Does your child love Maths? Are they studying in Class 5? Then what are you waiting for? Prepare them for the International Maths Olympiad for Class 5 – the most prestigious Maths competition in the world, which tests children’s problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and analytical skills.
The International Mathematics Olympiad Class 5 exam is beyond regular school Math, making children apply math concepts in real-life situations rather than rote learning.
In this guide, let’s explore what is needed to excel in Math Olympiad such as Maths Olympiad Syllabus for Class 5, the International Mathematics Olympiad Class 5 question papers, previous years question papers, and sample papers that are valuable resources for the Olympiad exams. Also, let’s explore how Vedic Maths helps in the International Mathematics Olympiad Class 5 exam.
With the right preparation, strategies, and resources, children can build strong confidence and perform well in the International Mathematics Olympiad.
Key Takeaways
- Global Competition – IMO is a prestigious international exam conducted by SOF with participation from 70+ countries.
- Class 5: The Right Stage – Class 5 is the ideal age for IMO exams, as children are confident with the basics and are ready for advanced concepts.
- International Maths Olympiad for Class 5 Focuses on – Logical reasoning, problem-solving, and real-life application rather than rote learning.
- The Maths Olympiad syllabus for Class 5 is aligned with CBSE/ICSE/IB/State boards and covers topics such as arithmetic, fractions, decimals, geometry, data handling, and logical reasoning.
- The International Maths Olympiad for Class 5 exam has four sections – Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Everyday Mathematics, and the Achievers Section (HOTS).
- Marking Scheme – 1 mark for standard questions; 3 marks for Achievers section questions.
- Practice Resources – Sample papers, previous year question papers, and Olympiad books are essential for preparation.
- Preparation Strategy – Daily worksheets, timed mock tests, and learning Vedic Maths improve speed and accuracy.
- Role of Vedic Maths – Mental math tricks enhance calculation speed, accuracy, and confidence.
- Recommended Books – SOF Workbooks, MTG Olympiad series, and Arihant Olympiad guides.
- Registration Process – Students can register through schools recognized by SOF or individually via the official SOF website.
- Fees – ₹125 (India) / USD $11 (International).
- Future Benefit—The International Maths Olympiad for class 5 builds a strong foundation for competitive exams like NTSE, JEE, and SAT.
Introduction: Why Class 5 is the Right Stage for Olympiads
Class 5 is the right age to introduce the International Olympiad to children. At this stage, children will be thorough with the basic Maths and start learning advanced topics in their school syllabus.
Participating in the International Maths Olympiad for Class 5 helps children build required skills such as analytical thinking, speed, accuracy, and confidence, which will help them excel in academics and any competitive exams in the future.
As per the official guidelines of the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) and the International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO), Olympiad exams aim to test students' critical thinking capabilities, solve real-world problems, and strengthen their mathematics skills at an early age.
Read our blog, "Everything You Need to Know About the Math Olympiad (India & International)", to know more about Olympiad exams.
2. International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) Overview
The International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) is a globally recognized, prestigious Math competition conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) and the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). It is a valuable platform where students can test their Mathematical skills at national and international levels.
According to SOF, 10 million students from 70+ countries participate annually in Olympiads. This shows how competitive exams play a vital role in students' lives.
Unlike regular school exams, which depend on textbook learning, the Math Olympiad mainly focuses on higher-order thinking levels. It tests skills like logical reasoning, math reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical abilities etc. This requires students to apply math concepts to solve problems rather than rote learning—applying just formulas with lengthy steps.
Students and parents can refer to the official SOF IMO guidelines for a detailed understanding of the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
Read our blog, "SOF Math Olympiad What It Is, How to Prepare & Why It Matters", to learn why Olympiad is important in students' lives.
3. Class 5 IMO Syllabus
The Maths Olympiad syllabus for Class 5 is aligned with CBSE / ICSE / IB / State board curricula, but focuses on using high-order thinking abilities to solve Olympiad questions.
