Maths Olympiad Papers and Practice Questions for Classes 1–12
Find the right Maths Olympiad preparation resource for your class. This guide brings together downloadable School Connect Olympiad (SCO) paper pages, free online questions and clearly explained solutions for Classes 1 to 12.
Not every linked page contains a downloadable PDF. Some offer archived question papers with download buttons, while others provide newly written practice questions with worked answers directly on the page. Choose your grade below to see what is available, then use the SCO Olympiad subject overview for the current examination and exam calendar for up-to-date session details.
Choose your Class 1–12 Maths Olympiad resource
PDF available means the linked article has a document viewer or download link. Practice on page means you can read the original multiple-choice questions and their explanations directly in the browser, without needing a PDF. Both types offer useful preparation; the resource type is shown for every class below.
Primary learners: Classes 1–3
- Class 1 Maths Olympiad — PDF available. Archived PDF and 12 new worked questions. Topics: Counting, shapes, patterns and early arithmetic.
- Class 2 Maths Olympiad — PDF available. Archived PDF and 10 original worked questions. Topics: Number sense, operations, measurement and reasoning.
- Class 3 Maths Olympiad — Practice on page. 35 original questions and solutions on the page. Topics: Four-digit numbers, operations, fractions and shapes.
Upper-primary learners: Classes 4–6
- Class 4 Maths Olympiad — Practice on page. 35 original questions and solutions on the page. Topics: Large numbers, Roman numerals, factors and geometry.
- Class 5 Maths Olympiad — Practice on page. 40 original questions and solutions on the page. Topics: Decimals, area, data, percentages and reasoning.
- Class 6 Maths Olympiad — Practice on page. 40 original questions and solutions on the page. Topics: Integers, fractions, ratios, algebra and geometry.
Middle grades: Classes 7–9
- Class 7 Maths Olympiad — Practice on page. 40 original questions and solutions on the page. Topics: Rational numbers, equations, angles and algebra.
- Class 8 Maths Olympiad — Practice on page. 40 original questions and solutions on the page. Topics: Linear equations, squares, cubes and mensuration.
- Class 9 Maths Olympiad — Practice on page. 40 original questions and solutions on the page. Topics: Polynomials, coordinates, geometry and probability.
Senior grades: Classes 10–12
- Class 10 Maths Olympiad — PDF available. Archived PDF and two original worked examples. Topics: Algebra, geometry and mathematical reasoning.
- Class 11 Maths Olympiad — Practice on page. 40 original questions and solutions on the page. Topics: Sets, trigonometry, complex numbers and calculus.
- Class 12 Maths Olympiad — PDF available. Archived PDF and 40 original worked questions. Topics: Matrices, calculus, vectors, 3D geometry and probability.
How to choose between a past paper and new practice questions
| Resource | What it helps with | Best way to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Archived Olympiad PDF | Working through a complete previously published paper | Read its original instructions, solve on paper and use the matching answer key if one is provided |
| Original worked questions | Learning topic methods and correcting mistakes | Try the question first, then check the solution directly below it |
| Current organiser syllabus | Deciding which skills matter for your grade and examination | Use the latest subject and grade page rather than assuming an older paper is the current format |
Select a PDF available link to open a question paper, or choose Practice on page to solve questions with explanations in your browser. Always follow the official SCO Olympiad subject pages for current syllabus and exam information.
12 free Maths Olympiad warm-up questions — one for each class
Try the question for your class, or begin with an easier grade if you need to revisit foundational skills. These short questions were written for this guide and each one has a worked answer. Use each explanation to understand the method before moving to the next class.
Class 1 warm-up. What is 9 + 7?
A. 14 | B. 16 | C. 17 | D. 18
Answer: B. 16. Make ten: 9 + 1 = 10, then add the remaining 6 to get 16.
Class 2 warm-up. There are 4 equal boxes with 6 crayons each. How many crayons are there?
A. 10 | B. 18 | C. 24 | D. 30
Answer: C. 24. Four groups of six contain 4 × 6 = 24 crayons.
Class 3 warm-up. What is 407 + 195?
A. 592 | B. 602 | C. 612 | D. 702
Answer: B. 602. 407 + 200 = 607. Subtract the extra 5 to get 602.
Class 4 warm-up. A square has a side of 7 cm. What is its perimeter?
A. 14 cm | B. 21 cm | C. 28 cm | D. 49 cm
Answer: C. 28 cm. All four sides are 7 cm long, so perimeter = 4 × 7 = 28 cm.
