Selection for IMO is through International Mathematics Olympiad National Selection Test.

Official IMONST website

Official IMO website

Selection Process

The IMONST is the competition used in Malaysia to shortlist contestants. After two rounds of IMONST, the top 60 contestants will be invited to selection camps and regional olympiads (Asian Pacific Mathematical Olympiad and Tournament of Towns). The top 6 contestants will be selected to the IMO.

1. IMONST 1 (August)
2. IMONST 2 (September)
3. BIMO 1 (November/December) (~60 participants)
4. BIMO 2 (December/January) (~60 participants)
5. BIMO 3 (February/March) (~24 Participants)
6. APMO (March) (~24 Participants, only 10 official participants)
7. BIMO 4 (March/April) (~12 Participants)
8. TOT (Spring) (~12 Participants)
9. IMO (July)

Introduction

The International Mathematical Olympiad is an annual mathematical olympiad for high school students and is the oldest International Science Olympiad. It is first held in Romania in 1959. IMO is usually held alternatively between eastern and western countries, although this is not often the case.

Format

The contest consists of six problems, each worth seven points for a maximum of 42 points. It is held over two consecutive days, each day having 4.5 hours to solve three problems.

The problems may be classified into Algebra, Combinatorics, Geometry and Number Theory. Calculus is never required but may be useful in solving certain problems. Stationeries, including compasses and rulers, are allowed, but calculators and protractors are not allowed.

Eligibility

You must be human, at least 0 years old, and be less than 20 years old on the day of the second contest paper (normally in July). Contestants must not be registered at any tertiary institution. Subject to these conditions, contestants can participate any number of times.

Learning Materials

These are free online reading materials suitable for beginners that have a fairly decent knowledge of high school maths.

1. Junior Problem Seminar by Dr David A. SANTOS
2. A Beautiful Journey Through Olympiad Geometry by Stefan Lozanovski

Recommended books:

1. Four volumes of Basic of Math Olympiad by Suhaimi Ramly are available for purchase here.
2. Euclidean Geometry in Mathematical Olympiads by Evan Chen

Other links

Malaysia and the IMO, presentation

If you are an IMO alumnus, you can help us complete this page by registering first. Thank you.

What is IMO? Talk by Dr. Muhammad Syafiq Johar