The Science Olympiad Foundation hosts the International Mathematics Olympiad, a mathematics competition. The SOF IMO is a test that assesses students’ mathematical understanding and potential. Students who take part in the IMO can compare their grasp of the subject and abilities to solve various types of problems with their classmates at the school, city, zonal, and worldwide levels. The International Maths Olympiad provides students with self-assessment as well as a variety of rewards and scholarships for high scorers. The International Maths Olympiad is normally held in the second half of the year by the SOF. Set A, Set B, Set C, and Set D are the four sets or sessions of the SOF IMO. Set A is held on the 4th week of December, Set B is held on the 1st week of January, Set C is held on the 4th week of January, and Set D is held on the 2nd week of February. There is no better way to put one’s problem-solving talents to the test than to compete in international tournaments. IMO the last year’s papers for Class 8 assisted students in preparing for competitive level exams such as Olympiads by exposing them to patterns outside of the high-school curriculum. Students may be unfamiliar with international competitions, but completing these sample papers will provide them with the thinking abilities they need to solve difficult-to-solve problems in real-world situations. It also teaches students how to solve issues in timed scenarios, evaluate how long it takes them to answer questions, determine their weakest subject areas, and prepare them for the upcoming exam.
The patterns of Exam
International Olympiad Exam consists of Two-level:
Level 1: The exam is given to students in grades 1 through 12. The test lasts 60 minutes. Students in Classes 1 to 4 must attempt 35 Objective-type (Multiple Choice Questions), whereas students in Classes 5 to 12 must attempt 50 Objective-type (Multiple Choice Questions).
Level 2: Students in Classes 3 to 12 participate in the second level of the SOF IMO. For the IMO Level 2 exam, the following students are considered qualified:
- When ten or more students from a class attempt Level 1 and receive a minimum aggregate of 50 per cent, the class topper is determined.
- The top 25 rank holders from each class and zone are considered at the zone/state level.
- At the worldwide level, only the top 5% of candidates in each class who appear in Level 1 are considered.
Requirement Criteria:
The SOF has established the following eligibility criteria for participating in the International Mathematics Olympiad:
- The International Maths Olympiad is open to students in grades 1 through 12.
- If their school is unable to participate, students may register separately.
Awards Given to the Students:
- In Level 1 (zonal) the students whose rank is from 1st to 25th are awarded Certificate of Distinction and Medal of Distinction (only for students from Classes 3 to 8). And from 26th onwards students are awarded certificates only.
- In level 2 (zonal) the student whose rank is 1st get a Certificate of Zonal Excellence, Gold Medal, Gift worth INR 1000/-each
- In level 2 (zonal) the student whose rank is 2nd get a Certificate of Zonal Excellence, Silver Medal, Gift worth INR 1000/-each
- In level 2 (zonal) the student whose rank is 3rd get a Certificate of Zonal Excellence, Bronze Medal, Gift worth INR 1000/-each
- In level 2 (zonal) the student whose rank is from 4th to 10th get a Medal of Distinction, Gift worth INR 500/-each, Certificate of Distinction (only for Classes 1 & 2)
- In level 2 (zonal) the student whose rank is from 11th to 25th gets the Medal of Distinction, Certificate of Distinction (only for Classes 1 & 2).
- And from 26th onwards students gets only a participation certificate.
Awards in International Level
- In level 2 (International) the student whose rank is 1st get a Gold Medal, Certificate of Outstanding Performance, and INR 50,000 each
- In level 2 (International) the student whose rank is 2nd gets a Silver Medal, Certificate of Outstanding Performance, INR 25,000 each.
- In level 2 (International) the student whose rank is 3rd gets a Bronze Medal, Certificate of Outstanding Performance, and INR 10,000 each.
Process of Selection:
In the event of the Level 2 tests, the IMO selection process comes into action. For the IMO selection procedure for the 2nd level Olympiad tests, the following criteria have been established:
- Students in Class 3 and uptake the IMO test at the second level.
- The best 5% of students in each class are chosen for the 2nd Level IMO exams based on their Level 1 exam scores.
- In terms of exam marks, different portions are given equal weight.
- In the selection procedure, the top 25 rank holders (zone-wise) from each class are considered qualified.
Advantages of IMO Exam
Advantages of IMO Exam are given
- Olympiad exams give a competitive arena for young pupils to become accustomed to the milieu of any future competitive exam.
- Taking Olympiad tests in a variety of core disciplines assesses a student’s ability in that subject as well as his or her understanding of key concepts. Olympiad questions are designed to assess a student’s knowledge of subjects and advanced ideas.
- Olympiad tests increase your self-esteem and motivate you to achieve your goals. These tests also help parents recognize their children’s genuine abilities. These types of examinations are vital in bringing out the best in students and encouraging them to work harder to achieve their goals.
- Questions from the Olympiad Being perplexing and concept-oriented aids pupils in learning any subject thoroughly. It also introduces kids to subjects that may not be included in the school curriculum.
- Olympiad exams set the tone for national competitive tests such as IIT JEE, NEET, and other similar exams. Exams for Olympiads are quite competitive. The analytical, reasoning and problem-solving abilities of pupils are tested in these tests. As a result, if students want to appear in such exams in the future, they should take the Olympiad exam.
You can also refer to IMO Class 8 2014 Question Paper.