Let's see the topics covered in the Maths Olympiad and the weightage of topics.
3.1 Core Math Topics
The Maths Olympiad syllabus for Class 5 contains the following topics mainly:
- Arithmetic operations - Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of large numbers. For example, finding the sum of 5-digits numbers.
- Fractions and Decimals - Basic operations of fractions, decimals, conversions, and word problems.
- Geometry and Measurement - Shapes, angles, perimeter, area, time, units of measurement, and money conversions.
- Data handling - Simple graphs, charts, and data interpretation.
- Logical Reasoning - Puzzles, patterns, coding-decoding, and sequencing.
3.2 Weightage of Topics
The International Mathematics Olympiad Class 5 question papers contain 4 sections with different mark weightage.
The marks' weightage for the sections is:
- Logical Reasoning - 15 questions, 1 mark each.
- Mathematical Reasoning - 20 questions, 1 mark each.
- Everyday Mathematics - 10 questions, 1 mark each.
- Achievers section ( High-order thinking skills - HOTS) - 5 questions , 3 marks each.
To know more about the Maths Olympiad syllabus for Class 5, download the official SOF IMO Class 5 syllabus.
4. Sample Questions for Class 5 Olympiad
Practicing the Maths Olympiad questions for Class 5 with answers is one of the best and smart ways to prepare well for the Math Olympiads. These questions are prepared referring to the SOF International Mathematics Olympiad Class 5 question papers and follow the same exam patterns.
4.1 Olympiad-Style Practice Questions
Q1. The sum of two numbers is 340. If one number is 125, what is the other number?
Answer: 340 – 125 = 215
Q2. Find the perimeter of a rectangle whose length is 20 cm and breadth is 15 cm.
Answer: 2 × (20 + 15) = 70 cm
Q3. Which fraction is greater: 2/3 or 5/8?
Answer: Convert 2/3 to 16/24 and 5/8 to 15/24
Since 16/24 > 15/24, 2/3 is greater.
Q4. Logical Reasoning:
If Monday is 6, Tuesday is 7, and Wednesday is 9, what is the code for Friday?
Answer: Pattern is the number of letters in the word. Friday = 6 letters → 6.
Q5. HOTS (Higher-Order Thinking):
A pencil costs ₹ 7 and a pen costs ₹13. Peter bought 4 pencils and 6 pens. How much money did he spend?
Answer: (4 × 7) + (6 × 13) = 28 + 78 = ₹106
6. Speed Math:
Q6. Solve 125 × 25 quickly using the Vedic Maths trick.
Answer: (125 × 100) ÷ 4 = 12,500 ÷ 4 = 3,125
Read our blog, "Vedic Maths for Multiplication", to learn multiplication tricks easily.
4.1 Olympiad-Style Practice Questions
Q1. The sum of two numbers is 340. If one number is 125, what is the other number?
Answer: 340 – 125 = 215
Q2. Find the perimeter of a rectangle whose length is 20 cm and breadth is 15 cm.
Answer: 2 × (20 + 15) = 70 cm
Q3. Which fraction is greater: 2/3 or 5/8?
Answer: Convert 2/3 to 16/24 and 5/8 to 15/24
Since 16/24 > 15/24, 2/3 is greater.
Q4. Logical Reasoning:
If Monday is 6, Tuesday is 7, and Wednesday is 9, what is the code for Friday?
Answer: Pattern is the number of letters in the word. Friday = 6 letters → 6.
Q5. HOTS (Higher-Order Thinking):
A pencil costs ₹ 7 and a pen costs ₹13. Peter bought 4 pencils and 6 pens. How much money did he spend?
Answer: (4 × 7) + (6 × 13) = 28 + 78 = ₹106
6. Speed Math:
Q6. Solve 125 × 25 quickly using the Vedic Maths trick.
Answer: (125 × 100) ÷ 4 = 12,500 ÷ 4 = 3,125
Read our blog, "Vedic Maths for Multiplication", to learn multiplication tricks easily.
