Note
The Ministry of Education and Skills Development site could not be read when this page was reviewed, so the details below come from national news reports and the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) site. No competition published under the exact name "Bhutan Mathematical Olympiad" was found; this page covers the national maths competition and selection route Bhutan uses to choose its IMO team.
Overview
Bhutan picks its olympiad mathematicians through a national programme run by the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD). The main national competition is the HRH Gyalsey Annual Mathematics Award, a joint initiative of the MoESD and the Druk Gyalpo's Institute, started in 2022. BBS reported that Bhutan's first IMO team, in 2024, was chosen from the winners of this competition and then coached before the olympiad.
Bhutan first took part in the IMO in 2024, and the IMO site lists Bhutanese teams in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Who can apply
The Gyalsey Mathematics Award is open to school students at two levels:
Middle secondary: classes 9 and 10.
Higher secondary: classes 11 and 12.
Exam pattern
The Gyalsey Mathematics Award is a national written mathematics test held at each level. For the 2023 cycle, the test was held on 13 November 2023 and lasted 1.5 hours, from 2:30 to 4:00 pm.
For the round used to pick the first IMO team, BBS reported that about 200 students took part and were tested on analytical skills and solving complex problems. Six winners were identified, and five met the international requirements.
Marking and results
The top three students at each level are named winners. Awards are presented each year on the birthday of HRH Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck; the 2023 awards were scheduled for 5 February 2024.
In the 2023 cycle, 1,927 middle secondary students and 1,066 higher secondary students took part.
After the exam
Students selected for the IMO team receive extra training. Before the 2024 IMO, BBS reported that the MoESD's STEM and Innovation Division arranged three weeks of coaching in Gelephu with three MIT students, as well as sessions at The Royal Academy in Pangbisa, Paro. Five students represented Bhutan at that first IMO.
According to the IMO results page, Bhutan scored 8 points in 2024, 4 points in 2025 and 8 points in 2026, without medals so far.
Preparation tips
Practise problem-solving beyond the school syllabus, since olympiad questions test reasoning rather than routine methods.
BBS reports a volunteer initiative, Olympiad Mathematics, Bhutan, that posts monthly olympiad-level problems for Bhutanese students up to class 12, with a 500 ngultrum prize for top entries.
Ask your school mathematics teachers how your school takes part in the Gyalsey Mathematics Award.
How are Bhutan's IMO team members chosen?
Through the national mathematics olympiad programme run by the MoESD. For the first team in 2024, students were chosen from the winners of the HRH Gyalsey Math Award competition and then coached.
Which classes can take part in the Gyalsey Mathematics Award?
Classes 9 and 10 at middle secondary level, and classes 11 and 12 at higher secondary level.
Since when has Bhutan taken part in the IMO?
Since 2024. Bhutan also sent teams in 2025 and 2026.