How can you maintain the level of questions if they are different?

Let us explain that with a maths problem (since that’s something we are good at! )
Problem 1: Rob can do a job in 2 days and Charlie can complete the same job in 5 days. How long will they take to complete the job working together?
Problem 2) Peter can do a job in 3 days and Mark can complete the same job in 4 days. How long will they take to complete the job working together?
As you can notice, both have the same logic, similar working and hence qualify as 2 questions at the same difficulty level from the same topic.


Is the same question paper utilised in that 48 hour window?

No. It’s not. In a 48 hours window, different set of test papers are used. However, the IMC Academic Committee ensures all these papers have exactly the same level of questions, i.e each question in a certain test has a like-to-like similar question of a similar level from the same topic appearing in other tests of the same grade. This ensures parity in the delivery of the Challenge.


What if I need to reschedule my child’s exam?

Unfortunately, you cannot reschedule the exam. The rounds are conducted on fixed dates. The 48 hour window gives you the flexibility to pick a convenient time slot across the 2 days.


Why does IMC have a 48 hour window for all the rounds?

We need to cater to students across different time zones. Also, students have commitments like other exams, sports competitions etc. A 48 hour window gives the student the flexibilty of taking the test at any time during this 2 day period.


Will the test format remain same for all rounds?

Generally, the test format has consistently remained the same and hasn’t undergone any change over the past years. However, due to the fact that the test is now purely online and we need to distinguish the winners with multiple tests without making a significant change in the level of the questions, we will keep the test format the same for both rounds. The students who reach the final round will be informed of the changes (if any) well in advance. No extra preparation will be required to adjust to the changes in the final round. Olympiads the OSMC (Online Simulated Maths Challenge) for Selected Schools, will follow the same format as described in the website.


Who has set the Question papers for the Rounds?

The papers are set by the IMC Academic Committee (IMC AC) that comprises primary and secondary school teachers from various boards from across the globe. The exam and practice test papers have been vetted by external industry experts before they reach the students.


What level of math content is included in the test?

We collect and analyse problems from international math textbooks and have created an excellent repository of maths problems. Our report will be based on sampling of these problems and we also highlight the concepts that your child did particularly well on and those that might need more of his attention. In short, as long as the student is decently prepared with his school math work, he/she will be able to handle the questions in the Challenge.


Where should my child take this test?

Students will take this test online, preferably from their respective homes over the weekend. Our advanced Artificial Intelligence based proctoring ensures near zero cheating during the test.


Which countries can participate in the IMC?

Due to the COVID 19 situation, the IMC is now available online in most locations, with the exception of: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Sudan due to regulatory and local data privacy rules. Please note that proctoring and support for the IMC exam is only offered in English. There will be no local language support available. In the June 2023 edition, 48 countries participated in the Challenge.


How are you going to measure my child’s math skills on a global platform?

The IMC exams are inclusive and encompasses different syllabi and boards from across the world. The test accounts for the constant variation in the curriculum and ensures that the syllabus is well within the scope and reach of the students within their respective grade. By comparing the students score against the rest of the students in their country and across the world, the parents/guardians have a precise understanding of the global standing of their child.