HOMI BHABHA CENTRE FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION

TATA INSTITUTE OF FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH

and
NATIONAL BOARD OF HIGHER MATHEMATICS
DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

Mathematics Olympiad Programme

in India
(Leading to participation in International
Mathematical Olympiad)

Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education

Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
V. N. Purav Marg, Mankhurd
Mumbai - 400 088,INDIA
Tel :022- 2556 2132 / 2557 0813, 2558 0036
Fax: 022 – 2558 5660, 2556 6803
Email: arvindk@hbcse.tifr.res.in /
hcp@hbcse.tifr.res.in
URL: http://www.hbcse.tifr.res.in

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 MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD PROGRAMME IN INDIA
AND RELATED ACTIVITIES

The Mathematics Olympiad Programme in India, which leads to participation of

Indian students in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is organized by
the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) on behalf of the
National Board of Higher Mathematics (NBHM) of the Department of Atomic
Energy (DAE). This programme is one of the major initiatives undertaken by
NBHM. Its main purpose is to spot mathematical talent among pre-university
students in the country.

For the purpose of training and selection of students for the Olympiad contest,
the country has been divided into about 24 regions. The Mathematics Olympiad
programme consists of the following stages:

Stage 1: Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO): RMO is held on the first

Sunday of October each year in different regions of the country. The Regional
Coordinator of a region is given the responsibility of conducting RMO in the
region. All school students from Class XI are eligible to appear for RMO.
Students from Class XII may also appear for RMO, but the number of students
selected from Class XII can be at most 6. Exceptionally brilliant students from
lower standards may also take RMO at the discretion of the Regional
Coordinator. RMO is a 3-hour written test containing 6 to 7 problems. On the
basis of the performance in RMO, a certain number of students from each region
is selected for the second stage. The Regional Coordinators may charge a
nominal fee to meet the expenses for organizing the contest.

Stage 2: Indian National Mathematical Olympiad(INMO): INMO is held on the

third Sunday of January each year at centres in the different regions. Only those
students who are selected in RMO are eligible to appear for INMO. This contest
is a 4-hour written test. The top 75 contestants in INMO receive Merit
Certificates.

Stage 3: International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp(IMOTC) : The

top 30-35 INMO certificate awardees are invited to a month long training camp
May/June each year. The training camp is organised at HBCSE, Mumbai.The
number of students from Class XII who are selected for IMOTC is at most 6. In
addition to these 35 students, a certain number of INMO awardees of the
previous year who have satisfactorily gone through postal tuition throughout the
year are also invited to a second round of training. On the basis of a number of
selection tests conducted during the camp, a team of the best six students is
selected from the combined pool of junior and senior batch participants to
represent India in the International Mathematical Olympiad.

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Stage 4: International Mathematical Olympiad(IMO): The six member team
selected at the end of IMOTC, accompanied by a leader and a deputy leader
represent India at IMO, that is normally held in July each year in some country.
IMO consists of two 4-and-a-half hour tests held on two consecutive days. Travel
to IMO venue and return takes about two weeks. The student members of the
Indian team who win gold, silver and bronze medals at IMO receive from NBHM
a cash prize of RS. 5000/-, Rs. 4000/- and Rs. 3000/- respectively. MHRD
finances international travel of the 8-member Indian delegation to IMO, while
NBHM(DAE) finances the entire in-country programme and takes care of other
expenditure connected with the International participation. The six students who
get into the Indian IMO team automatically qualify for Kishore Vaigyanik
Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) scholarship (Rs 3000/- per month and some
contingency) instituted by Department of Science and Technology, Government
of India.

Syllabus for Mathematical Olympiad: The syllabus for Mathematical Olympiad

(regional, national and international) is pre-degree college mathematics. The
difficulty level increases from RMO to INMO to IMO. A broad syllabus for RMO
and INMO is:

Algebra : Basic set theory, principle of mathematical induction, inequalities(AM-

GM and Cauchy-Schwarz) , theory of equations(remainder theorem, relation
between roots and coefficients, symmetric expressions in roots, statement of
Fundamental theorem of algebra and its applications), functional equations;

Geometry: Similarity, congruence, concurrence, collinearity, parallelism and

orthogonality, tangency, concyclicity, theorems of Appollonius, Ceva, Menelaus
and Ptolemy, special points of a triangle such as circum-centre, in-centre, ex-
centres, ortho-centre and centroid;

Combinatorics : Basic counting numbers such as factorial, number of

permutations and combinations, cardinality of a power set, problems based on
induction and bijection techniques, existence problems, pigeonhole principle;

Number theory: Divisibility, gcd and lcm, primes, fundamental theorem of

arithmetic(canonical factorisation), congruences, Fermat's little theorem, Wilson's
theorem, integer and fractional parts of a real number, Pythagorean triplets,
polynomials with integer coefficients.

