gowthamy AlagiriJune 03, 2022
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How to Prepare for the Maths Olympiad 2023-24?

Participation in the Maths Olympiad 2022 and win national level wide recognition! Let us make your dream a reality. We are exactly going to focus on the pathway which is going to prepare you for the International Maths Olympiad 2022.

When is the Olympiad going to be held? How to sit for the exams, we are distinctly going to learn all about it. 


What is an IMO?

The Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) conducts the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) with the sole aim to discover raw talents in students of Classes I to XII. The advanced set of questions in this national-level competition is quite challenging in terms of intellectuality and reasoning power. The expert students are chosen based on their performance at the national level. Math Olympiad 2022 is a platform where a student can showcase his/her skills in solving mathematical problems. Over 100 countries from 5 continents participate in this international-level competition. Candidates are chosen at the national level first to represent a country. This year, the 63rd International Mathematics Olympiad 2022 will be held in Oslo, Norway.

Basic Information Regarding International Maths Olympiad 2022

Here is a list of information regarding the IMO 2022 competition. 

  • Eligibility Criteria: Any aspirant from Class 1 to 12 can appear for the respective levels of this competition.

  • The application process is done by the respective school authorities.

  • The exam is going to be conducted on the 6th of July 2022.

Syllabus of International Mathematics Olympiad 2022

As we all know that the IMO 2022 will have two levels of competition. The candidates clearing the first level will proceed to the next.

Here is a gist of the syllabus of IMO 2022 you should follow.


Syllabus of Level 1 IMO 2022 

  • The questions will follow an objective-type pattern. For classes I to IV, there will be Maths Olympiad questions. For Class V and XII, there will be 50 questions. The time allotted to answer these questions is 60 minutes. 

  • There are four sections in the question paper.

  1. Logical Reasoning

  2. Mathematical Reasoning

  3. Everyday Mathematics

  4. Achievers’ Section

  • Every class will have a separate question paper. The English language is chosen to set the questions.

  • The syllabus of the respective boards such as CBSE, ISC/ICSE, and state boards are followed.

  • Exams at this level will be conducted on the school premises.


Syllabus of Level 2 IMO 2022 

  • Level 2 will be conducted for aspirants belonging to Class III and above.

  • Only 5% of the top-scoring candidates will be chosen for this level. Marks scored in each section and weight calculation will decide the results.

  • 25 top rankers in a zone will then be selected for this level.

Let Us Find Out the Details of the Syllabus and Marking Scheme in a Tabular Format.

Class

Section

No. of Questions

Marks/ Question

Total Marks

1 to 4

Logical Reasoning

10

1

10

Mathematical Reasoning

10

1

10

Everyday Mathematics

10

1

10

Achievers Section

5

2

10

Grand Total

35

 

40

5 to 12

Logical Reasoning

15

1

15

Mathematical Reasoning

20

1

20

Everyday Mathematics

10

1

10

Achievers Section

5

3

15

Grand Total

50

 

60


IMO SOF 2022 Application Process 

  • Only the schools registered with the authoritative body will get the prospectus along with registration forms.

  • The IMO registration kit will be delivered to you by the school authority.

  • You can also get a prospectus by directly contacting the SOF. 

  • Fill out the application form correctly and submit it to the school authority.

  • The rest will be taken care of by the school.

  • The deadline for the IMO application is set 30 days before the scheduled exam date.


How to Prepare for Maths Olympiad 2022?

Here is the list of tips suggested by our experts to start preparing for the IMO 2022. Follow this list and ensure proper utilisation of your time and other resources.

  1. Know Your Syllabus First

This is the stepping stone for your IMO 2022 preparation. Irrespective of your class and level, you should gather ample knowledge regarding your syllabus and start collecting material. As mentioned earlier, the school syllabus set by the respective board will be followed by the foundation authority to set questions.

  1. Gather Study Material

Studying your board-prescribed maths book will not help you understand the question patterns favoured by the authority. It is a talent search competition held on a national level. Hence, you will not encounter conventional-level questions to test your intelligence. For this, you will need books related to SOF IMO, sample question papers from the previous years, and an online portal to appear for mock IMO exams.

  1. Prepare A Routine To Follow

IMO is a tough nut. You will have to concentrate more on gaining a deeper knowledge and understanding of the concepts. For this, you will have to dedicate time to learn them, find the question patterns, solve them and build a strong foundation. This is where a routine will be of great help. Experts suggest dividing your day into segments to complete your homework, practise, and prepare for SOF IMO 2022. Do not hamper your conventional studying, rather use your time efficiently to balance the act.

  1. Get Deeper Into the Concepts

You will have to find deeper insights into the concepts delivered in the chapters of your Mathematics book prescribed by the board. You can also seek suggestions from your teachers, parents, and mentors to avail of books related to SOF IMO 2022.

