PRMO Exam Pattern

The Pre-RMO or PRMO (Pre-Regional Mathematical Olympiad) is the first stage of the Indian Mathematical Olympiad. PRMO is a preliminary competition to determine who will compete in the Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO). Under the supervision of the MTA (Mathematics Teachers’ Association), the PRMO test will be administered. The National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM) has picked the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) as the test coordinator. The mathematics Olympiad events are overseen by NBHM.

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The Pre-Regional Mathematical Olympiad is a three-hour exam administered using pen and paper. It is critical for students interested in participating in the Olympiad to be familiar with the exam pattern. Exam hopefuls can gain valuable insight into the question structure, types of questions given, marking scheme, and other crucial parts of the examination by reviewing the PRMO exam pattern. For the benefit of aspiring students, the PRMO test pattern is available on the Homi Bhabha Center for Science Education’s official website.

The Exam Pattern of PRMO

The PRMO Test will take 180 minutes, and there will be a total of 30 questions in the test. The test will be administered using pen and paper. To avoid any inconsistencies in the exam, candidates should carefully evaluate the Exam Pattern before beginning their preparations. PRMO Exam Pattern 2021-2022 is tabulated below.

Duration of Examination

180 minutes

Mode of Examination

Offline mode – Pen and paper-based examination

Medium of Examination

English/ Hindi

Total Number of Questions

30

Negative Marking

Not applicable

Marking Pattern

7 questions carrying 2 marks each

15 questions carrying 3 marks each

8 questions carrying 5 marks each

Correction Mode

Scanned by machines

PRMO Exam Syllabus

Students must thoroughly review the PRMO Syllabus as well as the test pattern. The following is the PRMO 2020 Syllabus for interested candidates’ reference.

  1. Arithmetic of Integers
  2. Geometry
  3. Trigonometry
  4. Inequalities
  5. Coordinate Geometry
  6. System of Linear Equations
  7. Permutations and Combination
  8. Factorization of Polynomial
  9. Quadratic Equations and Expressions
  10. Elementary Combinatory
  11. Finite Series and Complex Numbers
  12. Probability Theory
  13. Number Theory
  14. Elementary Graph Theory

Topic-Wise Analysis of PRMO Syllabus 2022

The exam will be administered using paper and pencil. The test will take three hours to complete, and the question paper contains 30 questions. Every question should be answered with one digit or two.

Topic Name

Number of Questions

Total Number of Marks

Algebra

6

20

Number Theory

7

21

Geometry

9

27

Combinatorics

7

31

Trigonometry

1

3

Total

30

102

Class-wise Distribution of Marks for PRMO Examination

Class

Number of Questions

Total Number of Marks

Class 9

1

2

Class 10

13

34

Class 11

16

66

Total

30

102

Frequently Asked Questions on PRMO Exam Pattern

Q1

Who is the Organizing Board for the Pre-RMO?

The Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) hosts the Pre-RMO. The test is administered by the HBCSE, in collaboration with the MO-Cell and the National Coordinator, as designated by the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM).
Q2

Is the PRMO examination subject to negative marking?

The PRMO Exam does not have any negative marking. Any discrepancy in filling the bubbles in the OMR sheet will impact your marks. You can answer all the questions without fear of getting a negative score.
Q3

What is the total number of questions asked in the PRMO Exam?

There are a total of 30 questions in the PRMO Exam. It is necessary to respond to all of the questions. These questions will include 1-digit or 2-digit answers that you must input on the OMR page provided during the Exam.
Q4

What are the best books to study for the PRMO 2022 Syllabus?

The list below includes the most important and excellent books for the PRMO Syllabus 2022.

  • Problem-Solving Strategies by Arthur Engel
  • Mathematical Circles by Fomin and others
  • Problem Primer for the Olympiads by C R Pranesachar, B J Venkatachala and C S Yogananda
  • Functional Equations by B J Venkatachala
  • An Excursion in Mathematics by S A Katre, M R Modak and V V Acharya and V M Sholapurkar
  • Inequalities an approach through problems by B J Venkatachala
  • Challenge and Thrill of Pre-College Mathematics by V Krishnamurthy, K N Ranganathan, B J Venkatachala and C R Pranesachar.