International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO)
A highly prestigious, top-tier international competition for math and science, involving national team selection.
Quick Facts
| Coverage | International / National |
| Date | November 2026 (Global); selection usually occurs in Summer |
| Eligibility | Age ≤13 (Grade 6–7) |
| Duration | Multiple days; papers ranging from 60–120 minutes |
| Format | Offline (2026 hosted in Indonesia) |
About
IMSO is a national team level contest. In Vietnam, students are typically selected through rigorous provincial and national rounds led by the Hanoi Department of Education.
It features a strong cultural exchange component where students from 20+ countries perform and share their heritage.
Structure
| Paper | Problems | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Short-answer | Core mathematics problems requiring concise, accurate responses |
| Paper 2 | Short-answer | Additional mathematics problems at increasing difficulty |
| Paper 3 | Discovery/Exploration | Open-ended problems requiring reasoning and full mathematical proofs |
Topics
- Advanced Math — Combinatorics, Advanced geometry, Number theory, Logic
- Science — Human body, Biology, Chemistry basics, Physics, Astronomy
Prizes
| Prize | Description |
|---|---|
| Subject Trophy | Awarded to the highest scorer in each subject (Mathematics and Science) |
| Gold Medal | Top ~11% of participants (1 part of the 1:2:3 medal ratio) |
| Silver Medal | Next ~22% of participants (2 parts of the 1:2:3 medal ratio) |
| Bronze Medal | Next ~33% of participants (3 parts of the 1:2:3 medal ratio) |
| Participation Certificate | Remaining ~33% of participants who do not receive a medal |