  1. Practice and Practice Again

The ideal way to master a new concept deeply is to practice. Expose yourself to critical thinking by solving sample Maths Olympiad questions set by our experts so that you can test your present level. In this way, you can challenge your intellect and become better every day. You can download sample IMO questions papers online or appear for a mock test once you are done with your syllabus.

  1. Take Help From the Internet

You can find excellent help from the tutorial sites catering to such needs. IMO tutorials can be of great help. If you can follow the special techniques to approach a particular set of problems taught by the experts online, you can easily ace the competition. In a nutshell, you will have to follow expert guidance provided by your teachers, tutors, and mentors to become more competitive.

  1. Track Your Progress

The best way to track down your progress is to check how many questions you can attempt and answer correctly within the stipulated time. In this way, you will get a report to follow and make yourself better. In fact, you will also find the weak sections and work on them too.


Every competitive exam needs a brilliant set of study materials to follow. You will also have to gather information regarding the question pattern and get accustomed to the MCQ-type answering system. There is no reason to worry or feel anxious. Good practice and motivation along with the best online study material will escalate your level of concentration and confidence. Prepare well for the Maths Olympiad 2022 and score well. 

FAQs on How to Prepare for the Maths Olympiad 2023-24?

1. How can I start preparing for the Maths Olympiad for the 2025-26 session?

To begin your Maths Olympiad preparation, you should follow a structured approach. Start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus and exam pattern for the specific Olympiad you are targeting. Next, focus on strengthening your fundamental mathematical concepts from your school curriculum. Once your basics are clear, begin practising with previous years' question papers to familiarise yourself with the types of problems asked. Finally, develop a consistent study schedule that includes both concept revision and timed problem-solving.

2. What is the typical difficulty level of a Maths Olympiad compared to regular school exams?

Maths Olympiad exams are significantly more challenging than regular school exams. While school exams primarily test your understanding and application of textbook concepts, Olympiads assess your logical reasoning, analytical abilities, and non-routine problem-solving skills. The questions are designed to be complex and often require creative thinking and the application of multiple concepts to arrive at a solution, going beyond direct formula application.

3. Does the Maths Olympiad syllabus only cover my school (CBSE/NCERT) topics?

No, the Maths Olympiad syllabus, while based on the foundational concepts of the school curriculum, extends much further. It includes Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions and often incorporates advanced topics not explicitly covered in the regular NCERT/CBSE syllabus, such as:

  • Advanced algebra
  • Number theory
  • Combinatorics
  • Complex geometry

Success requires not just knowing the school syllabus but mastering its application in unfamiliar and complex scenarios.

4. What are the most effective strategies to maximise my score in the Maths Olympiad?

To maximise your score, focus on strategy over simple memorisation. Key strategies include:

  • Conceptual Clarity: Prioritise a deep understanding of concepts over rote learning formulas.
  • Consistent Practice: Solve a wide variety of problems daily to build speed and accuracy.
  • Time Management: Practice solving mock tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam environment.
  • Mistake Analysis: After each test, thoroughly analyse your mistakes to identify weak areas and avoid repeating them.
  • Selective Answering: Learn to identify and attempt easier questions first to secure marks before tackling more complex problems.

5. What are the most common mistakes students make when preparing for the Maths Olympiad?

A common mistake is focusing solely on solving very difficult problems while neglecting the fundamentals. Many students also fall into the trap of memorising solutions instead of understanding the underlying logic. Other frequent errors include poor time management during the exam, not practising with enough previous years' papers, and failing to maintain a consistent study routine, leading to last-minute cramming.

6. What kind of study materials are best for Olympiad preparation besides school textbooks?

While school textbooks build your foundation, you need specialised resources for Olympiad-level preparation. The best materials include dedicated Olympiad preparation books that cover advanced topics and problem-solving techniques. Additionally, using online platforms for mock test series and solving a large bank of previous years' question papers is crucial for understanding the exam's pattern and difficulty.

7. Why is it important to start Maths Olympiad preparation early?

Starting early provides a significant advantage because Olympiad success is built on a deep, intuitive understanding of mathematics, not just last-minute learning. An early start allows you to build a strong conceptual foundation, gradually develop a problem-solving mindset, and cover the extensive syllabus without feeling rushed. It transforms preparation from a stressful task into a habit of analytical thinking.

8. How does developing problem-solving skills for the Olympiad help in the long run?

The skills developed for the Maths Olympiad offer lifelong benefits far beyond the exam itself. The rigorous training enhances your analytical and logical reasoning, which is critical for success in future competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and others. It also builds mental resilience, improves your ability to approach complex problems systematically, and fosters a deeper appreciation for mathematics, which is valuable in many STEM-related careers.