4.2 Importance of Step-by-Step Explanations
The goal in the International Maths Olympiad for Class 5 is not just to find the answers but to understand the concept. With the step-by-step explanations, children can understand "why" a method works and the logic behind it. This improves both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills.
SOF recommends practicing the sample question papers and worksheets with answer keys to help students understand the exam patterns clearly, analyze their answers using answer keys, identify their mistakes and weak areas, and improve.
Read our blog, "SOF Maths Olympiad – Sample Papers, Preparation & Complete Guide", to know the impact of sample papers in the preparation of Olympiads.
Download SOF International Mathematics Olympiad Class 5 question papers to practice more like Olympiad questions and excel in the International Maths Olympiad for Class 5.
5. Previous Year Question Papers (PDF Access)
One wise plan to prepare for the International Mathematics Olympiad Class 5 is to use previous-year question papers/sample papers. These help children explore the exam format and type of questions, and mainly help them save time.
Why do the previous year's question papers matter?
- They help children understand the exam structure and difficulty levels
- Practicing previous year question papers helps to improve speed, accuracy, and confidence
- They help with self-analysis, identifying weak areas, and focus on improving them.
- Help with time management.
- Students get familiar with higher-order thinking questions that are beyond the school textbook.
Download the International Mathematics Olympiad Class 5 question papers from the official Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) website. These papers are designed as per the Maths Olympiad syllabus for Class 5.
Tip: Solve 3-5 previous year's question papers before the exam to avoid silly mistakes and strengthen your conceptual understanding.
6. Preparation Strategy for Class 5 IMO
By understanding the concepts clearly, students can easily excel in the Olympiad exams with the right exam preparation strategy. Students can confidently solve tricky and challenging questions in the SOF IMO exams with daily practice, solving mock tests, and sample question papers.
6.1 Daily Practice & Worksheets
To excel in the Olympiad exams, consistent practice is required.
- Worksheets and Practice Drills— Practice to solve various questions in different formats daily, improving logical reasoning and analytical thinking.
- Timed Mock Tests—Practicing the mock tests in a real exam environment builds speed, accuracy, and time management skills.
- Step-by-step Learning— Analyzing the mistakes after each test, finding weak areas, and improving helps students perform better in the Maths Olympiad.
By practicing all these strategies, students become comfortable with the exam pattern and types of questions.
Read our blog, "Math Olympiad Sample Papers: Download, Practice & Ace the Exam", to know more about preparation strategies using sample papers.
6.2 Role of Vedic Maths in Olympiad
Time plays a crucial role in Olympiad exams. Vedic maths is a key to solving mathematical problems within a time limit. Using Vedic maths tricks, students can solve maths problems within seconds.
Let's see how Vedic Maths helps in Olympiads.
- Faster Calculations - Vedic Maths techniques like cross-multiplications and shortcuts to finding squares and square roots of any number save time in the Maths Olympiad with quick calculations.
- Boost Accuracy - Reducing the calculation steps also reduces the mistakes.
- Stress-free problem solving - Quick mental Maths techniques boost confidence to solve Maths problems easily and quickly.
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7. Best Books & Study Resources for Class 5 Olympiad
Preparing for the International Mathematics Olympiad Class 5 requires the right books and extra resources like worksheets, mock test papers, previous years' question papers, etc.
1. Focus on support and progress
The following books are recommended resources by Olympiad experts:
- SOF IMO Books - Designed as per the SOF IMO syllabus with workbooks and practice questions.
- MTG IMO Books - Includes topic-wise practice questions
- Arihant Series for Olympiads – Contains higher-order thinking (HOTs) questions and detailed solutions.
Tip: Before purchasing the books, you can check Amazon/Flipkart for reviews and ratings.
2) Online Resources & E-Learning Platforms
- Official SOF Learning App and portal for sample papers.
