The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2026 — the 67th edition of the world’s most prestigious mathematics competition for pre-university students — is scheduled to be held in Shanghai, China in July 2026. articipation in IMO is not through direct registration by students; instead, national olympiad bodies manage selection based on performance in a sequence of qualifying examinations and camps.
IMO 2026 Key Dates and Schedule Overview
The main international rounds of IMO 2026 will take place over several days in July 2026 at the host city, where teams representing various countries compete in challenging proof-based mathematics problems. However, students aiming to qualify for the Indian team — and other national contingents — must progress through a series of national olympiad stages earlier in the year
- IOQM (Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics): The first major qualifying exam in India. Successful students advance to the next round.
- RMO (Regional Mathematics Olympiad): Candidates who clear IOQM are eligible for RMO.
- INMO (Indian National Mathematical Olympiad): Students qualifying from RMO take the INMO. )
- Training and Selection Camps: Top performers from INMO attend training camps — often including the International Mathematics Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC).
- IMO Final Exam: The best six students are selected for the national team and compete at IMO 2026 in July.
How National Selection Works?
The IMO selection pathway in India typically begins with school-level or zonal exams, moving to the IOQM, followed by RMO and then INMO. Students who succeed at INMO are usually invited to a training and selection camp where further evaluation determines the final team members. This process ensures strong preparation for the challenging international contest. Since the IMO is an international competition, the registration process is not individual; it is conducted by the official national bodies (such as the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education in India). Aspirants must therefore perform well in each preceding national stage to secure a spot for IMO 2026.
Preparation and Participation Tips
Preparing for IMO 2026 requires:
- Deep understanding of advanced mathematical topics beyond standard school curricula.
- Regular practice with proof-based problems similar to those featured in national and international olympiads.
- Familiarity with problems from past IOQM, RMO, INMO and IMO papers.
Many students begin preparation years in advance, using specialised books, mentoring programmes and previous olympiad problems to develop problem-solving skills suited for the competition.
What Comes After IMO 2026?
Following the July 2026 event, participating countries will usually release results and rankings, and many students who perform well receive recognition and opportunities for further academic advancement. Representing one’s country at IMO also enhances academic profiles and can benefit future studies and careers in mathematics and related fields