The Math Olympiad exam for class 6 acts as a base for future competitive exams. Most of the exams require a holistic and proper understanding of the subject; Mathematics. 

Hence, a strong foundation has to be inculcated in the children with good effort and support from parents and teachers regarding the same.

Since the level of questions posed in the assessment is of a higher level than of the previous grades, students are advised to fine-tune their practice methods and overall preparation for the exam.

First, we have to understand that the capability to learn varies between children. Even though it varies, there are certain techniques that enable them to improve themselves over time. One’s memory power, thinking ability and attention-grabbing skills are key to ensuring a successful academic and social life but with proper support and dedication, any child can develop their own skill sets. 

It is always hard work that gives students an edge over the rest, hence healthy levels of practice are to be done. When dealing with different types of questions, a child performs better over time. Hence, it is highly advised that parents guide them in exercising themselves with puzzles that can help them boost their memory and thinking capabilities along with making sure the child is well versed in the fundamentals of the subject whose exam they aim to score well at. 

A smart and holistic way to prepare for the exam is given below;

• Be thorough with the concepts included in the NCERT mathematics textbook, along with the exercise questions provided in it, this helps set up the basic fundamentals required in order to be able to deal with questions that are posed in the Olympiad examinations
• Go through the syllabus for the examination (Given below) 
• Speak to a teacher or trained instructor and procure practice books that are focused on the Olympiad syllabus for the 6th grade. Make sure it is in understandable language and with a focus on practice questions as well instead of relying on conceptual maternal alone
• It is advised to make concise short notes while studying concepts included within the Olympiad preparation material and to set aside a notebook to practice the “Example questions” given in the same
• Once you have gone through the material in such a systematic manner, shift the focus initially on chapter-wise questions or tests. This would enable you to figure areas you are weak in the given chapters so as to work on it to level your understanding of the subject
• Now find sample question papers to practice and carefully analyze each of them after you have attempted them. The papers are to be selected as per the level of the exam you are to attend (Level 1 or Level2). This is suggested as it does not limit yourself to work with a few concepts in mind rather will expand your understanding of various ideas discussed earlier
• The last few weeks prior to the exam are to be for attempting papers from the past years in order to properly practice managing time for the three sections in the paper namely;

1. Subjectively patterned section, that has 30 questions, 
2. High Order Thinking section that includes 5 questions 
3. Logical reasoning section that has 15 questions in all.

The Section wise Syllabus for the Class 6th grade mathematics is given below 

SECTION 1 – SUBJECTIVE

The subjective section of the examination is made of the chapters discussed on a school level. You can take a look at IMO Class 6 Previous Year Paper 2016 to better get an idea of questions asked in the exam.  It is compiled of the basic fundamentals of the subject required at the given grade. 

Textbooks of various syllabuses are suitable in order to prepare for this section. The chapters involved are given below;

Chapter 1: Concept of Geometry
Chapter 2: Number System
Chapter 3: Factors & Multiples
Chapter 4: Integers
Chapter 5: Decimal Fractions
Chapter 6: Ratio & Proportion
Chapter 7: Arithmetic
Chapter 8: Basic Algebra
Chapter 9: Data Handling
Chapter 10: Mensuration
Chapter 11: Symmetry
Chapter 12: Logical Reasoning

SECTION 2 – LOGICAL REASONING

The logical reasoning segment includes;

1. Venn Diagrams,
2. Units of measurement
3. To find the odd one
4. Simple Math logic
5. Sense of direction based
6. Puzzles and ranking.
7. Paper cutting types, paper folding, mirror image, water image
8. Matrix of figures
9. Identification of patterns
10. Geometric shapes,
11. Figures and grouping
12. figure formation,
13. Cubes and dice
14. Blood relations-based questions
15. Basic Mathematical operations
16. Analytical reasoning,
17. Analogy based questions

Unlike the first section, the sections shared above are mostly available in class textbooks of any class and publication. The suggestion is to procure or borrow books that properly introduce such questions in an understandable manner. In this age and time, we know that books aren’t the sole way to practice, hence many sites are available on the internet that enables the student to practice. 

It may not also be a part of the school syllabus as provided by CBSE, ICSE, and other syllabuses but the emphasis on these questions are highly advisable as it would improve cognitive capabilities with further development of the child’s mind.

It ensures that they perform apt brain exercises that would utilize and better their intelligence in the best way possible. Hence it is said that these exams are the only ones of their kind that allow students to be assured of their skills and the different possibilities and opportunities that can be pursued. 

SECTION 3 – HOT’s (HIGH ORDER THINKING SECTION)

High Order Thinking Section contains questions related to the first section of the paper but instead focuses solely on how deep is the understanding of the concepts the student has prepared as the HOTs questions aim in combining logical, analytic and theoretical reasoning and thinking ability of the student, making it comparatively the hardest but yet the most rewarding part of the exam