- Olympiad preparation websites offering mock tests, live quizzes, and past year papers.
- Interactive worksheets & timed tests available in PDF format.
3) Vedic Maths for Olympiad Success
Along with Olympiad resources, learning Vedic Maths will help Class 5 students with:
- Boosting calculation speed.
- Reducing exam stress with mental math tricks.
- Improving accuracy and confidence.
8. Registration, Exam Pattern & Fees
Students of Class 5 can take part in the International Maths Olympiad for Class 5 by registering through schools, and individuals can register through the official website.
- School Registration - Most schools are registered with SOF ( Science Olympiad Foundation). Students can enroll directly.
- Individual Registration - If the school is not registered with SOF, parents can complete IMO registration for Class 5 online via the official SOF website.
Register for the IMO exam here( Official SOF Portal)
Exam Pattern for Class 5 IMO
- Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen & paper)
- Types of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Sections Covered:
1. Logical Reasoning
2. Mathematical Reasoning
3. Everyday Mathematics
4. Achievers Section (Higher Order Thinking Skills -HOTS)
- Marking Schema:
Standard questions carry 1 mark, while the achievers section carries a higher weightage (3 Marks)
- Exam fees:
The exam fee for IMO Class 5 is generally ₹125 (in India) per student, $11 for other countries.
Note: Fees may vary depending on school management charges and the country.
9. Conclusion
The International Maths Olympiad for Class 5 is more than just an exam. It's an opportunity to develop logical reasoning, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities. With the right preparation strategies, consistent practice using sample papers, previous year question papers, worksheets with answer keys, and with the support of resources like Vedic Maths Live Classes and Bundle Kit, children can excel in the International Mathematics Olympiad Class 5.
Parents and teachers play a vital role in preparing students for Olympiads. Encourage them to apply the math concepts rather than memorize the formulas. With the proper guidance, strategies, and practice, every child can excel in the International Mathematics Olympiad Class 5.
Download the syllabus, practice worksheets, and solve previous years' question papers to make the preparation easier and help your child shine in the International Maths Olympiad.
10. FAQs on International Maths Olympiad for Class 5
1What is the syllabus for IMO Class 5?
The Maths Olympiad syllabus for Class 5 is aligned with CBSE, ICSE, IB, and State board curricula. It includes arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement, data handling, and logical reasoning.
2Where can I download Class 5 Olympiad papers?
You can download International Mathematics Olympiad Class 5 question papers and sample papers from the official SOF website.
3How many levels are there in IMO for Class 5?
The IMO is conducted in two levels:
- Level 1: Students from Classes 1-12 can attend.
- Level 2: Top performers from Level 1, and students from Classes 3-12 can participate at this level.
4Is IMO useful for future competitive exams?
Yes. The IMO exam builds a strong foundation in logical reasoning, analytical skills, and speed mathematics. These skills are valuable for future exams like NTSE, JEE, SAT, and other competitive exams that require solving Maths beyond textbooks.
5Can Vedic Maths help my child score better?
Yes. Vedic Maths helps children prepare for the Olympiad by helping them solve problems quickly and accurately using mental math techniques. It improves speed, reduces calculation errors, and boosts confidence in attempting any Competitive exam.
6What books are best for IMO Class 5 preparation?
Recommended books include SOF IMO Workbooks, MTG Olympiad Books, and Arihant Olympiad Series. These books cover practice questions, HOTS problems, and detailed solutions aligned with the IMO syllabus.
7How can students register for the IMO Class 5 exam?
Students can register through the school under SOF or as individuals via the official websites.
- Through Schools: Most schools are registered with SOF. Students can enroll directly.
- As Individuals, Parents can register online via the official SOF portal if the school is not registered.
8What is the exam pattern for IMO Class 5?
The exam consists of MCQs divided into four sections: Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Reasoning, Everyday Mathematics, and the Achievers Section. All three section questions carry 1 mark each, while the Achiever section questions carry 3 marks each.