A good idea of what is expected of students in mathematical olympiad can be

had from the previous question papers(see
http://www.isid.ac.in/\~\:rbb/olympiads.html) and the following books:

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1. Problem Primer for Olympiads
by C R Pranesachar, B J Venkatachala and C S Yogananda (Prism Books Pvt.
Ltd., Bangalore).

2. Challenge and Thrill of Pre-College Mathematics

by V Krishnamurthy, C R Pranesachar, K N Ranganathan and B J Venkatachala
(New Age InternationalPublishers, New Delhi).

3. An Excursion in Mathematics
Editors: M R Modak, S A Katre and V V Acharya (Bhaskaracharya Pratishthana,
Pune).

4. Problem Solving Strategies

Arthur Engel (Springer-Verlag, Germany).

5. Functional Equations
B J Venkatachala (Prism Books Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore).

6. Mathematical Circles
Fomin and others (University Press, Hyderabad).

Reference to many other interesting books is available in An Excursion in

Mathematics.

Nurture Programme: The INMO awardees who choose mathematics as one of

the subjects in their undergraduate studies are eligible for a scholarship by
NBHM (which is at present Rs 1500 per month) throughout their undergraduate
studies. If they further pursue their studies to masters, they continue to get
scholarship (enhanced). Even those who do not take up mathematics in their
undergraduate studies are eligible for a novel Nurture Programme conducted by
NBHM. Under this programme, each batch of students (selected from among the
INMO awardees through their responses to a few sets of postal problems) is
assigned to an institution. The coordinator in the institution gives reading material
which the students can go through during their leisure time while pursuing their
undergraduate studies. At the end of each year, during summer, they are invited
to the institution for a contact programme with working mathematicians. Based on
their performance, they may be recommended to a scholarship given by NBHM.
This programme continues for four years. Thus, even those who pursue
undergraduate studies in some other discipline than mathematics can continue
to learn Mathematics and use it in their further pursuit of knowledge.

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Contact Addresses for inquiries about Mathematics Olympiad Programme

Prof. Arvind Kumar / Prof H. C. Pradhan Member Secretary

Centre Director / Dean National Board of Higher Mathematics
Homi Bhabha Centre for Department of Atomic Energy
Science Education Anushakti Bhavan, CSM Marg
Near Anushakatinagar Bus Depot MUMBAI – 400 001.
V. N. Purav Marg, Mankhurd Tel: 2202 2533
Mumbai – 400 088 E-mail: nbhm@math.tifr.res.in
Tel: 022- 2556 2132 / 2557 0813
2556 7711,2555 5242, 2558 0036
Fax: 022- 2558 5660, 2556 6803
E-mail: arvindk@hbcse.tifr.res.in /
hcp@hbcse.tifr.res.in

The current office bearers of the Nurture Programme and their contact
addresses are as follows:

Member Secretary, Prof. R. B. Bapat

National Board of Higher Mathematics National Co-ordinator for RMO & INMO
Department of Atomic Energy Department of Mathematics
Anushakti Bhavan, CSM Marg Indian Statistical Institute
7 S J S Sansanwal Marg New Delhi 110 016
Mumbai - 400 001. Tel: 011- 4149 3915 (O)
Tel: 2202 2533 Cell: 9312436544
Fax: 2202 8972 Email : rbb@isid.ac.in
Email : msnbhm@math.tifr.res.in

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 Mathematics Olympiad Programme

