Congratulations! Qualifying for Level 2 of the SOF International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO). This achievement places you in the top 5 % of mathematical minds. Now the level-2 IMO exam demands a significant shift in your preparation: moving from broad coverage to a deep, surgical focus on high-scoring, high-difficulty concepts. This definitive guide provides the official SOF IMO Level 2 exam pattern, high-scoring topics and authentic chapter-wise weightage for every class from 3 through 12. Use this data to strategically prioritise your prep for a top rank, which will place you amongst less than 1% of incredible mathematical Olympiad Minds. So, let’s get started!
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SOF IMO Level 2 Exam Pattern (Official)
The Level 2 paper is purely a test of advanced mathematical ability. The syllabus remains the same as Level 1, but the difficulty level is significantly higher, and the paper is structured to reward conceptual mastery and speed.
SOF IMO Level 2 Exam Overview
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Same syllabus as Level 1
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Significantly higher difficulty
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Focus on concept integration, speed & accuracy
Exam Pattern for Classes 3 to 12
| Class Group | Section | No. of Questions | Marks/Question | Total Marks |
| Classes 3 & 4 | Mathematics | 30 | 1 | 30 |
| Achievers Section | 5 | 2 | 10 | |
| Grand Total | 35 | 40 | ||
| Classes 5 to 12 | Mathematics | 45 | 1 | 45 |
| Achievers Section | 5 | 3 | 15 | |
| Grand Total | 50 | 60 |
The Rank Decider: Your Scoring Strategy
The structure clearly shows where the ranks are won – The Achievers Section (HOTS): The Multiplier –
- Carries the highest mark per question (2 or 3 marks).
- This section tests Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), often combining multiple concepts (e.g., Algebra applied to Geometry). Mastering these 5 questions is the biggest rank booster and tie-breaker.
Strategy: Allocate a disproportionate amount of your time (and initial exam focus) to these questions.
The Mathematics Section: The Volume
Constitutes 75% of the paper’s questions.
Strategy: Your goal here must be Speed and Accuracy. Questions are often calculation-intensive. Practising mental math and mastering formulas are essential to complete this section quickly and save time for the HOTS.
Also Check – SOF Released IMO 2025 Answer Keys – SET A for All Classes. Check Here!
Authentic Chapter-Wise Weightage: A Strategic Key Exam Structure (All Classes)
This authenticated data is your strategic map. Critical chapters are those with the highest question counts and are the most likely source of the complex, multi-concept problems in the Achievers Section.
| Section | Importance | Strategic Focus Area |
| Achievers Section | CRITICAL (Rank Decider) | Highest marks per question (2 or 3). Focus on complex, multi-concept problems from the highest weighted chapters. |
| Mathematics Section | Foundational (Volume) | Focus on speed and accuracy in the high-weightage chapters to secure the base score and save time for HOTS. |
Class 3 (Total Questions: 35)
| Chapters | Number of Questions | Strategic Focus (HOTS & High-Scoring Topics) |
| Number Sense | 5 | CRITICAL: Place Value (up to thousands), Roman Numerals, Ordering, and estimation in word problems. |
| Fractions | 5 | CRITICAL: Operations on simple fractions, comparison, and fractional part problems. |
| Data Handling | 4 | HIGH-SCORING: Interpretation and concluding Pictographs and Bar Graphs. |
| Geometry | 4 | HIGH-SCORING: Perimeter of simple figures, properties of 2D/3D shapes. |
| Money | 4 | High-Accuracy: Multi-step calculations (buying/selling). |
| Time and Temperature | 3 | Foundational: Reading time, elapsed time, calendar basics. |
| Addition, Subtraction | 3 | Foundational: Multi-digit word problems. |
| Multiplication, Division | 2 | Foundational: Simple real-life application. |
| Length, Weight and Capacity | 2 | Foundational: Unit conversion within the metric system. |
| Perimeter | 1 | Foundational: Basic formula application. |
Class 4 (Total Questions: 35)
