Grades 3-4, Grades 5-6,
Grades 7-8, Grades 9-10,
Grades 11-12
November 15, 2025
Registration deadline
November 13, 2025
December 20, 2025
Registration deadline
December 18, 2025
March 24-30, 2026
Registration deadline
February 1, 2026
Welcome to the Brainiacs Mathematics Olympiad!
In today’s exciting and fast-moving world, mathematics is the secret superpower behind many amazing achievements. Mathematics is often called the “universal language,” and for a good reason. Whether it’s building skyscrapers, designing cutting-edge technology, or exploring the mysteries of space, math is at the heart of it all! It connects people across the globe, helps us understand our universe, and offers solutions to the toughest problems.
The Brainiacs Mathematics Olympiad is here to inspire students and show them the thrill of problem-solving and critical thinking. We want students to dive into the world of math and discover just how powerful and fun it can be! This Olympiad isn’t just about solving equations, it’s about learning to think critically, tackle challenges with confidence, and develop skills that will help them in every area of life.
The future belongs to those who think boldly and creatively, and math is the tool that will guide them there. Let’s unlock the brainiac in every student!
Experience the thrill of competition and the joy of achievement.
20 Q Preliminary
20+10 Q Global Final
75 min Preliminary
120+120 min Global Final
English, Russian,
French, and Spanish
MECHANICS
Brainiacs Mathematics Olympiad Mechanics
The Brainiacs Mathematics Olympiad is a globally renowned competition aimed at encouraging creativity, innovation, and academic excellence in students from Grade 3 to Grade 12. The Olympiad is structured into two main stages: the Preliminary Round and the Global Round
PRELIMINARY ROUND REGISTRATION
Students can register for the Olympiad through the official Brainiacs Olympiad website or via authorized representatives in their respective countries.
Dates
The online qualifying exams for the Preliminary Round are scheduled for:
- Online I: November 15, 2025 (Registration deadline: November 14, 2025)
- Online I Results: November 20, 2025
- Online II: December 20, 2025 (Registration deadline: December 19, 2025)
- Online II Results: December 25, 2025
The two online rounds are the same, but feature different questions.
Those who did not qualify for the global round in the first online round, along with those who were absent from the first round, can participate in the second round.
Format
The exam consists of 20 questions divided into three levels of difficulty:
- Easy: 5 questions
- Normal: 10 questions
- Difficult: 5 questions
The exam consists of 20 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 75 minutes. Questions are tailored to the participant’s educational level and divided into the following categories:
- Category 1: Grades 3 and 4
- Category 2: Grades 5 and 6
- Category 3: Grades 7 and 8
- Category 4: Grades 9 and 10
- Category 5: Grades 11 and 12
Scoring
- Easy Questions: +4 points for each correct answer
- Normal Questions: +5 points for each correct answer
- Difficult Questions: +6 points for each correct answer
- Incorrect Answer: No negative marking for any question
- Unanswered Question: No points deducted
Qualification
Participants scoring at least 40% in the Preliminary Round qualify for the Global Round. Every participant receives a Certificate of Participation.
Recognition
In the Preliminary Round, medals are awarded based on the points earned by the participants:
- 40 to 49 : Honorable Mention Certificate
- 50 to 74 : Bronze Medal
- 75 to 89 : Silver Medal
- 90 to 100 : Gold Medal
GLOBAL ROUND
The Global Round is the final stage of the competition, where participants showcase their knowledge and ability.
Registration
Students can register for the Olympiad through the official Brainiacs Olympiad website or via authorized representatives in their respective countries.
Dates and Venue
Global Round of the 2nd Brainiacs Olympiad will take place in Xiamen University Malaysia from March 24 to 30, 2026.
- Standard Registration Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Late Registration Deadline: March 1, 2026
Exam Days
Global Round exam format is different from Preliminary Round. It has both Theoretical and Practical parts separated in two consecutive examination days.
Day 1. Theoretical Part
This is the traditional portion of a math exam – it tests understanding, reasoning, and proof-based skills.
Examples:
- Solving algebraic equations, inequalities, and geometry problems
- Writing proofs (e.g., “Prove that triangle ABC is isosceles if…”)
- Explaining why a formula works
- Short-answer or multiple-choice conceptual questions
Purpose:
To test mathematical knowledge, reasoning, problem-solving ability, and abstract thinking.
Day 1 Exam Format
The exam consists of 20 questions divided into three levels of difficulty:
- Easy: 5 multiple-choice questions
- Normal: 5 multiple-choice questions
- Difficult: 5 multiple-choice questions
- Open-ended(difficult): 5 questions
The exam consists of 15 multiple-choice and 5 open-ended questions to be completed within 120 minutes.