National Co-ordinator

Prof. R. B. Bapat
National Co-ordinator for Mathematics Olympiads
National Board for Higher Mathematics (DAE)
Department of Mathematics, Indian Statistical Institute
7, S J S. Sansanwal Marg
New Delhi 110 016.
Ph: 011- 4149 3915 (O)
011- 2685 2513 (R)
Mob: 9312436544
e-mail : rbb@isid.ac.in

List of Regional Co-ordinators

Regional Co-ordinator Region

1. Prof. David Kumar Costal AP &

Commissionerate of Collegiate Education Rayalaseema
Govt. of Andhra Pradesh
Opp. To Latha complex,
Namapally (Station ) ,
Hyderabad -500 001
Ph.: 040 – 2461 7469
98492 77329 / 99893 34981
Fax: 040 – 2460 2285 / 2461 7469
e-mail: rdkumar1729@yahoo.com
rdkumar1729@gmail.com

2. Prof. R. Kedareshwar Rao Telangana

Dept. of Mathematics
Acharya Aryabhata University
Vignan Vidyalayam
Nizampet, opp. JNTU
Kikatpally
Hyderabad – 500 072
Ph.: (040) – 2461 7469
(040) – 2301 1853
Mob: 94407 78045
e-mail: kedar_rudra@yahoo.co.in

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3. Prof R K Das South Bihar
Lal Bagh, Tilakamanjhi, Police Line Road
Bhagalpur 812 001, Bihar
Ph.: (0641) - 2611 236
Mob: 9431875389

4. Shri Azhar Hussain North Bihar

Dept. of Mathematics
Veer Kunwar Singh University
Ara (Bihar)
e-mail: hussainazhar@yahoo.com

5. Dr. K. C. Prasad Jharkhand

Dean faculty of science
Ranchi University
Dept. of Mathematics
Morabadi Campus
Ranchi 834 008
Ph.: 0651 - 2280 994 (R)
0651 - 233 877 / 2233 127 (O)
Fax: 0651 - 2233 877
e-mail: kcprasad1@rediffmail.com

6. Ms. Rajyashree Sood Delhi

Dept of Mathematics
Vasant Valley School
Delhi
e-mail: rajyashreesood@yahoo.com

7. Prof. I. H. Sheth Gujarat

Dept of Mathematics, School of Sciences
Gujarat University
Navrangpura,
Ahmedabad 380 009
Ph.: (079) – 2630 1154 (O)
(079) – 2674 1701 (R)
98244 81625 / 94263 83343
e-mail: ganit_spardha@yahoo.co.in

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8. Prof. Arvind Kumar / Prof. H. C. Pradhan Mumbai
Centre Director / Dean
Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education
V.N. Purav Marg, Mankhurd
Mumbai 400 088.
Ph : 022 – 2556 2132 / 2557 0813
e-mail: arvindk@hbcse.tifr.res.in
hcp@hbcse.tifr.res.in

9. Dr. B. Sury (RMO) Karnataka

Stat Math Unit
Indian Statistical Institute
8th Mile Mysore Road, RV College Post
Bangalore 560059
Ph: 080-28483002/ 06 Extn. 445 (O)
080-23313917 (R)
Fax: 080-8484265
Mob. 9845195728
e-mail: sury@isibang.ac.in

10. Dr. A. K. Nandakumaran (INMO) Karnataka

Dept of Mathematics
IISc Bangalore 560 012
Ph.: 080 – 2293 2265
e-mail: nands@math.iisc.ernet.in

11. Dr. V. V. Acharya Maharashtra & Goa

C/o Bhaskaracharya Pratishthan 56/14,
Erandawane, Damle Path
Off. Law College Road
Pune 411 004.
Ph.: 020 - 2567 6607/ 2567 5359 (O)
020 - 2523 2944 (R)
Mob.: 9422003570
e-mail: vvacharya@yahoo.com, bhaskara_p@vsnl.com

12. Dr. Ambat Vijaykumar Kerala

Reader
Dept of Mathematics
Cochin University of Science & Technology
Cochin 682 022
Ph.: 0484 – 2577 518 (O), 0484 - 2575 288 (R)
Mob.: 9447 608851 (M)
e-mail: ambatvijay@rediffmail.com
vijayambat@member.ams.org, vijay@cusat.ac.in
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13. Shri Anantram R. Pathak MP
Director
State Institute of Science Education (SISE)
P. S. M. Campus
Jabalpur 482 001
Ph.: 0761 – 2625 776 (O)
0761 - 2677 117 (R)
Mob.: 9425324494 / 9492553 24499