| Chapters | Number of Questions | Strategic Focus (HOTS & High-Scoring Topics) |
| Multiplication, Division | 4 | CRITICAL: Multi-digit multiplication and division in complex word problems. |
| Number Sense | 4 | CRITICAL: Large numbers, rounding, and number patterns. |
| Fractions | 4 | CRITICAL: Equivalent fractions, addition/subtraction, and converting to mixed numbers. |
| Length, Weight and Capacity | 4 | HIGH-SCORING: Complex unit conversions and multi-step measurement problems. |
| Geometry | 4 | HIGH-SCORING: Symmetry, perimeter, area (rectangle/square), and angles. |
| Factors and Multiples | 3 | High-Accuracy: Finding common factors/multiples and divisibility rules. |
| Perimeter | 3 | High-Accuracy: Finding the unknown side or perimeter in rectilinear figures. |
| Data Handling | 3 | High-Accuracy: Detailed interpretation of Bar Graphs and Pictographs. |
| Time and Money | 3 | Foundational: Elapsed time, calendar, basic profit/loss. |
| Addition, Subtraction | 3 | Foundational: Estimation and large number operations. |
Class 5 (Total Questions: 50)
| Chapters | Number of Questions | Strategic Focus (HOTS & High-Scoring Topics) |
| Weight, Capacity, Data Handling | 10 (5+5) | CRITICAL (Highest Weightage): Focus on complex measurement conversions and detailed data analysis/interpretation. |
| Area | 4 | CRITICAL: Area of complex and combined rectangular figures; word problems. |
| Factors, Multiples, HCF, LCM | 4 | CRITICAL: Application in real-life problems (e.g., finding the time when events coincide). |
| Fractions | 4 | HIGH-SCORING: Operations, word problems, and mixed number conversions. |
| Perimeter | 3 | High-Accuracy: Finding the perimeter of compound shapes. |
| Decimals | 3 | High-Accuracy: Operations and conversions from fractions. |
| Symmetry | 3 | High-Accuracy: Types of symmetry and identifying lines of symmetry. |
| Lines and Angles | 4 (2+2) | Foundational: Properties of lines and classification of angles. |
| Time, Temperature | 4 | Foundational: Time calculations and basic temperature reading. |
| Other Chapters | 15 | Foundational (Focus on speed and calculation accuracy). |
Class 6 (Total Questions: 50)
| Chapters | Number of Questions | Strategic Focus (HOTS & High-Scoring Topics) |
| Data Handling and Presentation | 5 | CRITICAL: Analysis of bar graphs, pictograms, and simple mean calculation. |
| Area | 5 | CRITICAL: Area of square, rectangle, and complex rectilinear shapes. |
| Fractions | 5 | CRITICAL: Advanced operations, comparison, and fractional application in word problems. |
| Symmetry | 5 | CRITICAL: Lines of symmetry, rotational symmetry, and reflection. |
| The Other Side of Zero | 5 | CRITICAL: Integers. Operations, properties, and number line reasoning. |
| Angles | 4 | HIGH-SCORING: Classification, measuring, and angle properties in diagrams. |
| Number Play, Prime Time | 8 (4+4) | High-Accuracy: Prime/Composite numbers, HCF/LCM application. |
| Perimeter | 4 | High-Accuracy: Finding perimeter and unknown sides. |
| Lines, Patterns, Constructions | 9 (3+3+3) | Foundational (Basic properties and reading patterns). |
Class 7 (Total Questions: 50)
| Chapters | Number of Questions | Strategic Focus (HOTS & High-Scoring Topics) |
| Comparing Quantities | 6 | CRITICAL (Highest Weightage): Percentage, Profit/Loss, Interest (Simple & Compound). These are major HOTS drivers. |
| The Triangle and Its Properties | 4 | CRITICAL: Congruence, similarity, Pythagoras’ theorem application, and exterior angle property. |
| Perimeter and Area | 4 | CRITICAL: Area/Perimeter of circle, parallelogram, and compound figures. |
| Visualising Solid Shapes | 4 | CRITICAL: Views of 3D objects, nets, and Euler’s formula. |
| Integers, Fractions, Rational Numbers | 9 (3+3+3) | HIGH-SCORING: Properties and complex operations across number systems. |
| Statistics, Data Handling | 6 (3+3) | High-Accuracy: Mean, Median, Mode, Bar Graphs, and Double Bar Graphs. |
| Algebraic Expressions, Simple Equations | 6 (3+3) | Foundational: Substitution, solving equations, and formula creation. |
| Exponents and Powers | 3 | Foundational: Laws of exponents and standard form representation. |
| Other Chapters | 8 | Foundational (Accuracy and conceptual clarity). |
