Overview
The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is the world's leading mathematics competition for school students. Its stated aims are to discover and challenge mathematically gifted young people in all countries, to build friendly relations between mathematicians worldwide, to exchange information on school syllabuses and to promote mathematics generally.
Who can take part
Participation is by invitation only. Each invited country, or in exceptional cases a territory, may send up to six contestants, a Leader and a Deputy Leader.
Contestants should be selected through the country's national mathematical olympiad or an equivalent selection programme.
A contestant must have been born on or after 1 July in the year that is 20 years before the year of the IMO.
A contestant must have been in full-time primary or secondary education on or after 1 December of the previous year. A home-schooled student must not hold a high-school diploma or equivalent and must be working toward one on 1 December.
Contestants should normally be citizens of the country they represent. Long-term foreign residents may be allowed if they have spent at least one full academic year in that country's education system and will spend at least two years in full-time education there before leaving secondary school.
A student may not attempt the final selection examinations of more than one country in a given IMO year.
Exam pattern
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Days | Two consecutive days |
| Papers | One paper per day, three problems each (six problems in total) |
| Time | Four and a half hours per day |
| Work | Done individually, with answers written in the contestant's own language |
| Permitted items | Writing and drawing instruments such as rulers and compasses only |
Books, notes, tables, calculators, protractors, computers and communication devices are not allowed. Contestants may receive the problems in up to three languages, at least one of which must be an official language. The official languages are English, French, German, Russian and Spanish.
Marking and prizes
A first, second or third prize is awarded to individual contestants. The total number of prizes must not exceed half of the contestants unless two thirds of the Jury approve, and first, second and third prizes should be roughly in the ratio 1:2:3.
A contestant without a prize receives a Certificate of Honourable Mention if they scored seven points on at least one problem.
Special prizes may be awarded for outstanding solutions.
Every participant and observer receives a Certificate of Participation.
Costs
The Host Organisation covers official expenses for participants and observers, including accommodation, meals and local transport between the official sites. Travel to and from the host country, and insurance, are not covered; participants must hold accident, health and travel insurance.
How to take part
Students cannot enter directly. Take part in your country's national mathematical olympiad. The national team Leader then confirms participation online for the invited country.
Preparation tips
Practise olympiad-level problems in algebra, geometry, combinatorics and number theory.
Work through past IMO papers, which are published on the official site.
Practise writing complete, rigorous proofs within the time limit.
Can I register for the IMO myself?
No. Participation is by invitation to countries. Students join through their national olympiad and selection programme.
Is the IMO taken remotely?
Only in cases of force majeure, such as war or natural disaster. The regulations allow no other exception.