Updated October 2026: Download and practise the archived SCO Class 10 Maths Olympiad previous-year paper directly from the PDF below. This is a supplementary practice resource, not an assurance that the current exam uses an identical paper format or question distribution.
For current 2026 preparation, use the SCO Class 10 Maths subject page. It lists the latest 2026 syllabus, sample paper, answer key and previous-year paper, while the live exam calendar shows available dates. Avoid using old cached slots or relying on another organiser’s exam pattern.
Free Class 10 Maths Olympiad Previous-Year Paper PDF
Use the original PDF below for an honest timed attempt. Before looking at solutions, mark any guessed answers and record which topics cost the most time. The PDF is an archived School Connect Olympiad practice paper; it is not an official paper issued by the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
Current SCO Class 10 Maths Resources for 2026
The class-specific Class 10 Maths Olympiad resource page is the source for the current 2026 syllabus, 2026 Sample Paper 1, its answer key, and the 2026 Previous-Year Paper 1 resource. Explore the syllabus and sample papers to practise current Class 10 Maths topics.
- Syllabus: identify the current grade-specific mathematical topics and expected learning outcomes before attempting timed papers.
- 2026 sample paper: test familiarity with the expected preparation level and question style.
- 2026 answer key: review only after attempting the paper. Analyse any unanswered or guessed question.
- Current previous-year resource: use a second, different question set to check whether earlier corrections have helped.
- Exam schedule: confirm the active slot on the live SCO Olympiad exam calendar; subject pages may retain older date labels.
Class 10 Maths Topics to Revise
The best preparation starts with the current prescribed syllabus. Depending on the actual question set and school curriculum, useful mathematics revision areas may include the following; these are a practical topic checklist, not an official percentage-based question distribution.
| Topic area | Olympiad-style skill to practise | Common mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Real numbers and number theory | Divisibility, factors, HCF/LCM, surds and numerical reasoning | Ignoring restrictions on integers or denominators |
| Algebra and polynomials | Identities, factorisation, equation structure, quadratic equations and progressions | Expanding expressions without checking simpler structure |
| Geometry | Similarity, triangles, circles, tangent properties and proof | Assuming a relationship only because a diagram looks a certain way |
| Coordinate geometry | Distances, positions, graphical interpretation and algebraic methods | Sign errors or confusing coordinates and lengths |
| Trigonometry | Ratios, identities and application to height-and-distance contexts | Using an identity without verifying the domain and setup |
| Mensuration | Area/volume applications, composite shapes and unit conversions | Mixing linear, square and cubic units |
| Statistics, probability and reasoning | Reading data carefully, systematic counting and explaining results | Ignoring overlapping cases or misreading the denominator |
How to Analyse the Previous-Year Paper
- Set a realistic timer: follow the instructions attached to the specific PDF. An archived paper may not reflect the current exam-day duration.
- Attempt independently: do not consult an answer key, calculator or tutorial unless permitted by the actual paper instructions.
- Mark uncertain responses: distinguish correct knowledge from lucky guesses.
- Use an error log: record topic, incorrect approach, correct method and one follow-up practice question.
- Revisit the concept: review the weakest two chapters before starting another full test.
- Repeat with a fresh set: use the current 2026 class-specific resources to see whether accuracy and reasoning improve.
Two Original Maths Olympiad Practice Examples
Example 1: Counting Without Double Counting
Question: How many whole numbers from 1 to 120 are divisible by 4 or 6?
Solution: There are 120 ÷ 4 = 30 multiples of 4 and 120 ÷ 6 = 20 multiples of 6. Multiples of both are multiples of LCM(4,6) = 12; there are 120 ÷ 12 = 10. By inclusion–exclusion, the result is 30 + 20 − 10 = 40.
Example 2: A Quadratic Structure
Question: If x + 1/x = 5 for nonzero real x, find x² + 1/x².
Solution: Squaring gives x² + 2 + 1/x² = 25. Therefore x² + 1/x² = 23. The useful habit is recognising an algebraic identity before solving for x explicitly.
These are independently written educational examples, not reproduced SCO or international competition questions.
Four-Week Class 10 Maths Olympiad Study Plan
| Week | Preparation task | Evidence of improvement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Read the current 2026 syllabus; attempt the archived PDF once and classify errors | Accurate baseline and a shortlist of weak topics |
| 2 | Revise algebra, number theory and relevant school concepts; practise explaining methods | Fewer conceptual and calculation errors |
| 3 | Practise geometry, trigonometry, coordinate geometry and challenging word problems | Better diagrams, precision and multi-step reasoning |
| 4 | Attempt the current 2026 sample paper, analyse the answer key and complete a second paper | Better accuracy, timing and a shorter repeated-error list |
How to Use a Maths Olympiad Error Log
| Record | Example |
|---|---|
| Topic | Quadratic equations or probability |
| Mistake type | Wrong formula, reading error, missed case, sign error or time pressure |
| Correction | Show the key reasoning step in one or two sentences |
| Next action | Solve a new question with the same underlying concept |
| Recheck | Redo the problem after a few days without viewing the old solution |
Class 10 Maths Olympiad Previous-Year Paper FAQs
Is the PDF free to download?
Yes, the archived Class 10 SCO Maths Olympiad PDF is linked directly above in the download block. It is intended for practice, not as a guarantee of the current paper format.
Where are the current 2026 syllabus, sample paper and answer key?
They are linked from the current SCO Class 10 Maths subject page. Use that page as the authoritative resource directory rather than an older date in a blog post.
Is SCO’s Maths Olympiad the same as the International Mathematical Olympiad?
No. The SCO International Maths Olympiad is a separate competition organised by School Connect Olympiad. The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is a distinct international championship with its own national team-selection processes.
Do I need to memorise every old question?
No. Understand why each method works. Keep an error log and test whether you can solve a new problem on the same idea.
Where can I find current exam dates?
Use the live SCO Olympiad exam calendar. As of October 10, 2026, the current Winter 2027 cycle contains multiple scheduled dates through December 2026; the availability of a slot should be checked at registration.
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