Class 8 (Total Questions: 50)
| Chapters | Number of Questions | Strategic Focus (HOTS & High-Scoring Topics) |
| Comparing Quantities | 5 | CRITICAL: Compound Interest calculation (complex time/rate), Time & Work, and advanced ratios. |
| Understanding Quadrilaterals | 4 | CRITICAL: Properties of different quadrilaterals (parallelogram, rhombus, etc.) and related theorems. |
| Linear Equations in One Variable | 4 | CRITICAL: Word problems requiring equation setup and solution (often combined with other topics). |
| Squares/Cubes & Roots | 8 (4+4) | CRITICAL: Finding roots of large numbers, properties of square/cube numbers. |
| Exponents and Powers | 4 | CRITICAL: Advanced manipulation using laws of exponents. |
| Factorisation | 4 | HIGH-SCORING: Factorising complex algebraic expressions using identities. |
| Mensuration | 4 | HIGH-SCORING: Surface Area/Volume of cylinder, cube, cuboid; compound solids. |
| Other Chapters | 17 | Foundational (Accuracy in calculation and graph reading). |
Class 9 (Total Questions: 50)
| Chapters | Number of Questions | Strategic Focus (HOTS & High-Scoring Topics) |
| Geometry (L/A, Triangles, Quad, Circles) | 18 (5+4+4+5) | CRITICAL (Massive Weightage): Proof-based questions, angle theorems, circle properties (tangents, chords), and quadrilateral properties. |
| Coordinate Geometry | 5 | CRITICAL: Section formula, area of triangle, and distance application (often combined with Polynomials). |
| Surface Areas and Volumes | 5 | CRITICAL: Combining solids (e.g., cone on cylinder) and conversions (e.g., melting solids). |
| Polynomials | 4 | HIGH-SCORING: Factor Theorem, Remainder Theorem, and algebraic identities (especially $a^3+b^3+c^3-3abc$). |
| Linear Equations in Two Variables | 4 | High-Accuracy: Graphical representation and consistency conditions. |
| Statistics | 4 | High-Accuracy: Mean, Median, Mode, and simple probability. |
| Other Chapters | 14 | Foundational (Concepts of Number Systems, Euclid’s Geometry, Heron’s Formula). |
Class 10 (Total Questions: 50)
| Chapters | Number of Questions | Strategic Focus (HOTS & High-Scoring Topics) |
| Quadratic Equations & AP | 8 (4+4) | CRITICAL: Nature of roots, forming equations, and complex application of AP sum formulas. |
| Coordinate Geometry & Statistics | 8 (4+4) | CRITICAL: Section formula, distance formula, and calculating mean/median/mode (missing frequency). |
| Trigonometry (Intro & Applications) | 6 (3+3) | CRITICAL: Identities, complement angles, and complex problems of Height & Distance (HOTS favourite). |
| Circles & Areas Related to Circles | 7 (3+4) | HIGH-SCORING: Tangent properties, sector/segment area, and combined figures. |
| Polynomials, Linear Equations | 8 (4+4) | Foundational: Algebraic solution and consistency rules. |
| Probability | 3 | High-Accuracy: Dice, cards, and complex sample space problems. |
| Other Chapters | 10 | Foundational (Real Numbers, Triangles, Surface Area/Volume). |
Class 11 – Standard Maths (Total Questions: 50)
| Chapters | Number of Questions | Strategic Focus (HOTS & High-Scoring Topics) |
| Conic Sections | 6 | CRITICAL (Highest Weightage): Derivations and properties of Parabola, Ellipse, and Hyperbola. |
| Permutations and Combinations | 5 | CRITICAL: Complex counting principles, arrangements, and selections (major source of HOTS). |
| Complex Numbers | 4 | CRITICAL: Polar form, argument, modulus, and roots of unity. |
| Limits and Derivatives | 4 | CRITICAL: First principle of derivative and indeterminate forms in limits. |
| Trigonometric Functions | 4 | HIGH-SCORING: Identities, compound angles, and solving trigonometric equations. |
| Relations and Functions | 4 | High-Accuracy: Domain, Range, and types of functions. |
| Other Chapters | 27 | Foundational (Sets, Straight Lines, Sequences, Statistics, Probability). |
Class 11 – Applied Mathematics (Total Questions: 50)
| Chapters | Number of Questions | Strategic Focus (HOTS & High-Scoring Topics) |
| Permutations and Combinations | 5 | CRITICAL: Complex counting problems and applications (major source of HOTS). |
| Binary Numbers and Logarithms | 4 | CRITICAL: Conversion between number systems and advanced log properties. |