14. Dr. V. K. Pathak Chattisgarh

Asst. Professor (Mathematics)
Govt. P.G. College, Dhamtari
Chattisgarh : 493773
Ph. 07722-232062 (R)
07722-237933 (O)
Mob: 09425516295
Fax: 07722- 237933
e-mail: vkpath21162@yahoo.co.in

15. Prof. M. B. Rege North East

Dept of Mathematics
North-Eastern Hill University Permanent Campus Mawlai,
Shillong, Meghalaya 793 022
Ph.: (0364) – 2550083
Mob 9436104071
e-mail: mb29rege@yahoo.co.in

16. Prof. Dipankar De Tripura

Asstt.Prof., (Sel. Gr.)
Department of Mathematics
Ramthakur College
Agartala-799003
Tripura
Mob: 9436184849)
L-line:0381 - 2230295
Fax: 0381 - 2326503
e-mail: rtc_tu@yahoo.com
dipankardee@yahoo.co.in

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17. Prof. Sudarshan Padhy Orissa
Deptt. of Maths,Utkal University
Bhubaneswar 751 004.
Ph : 0674 - 482 301 (O)
0674 - 581 583 (R)
e-mail: spadhy@sancharnet.in

18. Dr. V. K. Grover North West

Dept of Mathematics
Panjab University
Chandigarh 160 014
Ph.: 0172 – 2534 510 (O)
0172 - 2711 317 (R)
Mob: 98884 86387
e-mail: grovervk@pu.ac.in
vk_gvr@yahoo.com

19. Dr. A. K. Mathur Rajasthan

Regional Coordinator
Dept of Mathematics
University of Rajasthan,
Jaipur 302 004
Ph.: 0141 – 3708 392 (O)
0141 - 2550 377 (R)
Mob: 93145 29855

20. Prof. K. N. Ranganathan Tamilnadu

Dept of Mathematics
Ramkrishna Mission’s Vivekananda College,
Chennai 600 004
Ph.: 044 – 28342651
e-mail: hurrrahs@vsnl.com
knranga@dataone.in

21. Prof. D. P. Shukla UP

Dept of Mathematics & Astronomy
Lucknow University
Lucknow 226 007.
Ph.: 0522 – 2740 019 (O)
0522 - 2732 823 (R)
Mob: 09450366085
e-mail: dpshukla3@gmail.com

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22. Dr. Pradipta Bandyopadhyay West Bengal
Indian Statistical Institute
203, Barrackpore Trunk Road
Kolkata 700 108.
Ph : 033 - 25753435
e-mail: pradipta@isical.ac.in

23. Dr. Mahesh C. Joshi Uttaranchal

Dept of Maths, Stats & Comp. Science
Gobind Ballabh Pant Agri. & Tech. University,
Pantnagar 263 145,
Uttaranchal
Ph.: 05944 – 234 559 (R)
Mob: 94124 38601
e-mail: mcjoshi69@gmail.com
mcjoshi@gmail.com

24 Prof. Bashir A. Zargar Jammu & Kashmir

Department of Mathematics
University of Kashmir
Srinagar – 190006
Ph. (0952) 257347
Mob- 09419092186
e-mail : zargarba3@yahoo.co.in

25. Director (Academic) CBSE

Central Board of Secondary Education
Shiksha Kendra Bhavan 2, Commercial Centre,
New Delhi 110 092.
Ph: 011 2322 0154 (Dir)
011 2251 5829

26. Professor H. N. S. Rao NVS

Dy. Commissioner
Navodalaya Vidyalaya of Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti
Regional Office
A-28, Kailash Colony
New Delhi 110 048.
Ph.: 011 2642 4162(O)
2994 1809(R)
Mob: 99113 47734

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27. Mr. G. S. Lawania KVS
Coordinator
KVS Mathematics Olympiad
Kendriya Vidyalaya NTPC
Badarpur
New Delhi 110 044.
Ph.: 98914 26013
e-mail: gslawania@rediffmail.com

Information in this brochure

is subject to revision in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

August 27, 2007

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