PRMO (Pre-Regional Mathematical Olympiad) Complete Guide

What is PRMO – Introduction

PRMO is the first phase of the examination within the Indian Mathematical Olympiad. This exam assists to get students with exceptional talent for international competitions in mathematics. The Pre-Regional Mathematical Olympiad (PRMO) is the abbreviation of PRMO.  The Mathematics Teachers Association (India) and Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) organize this exam. PRMO is the first level for any student taking the plunge to represent the country on the international scene. 

 PRMO is the first level for any student taking the plunge to represent the country on the international scene. It is a written examination that tests basic mathematical aptitude and logical reasoning in the subjects. It serves as a screening examination for the Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) and is open to students studying in 8th to 12th grades.

 Event Details

• Conducted By: MTA (Mathematics Teachers’ Association), in association with HBCSE and IAPT  
• Eligibility: Indian citizens studying in classes 8 to 12  
• Mode: Offline (pen-and-paper based)  
• Exam Duration: 3 hours  
• Format: 30 questions; all are numerical answers  
• Language: English and regional languages  
• Syllabus Level: Class 9 and 10 level mathematics, with a deeper conceptual focus  
• Qualifying Criteria: Top-scoring students (based on region-specific cutoffs) will advance to RMO.

The PRMO examination usually occurs in August, and following that, selected students follow the second stage, RMO, then to INMO, IMO Training Camp, and finally the IMO. 

PRMO 2025: Important Dates (Tentative)

Dates may vary based on official announcements from MTA or HBCSE.

 PRMO Syllabus

There is no specific syllabus, questions will be taken from mathematics in classes 9 and 10.  The topics usually include the following:

• Number Theory (Divisibility, Modular Arithmetic, Remainders)
• Geometry (Basic Theorems, Circles, Angles, Similar Triangles)
• Algebra (Polynomials, Identities, Factorization)
• Combinatorics (Counting, Arrangements, Pigeonhole Principle)
• Arithmetic (HCF/LCM, Ratio-Proportion, Percentage)

The questions ask to apply knowledge to solve a problem in a specific manner, or one could say “think outside the box,” as opposed to solving a great number of routine problems from school. 

PRMO Registration Process

Candidates can register for PRMO through their school or directly via the MTA website. Here are the steps:

• Visit the official website of the MTA (Mathematics Teachers’ Association).

• Select the PRMO exam tab and read all instructions carefully.

• Create a login and fill out the application form with personal, academic, and school details.

• Upload documents like a recent passport photo and proof of age/class.

• Pay the application fee online (approx. INR 200).

• Download the confirmation and wait for the admit card release.

PRMO Exam Centres

PRMO is conducted at multiple centers across India, often in:

• Kendriya Vidyalayas

• Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas

• CBSE/ICSE-affiliated schools

• Government high schools

The exact center is assigned based on the city preferences entered during registration.

PRMO Admit Card & Instructions

Admit cards are released online and must be downloaded and printed. Key guidelines include:

• Carry a valid photo ID.

• No calculators or electronic gadgets allowed.

• Answer sheets are OMR-based

• Use only an HB pencil and a black/blue pen

• Follow the reporting time strictly.y

PRMO Preparation Tips

• Master NCERT Class 9 & 10 Mathematics thoroughly.

• Practice from previous PRMO and RMO papers.

• Refer to books like:

• Challenge and Thrill of Pre-College Mathematics

• Mathematical Circles

• Take mock tests with 3-hour practice sessions.

• Join Olympiad-focused study groups or online platforms like AoPS.

• Analyze cutoff trends for your region and plan accordingly.

Books & Resources for PRMO Preparation

Books:

• Problem-Solving Strategies by Arthur Engel

• Excursion in Mathematics by Bhaskaracharya Pratishthana

• Mathematical Circles: Russian Experience

Online Platforms:

• Art of Problem Solving (AoPS)

• Brilliant.org

• [KVPY & Olympiad YouTube Channels]

• HBCSE PRMO Corner

Past PRMO Papers with Solutions

Practicing previous years’ question papers is vital in understanding the typology and types of problems. Students may download previous years’ question papers and their respective answer keys open for downloading from:

• Past questions with solutions 
• mtaexam
• Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) Community Discussions

Solving these problems will help students get familiar with the numerical format, improve speed and accuracy, and learn advanced techniques. 

Participating Regions

India has divided itself into 20+ regions under PRMO and RMO, with each region having its own qualification cutoff. The following are some of the many regions:

• Andhra Pradesh
• Delhi NCR
• Karnataka
• TamilNadu & Puducherry
• Maharashtra & Goa
• Kerala
• West Bengal
• North-Eastern Region

Each region follows a quota system, and selections from PRMO are based on regional performances.

 History of PRMO

The PRMO was introduced in 2017 by HBCSE with an aim to ease the Olympiad selection process and to enhance participation at the basic grass-root levels. Before the PRMO, students could appear directly for the RMO. The introduction of the PRMO would help in the early identification of potential talent and ensure that the entire Olympiad process is fair and accessible.

Since its inception, PRMO has been on an increasing trend in participation across the length and breadth of India and has been a major contributor to the enhancement of India’s performance at the International Mathematical Olympiad. 

 Results

The results of PRMO will be declared on:

• mtaexam
• hbcse

The results will include:

• List of shortlisted students for RMO
• Regional cutoffs
• Final marks and ranks

Approximately 300-400 students qualify for RMO per region, depending on performance and strength in the region.