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NMONational Maths Olympiad (Mathematics Research Foundation)

Conducting body
Mathematics Research Foundation (MRF), a non-profit organisation — note that several private bodies run exams called "NMO"; this entry covers the most prominent, and none should be confused with the official INMO
Level
national
Frequency
Once a year (Round 1 offered on multiple dates, August–November; Round 2 for qualifiers)
Mode
Round 1: offline MCQ exam at participating schools; Round 2: problem-solving exam at designated venues
Duration
1 hr
Negative marking
Not stated publicly — confirm from the official brochure

About NMO

The National Maths Olympiad conducted by the Mathematics Research Foundation is a private, NCERT-aligned mathematics contest for Classes 1 to 12. It runs in two rounds: an hour-long multiple-choice school round offered on several dates through the academic year, and a written problem-solving national round for students who clear 70% in Round 1 (Classes 3 and above).

Buyers should be careful with the name: "National Mathematics Olympiad" is used by more than one private organiser in India, and none of them is connected to the Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO), the government-backed exam that feeds India’s IMO team. MRF’s NMO is best treated as practice and enrichment, with awards and scholarships for top performers.

Accepted by: MRF awards, recognition and scholarship opportunities for winners and high achievers; a private enrichment contest with no role in the official IOQM–INMO–IMO selection chain

Official website

NMO eligibility

Classes 1–12 (Round 2 only for Classes 3–12; Classes 1–2 are awarded on Round 1 alone)

NMO exam pattern

Questions
Not published centrally — class-wise papers; see the official brochure for the current cycle
Total marks
Not published centrally — announced in the registration brochure
Duration
1 hr

Sections

  • Round 1 (school level): multiple-choice mathematics paper
  • Round 2 (national level, Classes 3–12): written problem-solving paper for students scoring 70% or above in Round 1

Marking scheme: Not stated publicly — confirm from the official brochure

NMO syllabus outline

  • NCERT-based mathematics of the student’s own class for Round 1
  • Round 2 shifts from MCQs to written problem solving
  • Qualification bar: 70% or higher in Round 1 advances a student to Round 2

Preparing for NMO?

Olympiads reward deep fundamentals — the same preparation that pays off later in JEE, NEET and other entrance exams. Explore every national and international olympiad, or check the official site for this year's dates and registration.

More olympiads: Other Private & Foundation Olympiads

Sources & official references