HBCSE – Mathematical Olympiad

Stages of Mathematical Olympiad

On behalf of the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM) of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) Government of India, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) organizes the Mathematical Olympiad programme. This programme leads to the participation of Indian students at International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). One of the major initiatives undertaken by the NBHM, main purpose of this exam is to spot mathematical talent among pre-university students in the country.

All over the country 25 regions have been designated and each assigned a Regional Coordinator (RC) for the selection and training of students for Olympiad contest. . Three groups (Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathana (KVS) appoints a ‘Regional Coordinator’ each. The Mathematical Olympiad programme is of six stages.

Stage 1:

At first stage examination is the Pre-Regional Mathematical Olympiad (PRMO). It is a two and half hour examination with 30 questions. The answer to every question is a single-digit or a two-digit number and will need to be marked on a machine-readable OMR response sheet. The PRMO question paper will be conducted in English and Hindi languages.

Any query regarding PRMO may be solved by email to mtaprmo@gmail.com. Generally, queries will not be replied individually. FAQ section covers a lot of information though.

Stage 2:

The Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) is the second stage of this contest.  RMO is a three-hour examination with six problems. The RMOs are being conducted in English, Hindi and other regional languages as deemed appropriate by the respective Regional Coordinators. The problems involve a high level of difficulty, understanding, logical thinking and sophistication.

Stage 3:

Approximately 900 best-performing students from the RMO qualify for the third stage – the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO). The INMO is organized on the third Sunday of January at 28 centres across the whole country.

Stage 4:

Approximately top 35 students from the INMO qualifies for the fourth stage, the International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC). IMOTC held at HBCSE from April to May. At this camp, guidance and mentorship is provided to students for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Students are mainly trained in developing conceptual foundations and problem-solving skills. Several selection tests are being conducted during this camp. Six students are selected to represent India at the IMO on the basis of performance in these tests. Best academicians and mentors from different institutions across the country are invited to the training camps.

Stage 5:

The selected team is given rigorous training for the subject for about 8-10 days at HBCSE prior to its departure for the IMO.

Stage 6:

The students are accompanied by 4 teachers or mentors at this stage. The Olympiad programme ends with the participation of the Indian students in the IMO.

Eligibility for Olympiad

Candidates studying in Class 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 and born on or after August 1, 2002  are eligible. The candidates must be Indian citizens. Students with OCI cards are eligible to write the PRMO on provision basis which is subject to conditions as explained below:

According to the orders of the Madras High Court, students of OCI status will not be eligible for selection in the Indian team for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). These students are provisionally eligible for selection at all prior stages i.e. up to and including the IMOTC provided they fulfil all other criteria. This policy can be revised without prior information which depends on any further orders issued by the courts, or by a competent Government authority.

It is student’s responsibility to determine if she/he satisfies the eligibility criteria and conditions for each stage of the Mathematical Olympiads. At any stage, if student does not meet the eligibility norms, she/he may face immediate disqualification from the programme.

Enrolment

Students willing to participate in the International mathematical Olympiads have to appear in the first stage examination, the Pre-Regional Mathematical Olympiad (PRMO).

Students with INMO awards, INMO Merit award, and the candidates who have represented India in the International Olympiad are exempted from the first stage and second stage – PRMO and RMO. They can directly appear for INMO of the following year.

Before enrolling for PRMO, student must check if they satisfy the eligibility criteria.

Mathematics Teachers Association (India) (MTA(I) conducts the PRMO. For enrolment candidate should visit their website: https://www.mtai.org.in/.

All queries concerning PRMO shall be sent to the Chief Examination Co-ordinator, MTA by email at mtaprmo@gmail.com.

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