Day 1 Exam Scoring
- Easy Questions: +4 points for each correct answer
- Normal Questions: +5 points for each correct answer
- Difficult Questions: +6 points for each correct answer
- Open-ended: +7 points for full correct solution and answer
- Incorrect Answer: No negative marking for any question
- Unanswered Question: No points deducted
Day 2. Practical Part
The practical part checks how students can apply mathematical knowledge in real-world or experimental situations (applications, data-based or computational tasks).
Examples:
- Using math to analyze real-life data (like temperature, prices, or measurements)
- Modeling a real-world situation (e.g., “Estimate how many tiles are needed to cover a floor of size X”)
- Measuring and calculating in geometry using tools (ruler, compass, protractor)
Purpose:
To test application, data analysis, modeling, and use of tools or technology in mathematical contexts.
Day 2 Exam Format
The exam consists of 10 questions divided into three levels of difficulty:
- Easy: 3 multiple-choice problems
- Normal: 3 multiple-choice problems
- Difficult: 4 open-ended problems
The exam consists of 6 multiple-choice and 4 open-ended problems to be completed within 120 minutes.
Day 2 Exam Scoring
- Easy Questions: +7 points for each correct answer
- Normal Questions: +9 points for each correct answer
- Difficult Questions: +13 points for each correct answer
- Incorrect Answer: No negative marking for any question
- Unanswered Question: No points deducted
Global Round Recognition
In the Global Round, medals are awarded based on the percentage distribution according to the number of participants.
- The top 10% (0-10%) of participants receive gold medals.
- The next 20% (11-30%) of participants receive silver medals.
- The next 30% (31-60%) of participants receive bronze medals.
- The next 15% (61-75%) receive honorable mentions.
Languages
All of the questions in Preliminary and Global Rounds will be in 4
languages: English, Russian, French, and Spanish.
SYLLABUS
Number Operations
- Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of numbers up to 10,000.
- Understanding place value and number properties.
- Rounding numbers to the nearest 10, 100, or 1,000.
Fractions
- Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions.
- Understanding equivalent fractions.
- Simplifying fractions.
- Comparing and ordering fractions.
Divisibility and Prime Numbers
- Rules of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13.
- Identifying prime and composite numbers.
- Finding factors and multiples of numbers.
- Prime factorization.
Measurement
- Understanding systems of measurement (length, area, volume, mass, and time).
- Converting between different units of measurement.
- Solving problems involving units of measurement in real-life contexts.
Geometry
- Recognizing and classifying geometric figures (e.g., triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, etc.).
- Understanding properties of shapes (sides, angles, and symmetry).
- Parallel and perpendicular lines.
- Area and perimeter of rectangles.
- Introduction to the area of other basic geometric shapes
Mathematical Logic
- Using logical reasoning to solve mathematical puzzles.
- Understanding statements that are true or false.
- Applying logical thinking in problem-solving contexts.
Data Interpretation
- Reading and interpreting bar graphs.
- Understanding and creating Venn diagrams.
- Solving problems using data presented in different formats (tables, charts, graphs).
Word Problems
- Solving word problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Applying mathematical concepts to real-life scenarios.
- Multi-step word problems.
Patterns and Sequences
- Recognizing and continuing patterns in sequences.
- Identifying arithmetic and geometric sequences.
- Understanding number patterns and finding missing elements.
Time and Calendar
- Reading time on analog and digital clocks.
- Understanding AM and PM.
- Calculating elapsed time.
- Understanding days, weeks, months, and years
NUMBERS AND ARITHMETIC
Arithmetic Operations:
- Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with whole numbers.
- Operations with decimals, fractions, mixed fractions, and improper fractions.
- Order of operations (using parentheses).
Factors and Multiples:
- Understanding factors, multiples, and divisibility rules.
- Identifying prime and composite numbers.
- Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) and Least Common Multiple (LCM).
Percentage:
- Converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages.
- Solving simple percentage problems (e.g., finding percentages, increasing or decreasing a quantity by a percentage).
ALGEBRA AND EQUATIONS
Linear Equations:
- Solving simple one-step linear equations.
- Understanding and using variables in equations.
- Applying linear equations to solve word problems.
Simple Interest Calculations:
- Understanding the concept of interest.
- Calculating simple interest using the formula, where P is the principal amount, R is the rate, and T is the time period.
GEOMETRY
Properties of Geometric Figures:
- Understanding properties of squares, rectangles, triangles, parallelograms, and trapeziums.
- Identifying sides, angles, and diagonals
Angles:
- Identifying and measuring acute, right, and obtuse angles.
- Understanding complementary and supplementary angles.
Perimeter and Area:
- Calculating the perimeter of polygons.
- Finding the area of triangles, squares, rectangles, parallelograms, and trapeziums.
