Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO)- Eligibility Criteria, Important Dates, Syllabus, Recommended Books, and Online Preparation Assistance
Mathematical Olympiads are organized to identify the capabilities and potential of pre-university students. Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) held in India is the first stage out of the six stages for an Indian student to represent India in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)- the world championship mathematics competition for high school students.
Those students who clear the first step, i.e, RMO exam, are eligible to appear for the next round which is Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO). INMO is conducted by the Mathematical Olympiad (MO) cell of the Homi Bhabha Centre of the Science Education (HBCSE) under the aegis of the National Board of Higher Mathematics (NBHM).
The National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM) formed by the Atomic Energy Department targets developing problem-solving abilities in students. It also provides financial aid to establish centers for the same purpose and encourage doctoral and post-doctoral scholars, and researchers.
There are 25 regions all over the country for which regional coordinator is assigned to take care of the training and selection of students for Olympiad. Additionally, three groups- CBSE, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan too have a regional coordinator each. The Mathematical Olympiad encompasses six stages-
Stage 1- Pre-regional Mathematical Olympiad
Pre-regional Mathematical Olympiad (PRMO) Is the first stage of the examination. Two and a half hours are allocated to finish 30 questions in the exam. The answer to each question is either a single digit number or a two-digit number and needs to be marked on OMR sheet. The PRMO question paper will be in English and Hindi.
Stage 2- Regional Mathematical Olympiad
Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) is the second stage of the examination which is conducted in English, Hindi, and other regional languages as deemed appropriate by the respective Regional Coordinators. There are six problems which need to be solved within three-hour duration. The problems under each topic have a high level of difficulty and sophistication.
Stage 3- Indian National Mathematical Olympiad
The students who get selected in RMO (almost 900) qualify for the third stage which is the INMO. The INMO is conducted on the third Sunday of January at 28 centers across the country.
Stage 4- IMO Training Camp
The shortlisted students from the INMO, approximately 35, make it to the fourth stage, IMOTC, which is held at HBSCE from April to May.
The camp is organized to help students strengthen the conceptual foundations and problem-solving skills for IMO Exam.
Multiple tests are conducted to analyze the performance of students and select six of them to represent India at the IMO.
Stage 5- Pre-departure Camp
The selected team of students undergo a stringent training program for nearly 8-10 days at HBCSE prior to its departure for the IMO.
Stage 6- International Olympiad
The Olympiad program reaches its climax with the participation of various students’ team representing their countries in the IMO. The students’ team are accompanied by 4 teachers.
Eligibility
Only students of class IX, X, XI, and XII are eligible to participate in Regional Mathematical Olympiad. However, regional coordinators have got the discretionary power to allow any class VIII student having the exceptional mathematical talent to appear in the RMO.
Syllabus for Mathematics Olympiads
- As per the eligibility criteria of RMO, syllabus for Mathematics Olympiads (regional, national and international) is for 9th to 12th standard.
- The fundamental areas of problem are number theory, algebra, geometry, and combinatorics.
- The topics covered under these main topics are number systems, geometry, arithmetic of integers,quadratic equations and expressions, coordinate geometry, trigonometry,systems of linear equations, factorisation of polynomials, permutations and combinations,inequalities, probability theory,elementary combinatorics, number theory, complex numbers, elementary graph series, and infinite series.
- The syllabus does not comprise of Calculus and statistics
- Although the syllabus comprises of topics covered from class IX to XII levels, still the level of problems under each topic is exceptionally high as compared to the textbook problems.
- The difficulty level increases with the increase in level, i.e. from RMO to INMO to IMO.
