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IMO Class 12 syllabus

The IMO Class 12 syllabus for 2026-27, subject by subject: 36 topics to work through. On SkillStar, Class 12 children also get 6 mock tests marked instantly and sample papers to download.

Class
Class 12 (Grade 12)
Syllabus years
2026-27
Topics
36
Mock tests
6
Downloads
3

IMO Class 12 syllabus 2026-27

Logical Reasoning

  • Verbal Reasoning: Reasoning with words, letters and numbers, for example series, codes and analogies.
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning: Reasoning with pictures and figures, for example patterns, mirror images and hidden shapes.

Mathematical Reasoning (Mathematics)

  • Relations and Functions: Types of relations and functions, including one-one and onto.
  • Inverse Trigonometric Functions: Inverses of sine, cosine and tangent and their properties.
  • Matrices: Arrays of numbers and the operations on them.
  • Determinants: Values linked to square matrices, used to solve equations.
  • Continuity and Differentiability: When a function is smooth and how to differentiate it.
  • Application of Derivatives: Using derivatives for rates of change, maxima and minima.
  • Integrals: Integration as reverse differentiation and methods to integrate.
  • Application of Integrals: Finding areas under curves using integration.
  • Differential Equations: Equations involving derivatives and how to solve simple ones.
  • Vector Algebra: Quantities with size and direction, and vector products.
  • Three Dimensional Geometry: Lines and angles in 3-D space.
  • Linear Programming: Finding the best value of a quantity under given limits.
  • Probability: Conditional probability, Bayes' theorem and distributions.

Mathematical Reasoning (Applied Mathematics option)

  • Numbers, Quantification and Numerical Applications: Practical number work such as modular arithmetic and mixtures.
  • Solutions of Simultaneous Linear Equations: Solving several equations together, including by matrices.
  • Matrices: Matrix operations used in applied problems.
  • Determinants: Determinant values and their uses.
  • Application of Derivatives: Rates of change and optimisation in business and economics.
  • Integration: Methods of integration.
  • Application of Integrations: Using integration for areas and applied totals.
  • Differential Equations: Forming and solving simple differential equations.
  • Probability: Probability and distributions for real decisions.
  • Inferential Statistics: Drawing conclusions about a population from sample data.
  • Index Numbers: Measuring changes in prices or quantities over time.
  • Time-Based Data: Analysing data collected over time to spot trends.
  • Financial Mathematics: Loans, annuities, investments and depreciation.
  • Linear Programming: Optimising a result under constraints.

Everyday Mathematics

  • Maths in daily life: Quantitative aptitude: number, percentage and data problems set in everyday situations.

Achievers Section

  • Matrices and Determinants: Challenging matrix and determinant problems.
  • Application of Derivatives: Harder rate-of-change and maxima/minima questions.
  • Integration and its Applications: Multi-step integration and area problems.
  • Differential Equations: Tougher differential equation questions.
  • Linear Programming: Demanding optimisation problems.
  • Probability: Multi-step probability problems.

About the IMO exam

How the exam works

Mode: Offline, objective multiple-choice paper held in school during school hours; each exam date has its own paper. · Levels: Level 1: Classes 1-12, held in the student's own school. Level 2: Classes 3-12 only; qualifiers are the class-wise top 5% internationally, the top 25 per zone per class, and school class toppers (where at least 10 students of that class sat the exam and the topper scored at least 50%). Level 1 questions are about 60% from the current class syllabus and 40% from the previous class; the Achievers Section and all of Level 2 use the current class syllabus only. · Duration: 60 minutes · Questions: Level 1: Classes 1-4 have 35 questions (Logical Reasoning 10, Mathematical Reasoning 10, Everyday Mathematics 10, Achievers 5). Classes 5-12 have 50 questions (Logical Reasoning 15, Mathematical Reasoning 20, Everyday Mathematics 10, Achievers 5); for Classes 11-12 the Mathematical Reasoning section has a Mathematics or an Applied Mathematics syllabus. Level 2: Classes 3-4 have 30 Mathematics + 5 Achievers; Classes 5-10 have 45 Mathematics + 5 Achievers; Classes 11-12 have 25 Mathematics + 20 Mathematical Reasoning/Applied Mathematics + 5 Achievers. · Marking: 1 mark per question except the Achievers Section: 2 marks each for Classes 1-4 (40 marks in total) and 3 marks each for Classes 5-12 (60 marks in total). SOF's published pattern does not mention negative marking. Ties are broken by section priority: Achievers first, then Mathematical Reasoning, Everyday Mathematics, Logical Reasoning. · Language: English only

How to register

Only through the child's school: the school registers with SOF and sends the student forms, usually at least 30 days before its chosen exam date. Individual registrations are not accepted. Fee: Rs 170 per student per Olympiad incl. GST (India, Bhutan, Nepal), and schools may collect up to Rs 30 extra; US$11 elsewhere.

When it happens

Next Level 1 school dates: 26 November and 10 December 2026. Earlier dates (23 October 2026) have passed. Each school chooses one date; a future exam date does not mean registration is still open. SOF asks schools to submit registrations at least 30 days before their selected date. Level 2 is for qualifying Classes 3–12 only; SOF plans to announce the exact date by December 2026 and provisionally indicates the second or third Sunday of February 2027. This is tentative, not a confirmed exam date. Results are normally available within about 8 weeks. Status checked 1 November 2026; times are IST.

Previous-year paper collection for Class 12

SOF lists a five-year IMO Level 1 eBook for this class. Purchase and a publisher account are required to download. This link opens the official collection; it is not a question-paper attachment.

IMO syllabus for other classes

IMO: guides for parents

Everything about IMO →

IMO Class 12: questions parents ask

What is in the IMO Class 12 syllabus for 2026-27?
36 topics in Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning (Mathematics), Mathematical Reasoning (Applied Mathematics option), Everyday Mathematics and Achievers Section, laid out subject by subject on this page. On SkillStar your child can tick off each topic as they learn it.
Are there IMO Class 12 mock tests on SkillStar?
Yes, 6 mock tests. Each one is marked the moment your child finishes, with a question-by-question review, and can be taken again as often as they like.
Can I download IMO Class 12 papers?
Yes. The IMO Downloads tab on SkillStar has 3 files for this class.
How does my child start IMO Class 12 practice?
Sign up free as a parent, add your child with their class, and pick IMO from the exam list. Every new family gets welcome credits, lots of content costs nothing, and anything paid shows its price in credits before you decide.
Is SkillStar the official IMO website?
No. SkillStar is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the organisers of these exams. Exam names belong to their respective owners. Check dates, fees and registration with the IMO organisers.

SkillStar is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the organisers of these exams. Exam names belong to their respective owners.

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