Volume:
- Calculating the volume of cubes and cuboids using the formula, where l, w, and h are the length, width, and height, respectively.
Line of Symmetry:
- Identifying lines of symmetry in various shapes.
- Understanding symmetry in regular polygons.
MEASUREMENT AND SIMPLE STATISTICS
Measurement:
- Understanding different units of measurement for length, volume, and mass.
- Converting between different units of measurement.
Simple Statistics:
- Calculating and interpreting mean, median, and mode.
- Reading data from charts, graphs, and tables.
- Understanding range as a measure of data variability.
RATIOS AND PROPORTIONS
Understanding Ratios:
- Solving problems involving ratios.
- Using ratios to compare quantities.
Proportions:
- Solving simple proportions.
- Applying proportions to solve real-life problems.
- Problem Solving and Logical Thinking
PROBLEM SOLVING AND LOGICAL THINKING
Word Problems:
- Translating word problems into mathematical expressions or equations.
- Solving multi-step word problems using arithmetic and basic algebra.
- Pattern Recognition and Logical Reasoning:
- Identifying patterns and sequences in numbers.
- Using logical reasoning to solve math puzzles.
CATEGORY 1 (GRADES 3-4) ALL TOPIC
NUMBERS AND ALGEBRA
Advanced Topics in Fractions:
- Operations with fractions and mixed numbers.
- Simplifying complex fractions.
- Conversion between improper fractions and mixed numbers.
Squares and Square Roots:
- Understanding perfect squares.
- Calculating square roots (exact and approximate).
- Simplifying square roots.
Rational and Irrational Numbers:
- Identifying rational and irrational numbers.
- Operations involving rational numbers.
- Understanding decimal representations (terminating, repeating, and non-repeating).
Simple Algebraic Expressions:
- Simplifying expressions using the distributive property and combining like terms.
- Evaluating expressions for given variable values.
Equalities and Inequalities:
- Solving linear equalities and inequalities.
- Graphing inequalities on a number line.
- Understanding absolute value inequalities.
EQUATION AND FUNCTIONS
System of Equations:
- Solving systems of linear equations using substitution and elimination methods.
- Application of systems in word problems
Linear Functions:
- Understanding slope and intercept.
- Graphing linear functions.
- Solving real-life problems using linear equations and graphs.
RATIOS, PROPORTIONS, AND COMBINATORICS
Ratio and Proportion:
- Solving problems involving ratios, rates, and proportions.
- Applying proportions to real-world problems.
Simple Combinatorics and Probability:
- Basic counting principles (addition and multiplication rules).
- Introduction to permutations and combinations.
- Basic probability concepts and calculations.
GEOMETRY
Regular Polygons:
- Properties and characteristics of regular polygons.
- Calculating interior and exterior angles.
Area and Circumference of a Circle:
- Using formulas to calculate the area and circumference of circles.
- Solving problems involving arc length and sector area.
Area and Perimeter of Composite Figures:
- Calculating the area and perimeter of shapes composed of multiple geometric figures.
Pythagorean Theorem:
- Applying the Pythagorean theorem to find the length of a side in a right triangle.
- Solving real-world problems using the Pythagorean theorem.
Congruence and Similarity:
- Understanding the properties of congruent and similar shapes.
- Solving problems involving scale factors and transformations
MEASUREMENT
Volume and Surface Area:
- Calculating the volume and surface area of prisms and cylinders.
- Solving problems involving composite three-dimensional figures.
COORDINATE GEOMETRY
Basic Concepts:
- Plotting points on the Cartesian plane.
- Understanding the distance between two points and the midpoint formula.
Graphing Linear Equations:
- Finding the equation of a line given two points or a point and a slope.
- Understanding the relationship between graphical and algebraic representations of lines.
MATHEMATICAL REASONING AND PROBLEM SOLVING
Solving Word Problems:
- Translating word problems into mathematical expressions or equations.
- Using algebraic and geometric approaches to solve complex problems.
Logical Reasoning and Pattern Recognition:
- Identifying patterns and sequences.
- Solving puzzles using logical reasoning techniques.
CATEGORY 3 (GRADES 5-6) ALL TOPIC
NUMBER THEORY AND ALGEBRA
Real Numbers:
- Understanding the properties of real numbers.
- Operations with real numbers, including rational and irrational numbers.
- Absolute values and properties of square roots.
Advanced Topics in Exponentiation:
- Properties and rules of exponents.
- Negative and fractional exponents.
- Simplifying exponential expressions.
Polynomials:
- Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of polynomials.
- Factoring techniques and solving polynomial equations.
- Understanding the relationship between roots and coefficients.
Quadratic Functions:
- Graphing quadratic functions and identifying key features (vertex, axis of symmetry, intercepts).