Books Recommended for the Preparation of Olympiads
The following books mentioned comprises of the problems of different difficulty levels to prepare students for Olympiad-
| S.No. |
Book |
Author |
Publication |
| 1 |
Challenge and Thrill of Pre-College Mathematics |
V. Krishnamurthy, C. R. Pranesachar, K. N. Ranganathan and B. J. Venkatachala |
New Age International Publishers |
| 2 |
Mathematical Challenges from the Olympiads* |
C. R. Pranesachar, S. A. Shirali, B. J. Venkatachala, and C. S. Yogananda |
Prism Books Pvt. Ltd. |
| 3 |
Problem Primer for the Olympiad |
C. R. Pranesachar, B. J. Venkatachala, and C. S. Yogananda |
PrismBooks Pvt. Ltd., #1865, 32nd. Cross, BSK IIStage, Bangalore 560070. or 49,SardarSankar Road, Kolkata700029. Phone:24633890/24633944. |
| 4 |
An Excursion in Mathematics |
M. R. Modak, S. A. Katre, V. V. Acharya |
BhaskaracharyaPratisthan, 56/14 Erandavane, Damle Path, Pune 411 004 |
| 5 |
International Mathematical Olympiad, Vol I, 1959-1975 |
IstvanReiman |
Anthem Press (Indian Edition available) |
| 6 |
International Mathematical Olympiad, Vol II, 1976-1990 |
IstvanReiman |
Anthem Press (Indian Edition available) |
| 7 |
International Mathematical Olympiad, Vol III, 1991-2004 |
IstvanReiman |
Anthem Press (Indian Edition available) |
| 8 |
Mathematical Circles |
D. Fomin, S. Genkin& I. Itenberg |
First Reprinted Edition, University Press, New Delhi, 2000 |
| 9 |
Problem-Solving Strategies |
Arthur Engel |
Springer |
| 10 |
A Primer On Number Sequences |
S. A. Shirali |
University Press |
| 11 |
First Steps In Number Theory--- A Primer On Divisibility |
S. A. Shirali |
University Press |
| 12 |
Functional Equations--- A Problem Solving Approach |
B. J. Venkatachala |
Prism Books Pvt. Ltd |
Exam Structure
RMO paper has six to seven problems of Multiple Choice Question pattern that students require to solve within three hours. Candidates should go through the past RMO papers as well its sample papers to get the complete idea of what to be expected in the exam.
Examination Important Dates
Stage-I: RMO (Regional Mathematical Olympiad)
Day of Examination: Second Sunday of October
Time Duration – 3 hours, comprises of 6 subjective problems
Stage-II: INMO (Indian National Mathematical Olympiad)
Day of Examination: Third Sunday of January. It is conducted at 28 centres across the country.
Time duration: 4 hours
Stage-III: IMOTC (International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp)
The top performers in INMO recieve a certificate of merit. They are asked to join a month long training camp ( for junior batch) conducted in May-June. Lectures and problem solving sessions are organized for them. Furthermore, INMO awardees of the previous year who have satisfactorily gone through postal tution throughout the year are invited again for a second round of training, i.e. senior batch.
Stage-IV: IMO (International Mathematical Olympiad)
Month of Examination: July
IMO consists of two written tests each conducted on separate days with atleast gap of one day in between.
Time duration: Each test is of 4½ hours duration.
How BasicFIrst Can Help You Prepare for RMO?
BasicFirst is a pioneer in e-learning space which fulfils all the educational needs of students from grade 6 to 12 and those who are preparing for competitve exams.
RMO can be easily prepared with the help of BasicFirst experienced teachers and mentors. They help you in preparing for RMO exam with up-to-date study material and syllabus as per guidelines issued by the organizer. Not only this, there are doubt-clearing sessions which are organized on a timely basis to wipe all doubts of students and let them work hard on their weak areas.
Additionally, BasicFirst offers other features also to help you with ROM
- Connects students to expert teachers in every nook and corner via chat, call, message, or video as per students’ convenience
- A plethora of sample questions, test papers, mock tests, and quizzes given to students to keep a tab on their performance
- Help students work on their weak areas by organizing doubt clearing sessions regularly
- Affordable and hassle-free learning with our Rent-a-learning tab service
- Up-to-date study material and syllabus provided for helping students focus on important topics and avoid wasting time on not-so-important topics
- Psychometric test and counseling sessions organized to find the interest of students and help them pick best-suited career after 12th
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