Over 1 Lakh Students Appeared for IOQM 2024-25: Class-Wise Statistics
The Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM) continues to stand as a beacon for mathematical talent across India. The IOQM 2024-25 exam, conducted on September 3, 2024, saw a huge participation of 1,07,936 students from across the country.
This staggering number not only reflects the increasing interest among school students in competitive mathematics but also highlights the importance of mathematical Olympiads as a stepping stone toward advanced problem-solving and STEM careers.
🔢 Class-Wise Participation in IOQM 2024-25
| Class | No. of Students Appeared |
|---|---|
| Class 8 | 15366 |
| Class 9 | 25078 |
| Class 10 | 28353 |
| Class 11 | 22194 |
| Class 12 | 16945 |
| Total | 107936 |
Why IOQM Matters ?
IOQM (Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics) is more than just a math exam—it’s the gateway to India’s prestigious Mathematical Olympiad program, which identifies and nurtures mathematically gifted students.What sets IOQM apart is:
- It is rigorously structured to test deep conceptual understanding, not just procedural knowledge.
- It is the only path to qualify for advanced stages like RMO, INMO, and ultimately, the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
- It enables students to represent India internationally and get mentorship from some of the finest mathematicians in the country.
- Recognition in these stages can boost college applications, open doors to research institutions, and even scholarships.
Success in IOQM can lead students through a rewarding journey that includes:
- RMO (Regional Mathematical Olympiad) – A deeper test of mathematical aptitude.
- INMO (Indian National Mathematical Olympiad) – National-level recognition.
- IMOTC (International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp) – A pathway to represent India at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
🏛️ Role of MTA and HBCSE
Mathematics Teachers' Association (India) – MTA(I)
MTA is a national-level organization formed by passionate math educators, with the goal of promoting excellence in mathematics at all school levels. MTA is responsible for organizing the IOQM. Its mission is to create an ecosystem where problem-solving thrives in classrooms across the country
Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE)
HBCSE, under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), is India’s national center for Olympiads in mathematics, science, and astronomy. HBCSE takes over after IOQM and manages the rest of the Olympiad stages — RMO, INMO, and IMOTC. It’s also the nodal agency for selecting Indian teams for international competitions like IMO, EGMO, and APMO.
Journey After IOQM: How Students Progress
The Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM) serves as the initial step in India’s Mathematical Olympiad Programme, designed to identify and nurture mathematical talent across the nation. Following IOQM, students advance through successive stages, each progressively more challenging and prestigious.
1. Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO)
The RMO is the second stage, typically conducted in November. It is a three-hour descriptive examination focusing on areas such as number theory, combinatorics, geometry, and algebra. In 2024, approximately 6,700 students qualified from IOQM to participate in RMO. The list of qualified students is available in the official RMO 2024 Non-Provisional Student List (PDF).
2. Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO)
Students who perform well in RMO are invited to the INMO, the third stage, usually held in January or February. INMO is a 4.5-hour examination consisting of six proof-based questions that assess deep mathematical understanding and creativity. For the 2025 cycle, 1,099 students were selected to appear for INMO. The results are published on the HBCSE Olympiad website.
3. International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC)
Top performers from INMO are selected for the IMOTC, the fourth stage, which provides intensive training and evaluation. The IMOTC 2025 is scheduled to be held at the Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI), Chennai, from May 7 to May 31, 2025 . During this camp, students undergo rigorous training in advanced mathematical concepts and problem-solving techniques. Approximately 70 students are selected for IMOTC, where they are mentored by experienced faculty and previous Olympiad participants. The camp also includes selection tests to determine the final team representing India at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). The list of students selected for IMOTC 2025 can be found on the HBCSE website.HBCSE Olympiads.
India sends a team of six students to represent the country at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
🌍 Understanding the Global Stage
What is the IMO (International Mathematical Olympiad)?
The IMO is the most prestigious international competition in mathematics for high school students. Over 100 countries participate each year. Representing India in the IMO is considered one of the highest academic honors for a school student.
What is the APMO (Asia Pacific Mathematical Olympiad)?
The Asia Pacific Mathematics Olympiad is an annual contest hosted for students in Asia and Oceania regions. It is invitational and based on INMO performance. APMO tests similar depth as the IMO and gives early international exposure to Indian students.
- In 2024, India ranked 7th globally.
- Students earned 1 Gold, 2 Silver, 4 Bronze, and 3 Honourable Mentions.
🔗 View Country Report
What is the EGMO (European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad)?
The EGMO encourages girls in mathematics and helps bridge the gender gap in math competitions. Though started in Europe, India has been sending participants since 2015.
At EGMO 2024 in Georgia, Indian students won 2 Silver and 2 Bronze medals, showing the rising strength of girls in competitive math.
🔗 EGMO 2024 India Team
🌍 India's Performance in International Mathematics Olympiads 2024
🏆 65th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2024
India achieved its best-ever performance at the 65th IMO held in Bath, United Kingdom, securing 4 Gold medals, 1 Silver medal, and 1 Honourable Mention. The Times of India
Team Members and Awards:
Adhitya Mangudy Venkata Ganesh – Gold Medal
Ananda Bhaduri – Gold Medal
Kanav Talwar – Gold Medal
Rushil Mathur – Gold Medal
Arjun Gupta – Silver Medal
Siddharth Choppara – Honourable Mention
Looking Ahead: IOQM 2025–26
With the 2024–25 cycle witnessing impressive participation nationwide, the upcoming IOQM 2025–26 promises to take India’s Math Olympiad journey even further. The IOQM registration 2025–26 is expected to open by June–July 2025, welcoming students from Classes 8 to 12 who meet the official eligibility guidelines. The IOQM exam will be held in offline mode (sept 1st week), featuring a 3-hour paper with 30 questions, focused on conceptual understanding and problem-solving across topics included in the IOQM syllabus—such as algebra, number theory, geometry, and combinatorics. Students aspiring to move forward to RMO, INMO, and ultimately the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) should begin their preparation early. For updates and official announcements related to IOQM 2025,please visit MTA(I) website.
Source: The data and statistics presented in this article are based on official records and documents obtained from the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE).
