Preparing for Olympiads like SOF NSO, IMO, NTSE, RMO, NSEJS, or IJSO? Whether you’re in Class 5 or Class 10, Olympiads can feel intimidating—but with the right strategy, they become an exciting journey of logic, curiosity, and excellence.
Here’s your beginner-friendly roadmap to crack Math and Science Olympiads successfully.
🔍 1. Understand the Olympiad Structure
Before anything else, research the exam you’re targeting:
- Which classes are eligible?
- What is the syllabus?
- Is it school-level, national, or international?
- What is the format (MCQ, theory, practical)?
💡 Example: SOF IMO focuses on logical reasoning & math, while INMO focuses on advanced problem-solving & proofs.
📘 2. Master the Basics First
You can’t crack Olympiads without strong fundamentals:
- Focus on NCERT textbooks — especially for Maths and Science.
- Understand concepts deeply, don’t just memorize.
- Strengthen your mental ability and logic.
✅ Tip: Olympiad questions often twist basic concepts — clarity is power.
🧮 3. Practice Olympiad-Level Questions
Standard school questions won’t be enough. Solve:
- Past year Olympiad papers
- Logical and analytical puzzles
- HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) questions
🎯 Regular Olympiad-level practice sharpens critical thinking.
📅 4. Create a Smart Study Schedule
Divide your prep into:
- Concept building phase
- Practice & test phase
- Revision phase
Break the week:
- 3 days for new concepts
- 2 days for worksheets
- 1 day for revision
- 1 day for mock tests
🗓️ Consistency > Intensity
📚 5. Use the Right Study Materials
Choose books tailored for Olympiad prep:
- Math: MTG IMO Workbooks, RMO guide, Pre-RMO books
- Science: NSO guides, Pearson foundation series, NSEJS prep books
- NTSE: Arihant or MTG NTSE books
✨ Always combine books with sample papers.
🧪 6. Focus on Application, Not Rote
Olympiads test thinking, not mugging. Ask:
- “Why does this formula work?”
- “Can I solve this differently?”
- “Where can this concept apply in real life?”
🧠 Question everything. That’s the Olympiad mindset.
🧘 7. Stay Mentally Fit
Olympiad prep needs focus and patience:
- Take regular short breaks
- Eat healthy brain-boosting foods
- Sleep 7–8 hours for memory and performance
🔁 8. Solve Mock Tests & Analyze
Take time-bound mock tests weekly:
- Simulate real exam conditions
- Analyze your mistakes
- Improve weak topics
📊 Testing = Training your brain for real-time problem-solving.
🤝 9. Join a Foundation Course or Coaching
For structured support, consider enrolling in an Olympiad-focused course like:
📌 Vayu Olympiad Programs – Foundation to Advanced Level Coaching for NSO, IMO, NTSE, RMO, NSEJS and more.
🏁 Final Word
Cracking Science & Math Olympiads isn’t about being a genius. It’s about being consistent, curious, and strategic. Start with the basics, build smartly, and practice regularly — and you’ll be way ahead of the competition.
🌟 Olympiads don’t just test your knowledge. They shape your thinking for life.