| Percentile and Quartile Rank, Correlation | 4 | CRITICAL: Statistical analysis and interpreting data measures. |
| Limits and Derivatives | 4 | HIGH-SCORING: Conceptual clarity in differentiation and limits. |
| GST/ Income Tax | 4 | HIGH-SCORING: Real-world application and calculation. |
| Relations, Functions, Sequences | 7 (4+3) | Foundational (Domain, Range, AP/GP/HP basics). |
| Other Chapters | 23 | Foundational (Sets, Straight Lines, Conic Sections, Probability, Interest). |
Class 12 – Standard Maths (Total Questions: 50)
| Chapters | Number of Questions | Strategic Focus (HOTS & High-Scoring Topics) |
| Applications of Derivatives | 5 | CRITICAL (Highest Single Chapter Weightage): Maxima/Minima, Tangents/Normals, Rate of Change. |
| Differential Equations | 4 | CRITICAL: Solving first-order DEs (variable separable, linear, homogeneous). |
| Matrices & Determinants | 7 (4+3) | CRITICAL: Adjoint, Inverse, and solving systems of linear equations. |
| Integrals & Applications of Integrals | 7 (4+3) | CRITICAL: Complex integration methods and Area under the curve. |
| Linear Programming (LPP) | 4 | HIGH-SCORING: Graphical solution and finding corner points. |
| Functions, Relations, Inverse Trig | 9 (3+3+3) | High-Accuracy: Proving function types, domain/range of ITF. |
| Other Chapters | 14 | Foundational (Vectors, 3D Geo, Probability). |
Class 12 – Applied Mathematics (Total Questions: 50)
| Chapters | Number of Questions | Strategic Focus (HOTS & High-Scoring Topics) |
| Applications of Derivatives | 5 | CRITICAL (Highest Weightage): Maxima/Minima, Marginal Cost/Revenue. |
| Differential Equations & LPP | 8 (4+4) | CRITICAL: Solving DEs and optimising real-world problems using LPP. |
| Matrices & Determinants | 7 (4+3) | CRITICAL: Solving systems of equations and properties. |
| Integrals & Applications of Integrals | 7 (4+3) | CRITICAL: Integration methods and consumer/producer surplus. |
| Statistical Distributions | 6 (2+2+2) | HIGH-SCORING: Poisson, Normal, and t-Test (Advanced analytical questions). |
| Financial Maths (Growth, Perpetuity, EMI) | 6 (2+2+2) | HIGH-SCORING: Time value of money, amortisation, and complex financial calculations. |
| Other Chapters | 11 | Foundational (Probability, Time Series, Higher Order Deriv). |
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IMO Level 2 Rank-Boosting Preparation Strategy
Focus on Concept Integration
IMO Level 2 questions rarely test a single formula. They combine chapters:
- Example: A question might require using a Trigonometric identity to solve an unknown length in a Geometry figure, which then requires applying an Algebraic expression to find the final answer.
- Action: Practice problems explicitly labelled as HOTS or Application-based.
The 50-Minute Mock Test Rule
You only have 60 minutes for 35 or 50 questions. This means less than 90 seconds per question.
Action: When solving previous year papers, set your timer for 50 minutes, not 60. This builds a necessary sense of urgency and reserves a 10-minute buffer for reviewing answers or tackling the toughest HOTS questions.
The Error Log
Simply solving mocks is not enough. You must analyse your mistakes.
- Mistake Type 1: Concept Gap: The concept was unknown. Action: Stop practice, immediately review the theory for that chapter.
- Mistake Type 2: Silly Error: Calculation mistake, wrong sign, misreading the question. Action: Force yourself to write down all steps and double-check the question’s requirement (“Read the question three times!”).
- Mistake Type 3: Time Out: You knew how to solve it, but ran out of time. Action: Focus on mastering tables (up to 20), squares/cubes, and standard formulas to increase speed.
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Conclusion
Reaching the SOF IMO Level 2 is a remarkable accomplishment. Now, victory belongs to the strategic and structured approach. By leveraging this authentic chapter-wise weightage, you transform your preparation from random study into a precise, high-impact and structured. Focus on the high-weightage topics, practice under pressure, and master the SOF Level-2 exam. All the best for your exam.
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