Mathematics

CategoriesGrades 3-4, Grades 5-6,Grades 7-8, Grades 9-10,Grades 11-12

Preliminary Round INovember 28, 2026Registration deadlineNovember 26, 2026

Preliminary Round IIDecember 19, 2026Registration deadlineDecember 17, 2026

Preliminary Round IIIJanuary 16, 2027Registration deadlineJanuary 14, 2027

Preliminary Round IVFebruary 13, 2027Registration deadlineFebruary 11, 2027

Global FinalMarch 25-31, 2027Early registrationJanuary 23, 2027Late registrationFebruary 20, 2027

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!

Join us!

Experience the thrill of competition and the joy of achievement.

20 Q Preliminary20+10 Q Global Final

75 min Preliminary120+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 28, 2026 (Registration deadline: November 26, 2026)
Online I Results: November 30, 2026
Online II: December 19, 2026 (Registration deadline: December 17, 2026)
Online II Results: December 21, 2026
Online III: January 16, 2027 (Registration deadline: January 14, 2027)
Online III Results: January 18, 2027
Online IV: February 13, 2027 (Registration deadline: February 11, 2027)
Online IV Results: February 15, 2027

The four online rounds are the same, but feature different questions.

Those who did not qualify for the global round in an earlier online round, along with those who were absent from it, can participate in a later 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 3rd Brainiacs Olympiad will take place in Xiamen University Malaysia from March 25 to 31, 2027.

Early Registration Deadline: January 23, 2027
Late Registration Deadline: February 20, 2027

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: +3 points for each correct answer
Normal Questions: +4 points for each correct answer
Difficult Questions: +5 points for each correct answer
Open-ended: +8 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

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Sample papers & materials

Practice with these examples to understand the format, sharpen your skills, and prepare for the challenges ahead.

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