Thousands of school students with a passion for mathematics can now begin their journey towards India’s most prestigious mathematics competitions. The Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) has opened registrations for the Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM) 2026, the first stage of the country’s Mathematical Olympiad programme.The examination will be conducted on September 6, 2026, and will serve as the screening test for students seeking to advance to higher stages of the Olympiad system. Applications can be submitted through the official IOQM portal.For many students, the examination is more than just another test. It is the starting point of a highly competitive academic route that has produced some of India’s finest young mathematicians and represented the country at international mathematics contests.
Registration schedule released
HBCSE has announced a detailed timeline for the registration process. Centre registration began on June 1 and will remain open until June 26, 2026. Student enrolment through registered centres will continue until July 25.Students eligible for direct online registration can complete their enrolment from June 29 to July 25, 2026. Candidates have been advised to complete the process before the deadline to avoid last-minute difficulties.
Who can apply?
The examination is open to students studying in Classes 8 to 12. To be eligible, candidates must be born between August 1, 2007, and July 31, 2014. They must be eligible to hold an Indian passport and should have been residing and studying in India since 2024.OCI cardholders may also appear for the examination, subject to prevailing court orders and conditions related to international representation.Candidates must not have qualified for or be scheduled to appear in the Class 12 board examination before October 30, 2026. They should also not have started, or plan to start, studies at a university or equivalent institution before June 1, 2027.
How to register
Applications for this examination can be made from the official website of IOQM and choosing the right option of enrolment.Depending upon the eligibility criteria, students may enrol themselves through authorised centres or may make direct application from their own end.This would include furnishing all the details, uploading of the required documents, payment of the fee and filling the application form. After submitting the application successfully, students must keep a copy of the acknowledgment.
What would the examination test?
The syllabus is mainly based on the NCERT Mathematics covered by the students in classes 8 to 12. However, this examination covers a lot more than what is taught in classrooms.Algebra, Geometry, Combinatorics, and Number Theory are some of the areas which are to be known by the students in great detail.