- Solving quadratic equations using factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula.
- Applications of quadratic functions in problem-solving.
LOGARITHMS AND EXPONENTIALS
Logarithms:
- Definition and basic properties of logarithms.
- Converting between exponential and logarithmic forms.
- Solving simple logarithmic equations.
Exponential Functions:
- Graphing exponential functions.
- Understanding exponential growth and decay
GEOMETRY
Coordinate Geometry:
- Plotting points and graphing lines on the Cartesian plane.
- Slope, midpoint, and distance formulas.
- Equations of lines, circles, and other conic sections.
Properties of Circles:
- Understanding chords, tangents, and secants.
- Arc lengths and sector areas.
- Angle properties and theorems related to circles.
Volume and Surface Area:
- Calculating the volume and surface area of pyramids, cones, and spheres.
- Solving problems involving composite three-dimensional shapes.
Law of Sines and Cosines:
- Applying the law of sines and cosines to solve triangle problems.
- Using these laws in non-right triangles and real-life applications.
STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY
Mean, Median, and Mode:
- Calculating measures of central tendency.
- Interpreting data using these measures.
- Understanding how outliers affect these measures.
Probability Basics:
- Simple probability concepts.
- Complementary events and independent events.
- Basic combinatorics applied to probability problems.
FUNCTIONS AND GRAPH INTERPRETATION
Graph Interpretation:
- Reading and interpreting graphs of various functions (linear, quadratic, exponential).
- Understanding asymptotes, intercepts, and behavior of graphs
Function Properties:
- Understanding domain, range, and inverse functions.
- Graph transformations (shifting, stretching, and reflecting).
PROBLEM SOLVING AND MATHEMATICAL REASONING
Solving Word Problems:
- Translating real-world problems into mathematical equations.
- Using algebraic and geometric approaches to solve problems.
Logical Reasoning and Pattern Recognition:
- Solving puzzles and logical problems.
- Identifying patterns and sequences.
ADDITIONAL TOPICS
Sequences and Series:
- Understanding arithmetic and geometric sequences.
- Finding the sum of finite arithmetic and geometric series.
Inequalities:
- Solving linear and quadratic inequalities.
- Graphical representation of inequalities.
CATEGORY 3 (GRADES 7-8) ALL TOPICS
ADVANCED ALGEBRA
Advanced Topics in Algebra:
- Polynomial equations and inequalities.
- Rational expressions and functions.
- Techniques for solving higher-degree equations.
Remainder and Factor Theorems:
- Understanding and applying the remainder theorem.
- Using the factor theorem to factorize polynomials.
- Solving polynomial equations using these theorems.
Non-Linear Equations:
- Solving quadratic, cubic, and higher-degree equations.
- Understanding the nature of roots (real, complex, equal, etc.).
- Application of the quadratic formula and Vietasformulas.
INEQUALITIES AND MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS
Advanced Topics in Inequalities:
- Absolute value inequalities.
- Systems of inequalities.
Summation of Series:
- Arithmetic and geometric series.
Summation techniques for more complex series.
- Using sigma notation and properties of summation.
LOGARITHMS AND EXPONENTIALS
Advanced Topics in Logarithms:
- Properties and laws of logarithms.
- Solving logarithmic and exponential equations.
- Applications in growth and decay problems.
BINOMIAL THEOREM
Application of the Binomial Theorem:
- Expanding expressions using the binomial theorem.
- Finding specific terms in a binomial expansion.
- Applications in combinatorics and algebra
COMBINATORICS AND PROBABILITY
Advanced Topics in Combinatorics:
- Permutations and combinations.
- Pigeonhole principle and inclusion-exclusion principle.
- Advanced counting techniques.
Advanced Probability:
- Conditional probability and Bayes theorem.
- Probability distributions (basic concepts).
- Solving complex probability problems.
GEOMETRY AND TRIGONOMETRY
Advanced Topics in Coordinate Geometry:
- Equations of lines, circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas.
- Solving geometric problems using coordinate methods.
- Loci and geometric transformations.
Advanced Topics in Trigonometry:
- Solving trigonometric equations.
- Using identities and formulas (sum, difference, double-angle, angle).
- Trigonometric applications in geometry.
ADDITIONAL TOPICS
Functions and Graphing:
- Understanding different types of functions (linear, quadratic,
- polynomial, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic).
- Analyzing graphs of functions and their transformations.
Basic Calculus (Introductory Level):
- Understanding limits and continuity.
- Differentiation and simple applications.
CATEGORY 4 (GRADES 9-10) ALL TOPICS
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SAMPLE PAPERS & MATERIALS
Practice with these examples to understand the format, sharpen your skills, and prepare for the challenges ahead.