Class 5 warm-up. What is 4.75 + 2.60?
A. 6.35 | B. 7.25 | C. 7.35 | D. 7.45
Answer: C. 7.35. Align the decimal points: 4.75 + 2.60 = 7.35.
Class 6 warm-up. Calculate −9 + 14.
A. −23 | B. −5 | C. 5 | D. 23
Answer: C. 5. Starting at −9, move 14 steps to the right on a number line to reach 5.
Class 7 warm-up. Solve 3x − 5 = 16.
A. 5 | B. 6 | C. 7 | D. 8
Answer: C. 7. Add 5 to both sides to get 3x = 21, then divide by 3: x = 7.
Class 8 warm-up. Factorise x² − 36.
A. (x − 6)² | B. (x + 6)² | C. (x − 6)(x + 6) | D. (x − 3)(x + 12)
Answer: C. (x − 6)(x + 6). Use the difference of squares: a² − b² = (a − b)(a + b) with b = 6.
Class 9 warm-up. What is the distance between (0,0) and (6,8)?
A. 8 | B. 10 | C. 12 | D. 14
Answer: B. 10. Use the distance formula: √(6² + 8²) = √(36 + 64) = 10.
Class 10 warm-up. Which pair are the roots of x² − 5x + 6 = 0?
A. 1 and 6 | B. 2 and 3 | C. −2 and −3 | D. −1 and −6
Answer: B. 2 and 3. Factor as (x − 2)(x − 3) = 0. Therefore x = 2 or x = 3.
Class 11 warm-up. Find sin 150°.
A. −1/2 | B. 1/2 | C. √3/2 | D. −√3/2
Answer: B. 1/2. 150° is in quadrant II, where sine is positive. sin 150° = sin 30° = 1/2.
Class 12 warm-up. Differentiate f(x) = x³ − 2x.
A. x² − 2 | B. 3x² | C. 3x² − 2 | D. 3x³ − 2
Answer: C. 3x² − 2. Apply the power rule to each term: derivative of x³ is 3x² and of −2x is −2.
A simple preparation method that works across grades
- Choose the correct level: Begin with the current grade’s syllabus or subject resource.
- Attempt before checking: Solve a small group of questions independently and write your steps.
- Review the method: Identify whether you made a concept, calculation, reading or time-management mistake.
- Use the right format: Try a complete downloadable paper when available; use on-page worked questions to strengthen difficult concepts.
- Revisit and progress: Practise a new variation of a missed question and return to it a few days later.
Current School Connect Olympiad Maths resources
For current curriculum and grade-specific topics, start with the official Class 1 Maths subject page, Class 6 Maths subject page, or Class 12 Maths subject page, then choose the appropriate grade on the SCO website. You can also explore the Maths Olympiad sample-paper collection for a different set of learning resources.
School Connect Olympiad, Science Olympiad Foundation competitions and the senior International Mathematical Olympiad are different programmes. A subject guide or archived paper from one organiser should not be assumed to match another organiser’s format or eligibility rules.
Frequently asked questions
Are Maths Olympiad previous-year papers available for every class?
This hub links to a resource for every class from 1 through 12. Some linked articles include an archived PDF; others provide original practice questions with worked answers directly on the page. The resource type is clearly marked beside each class.
Can I practise without downloading a PDF?
Yes. The practice-on-page guides include questions and explanations in the article itself. The 12 warm-up questions above can also be solved without downloading anything.
Where do I find downloadable Maths Olympiad papers?
Use the entries marked PDF available for Classes 1, 2, 10 and 12. Those pages contain downloadable documents; the other listed class articles focus on original online practice. Check the linked paper’s own year and instructions.
Are the worked questions the exact questions from past competitions?
No. The original worked questions are fresh learning examples. Downloadable archived papers, where shown, are separate resources with their own question sets.
Should I use the same Maths Olympiad syllabus every year?
Check the current syllabus for your grade and chosen organiser. Older papers can be useful practice, but their question counts, topics and instructions may differ from later examinations.
How can parents help younger children practise?
Start with short, manageable questions, counters or paper drawings. Discuss how the answer was found rather than rewarding fast guesses.
Do all Olympiads called “IMO” use the same questions?
No. The abbreviation can refer to different organisations and competitions. Check the organiser’s full name before using a sample paper or registering.
What should I do after completing my class guide?
Revisit your weakest topics, try a different type of question and practise explanations in your own words. Then use the current SCO subject resources for further preparation.
Ready to begin? Choose your class from the grouped list near the top of this page and start with questions appropriate to your level.
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