Southeast Asian Mathematical Olympiad (SEAMO)
Registrations are Closed.
SEAMO was created by Terry Chew, author of Wicked Mathematics and Unleash the Maths Olympian in You. The exam draws on research by the Terry Chew Institute of Mathematical Olympiads and uses the RA*CE framework, also used at the Terry Chew Academy, whose students have excelled in Kangaroo, SASMO, NMOS, RIPMWC, SMOPS, Mathlympics, SMO, AMC8, AMC10 and other olympiads.
SEAMO is held in over 18 countries with over 20,000 participants. Since 2015 it has aimed to build global recognition for students, grow a network of Southeast Asian math olympians, and encourage knowledge-sharing across the region. Its papers are designed for all levels.
Syllabus & Training
The syllabus is based on the Singapore Mathematical Olympiad curriculum, with 40% of its content modified to meet international standards. Since 1991 the Institute has built its own assessment framework by studying olympiad curricula from Singapore, the USA, Russia and other regions. The syllabus is a guide to likely topics, and papers may include related extensions. Details are at seamo-official.org/resources.
Coaches at Terry Chew Academy offer YouTube training videos for Papers A to F. Registered candidates can log in to the SEAMO Portal to download a past paper with its answer key, and a past-paper book series with solutions is also available.
Eligibility: students aged 5 to 18 who are currently enrolled from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Each participant sits the paper that matches their current grade.
| Paper | Level | Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Paper K | Kindergarten | View Sample Paper |
| Paper A | Grades 1–2 | View Sample Paper |
| Paper B | Grades 3–4 | View Sample Paper |
| Paper C | Grades 5–6 | View Sample Paper |
| Paper D | Grades 7–8 | View Sample Paper |
| Paper E | Grades 9–10 | View Sample Paper |
| Paper F | Grades 11–12 | View Sample Paper |
Exam format
- 25 questions, a mix of multiple-choice and short-answer.
- 90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes), taken online.
- The top 40% in the Local Round qualify for SEAMO X, held each January.
Online exam security
- A working camera is required, and it records periodically.
- The platform detects your time zone through geolocation and shows a countdown timer.
- The exam auto-submits if you exit full screen, and autosaves if your connection drops.
- Response patterns may be reviewed for statistical anomalies, and question order is randomised.
- Unlimited mock exam attempts are allowed.
Candidate entitlements
- Portal login, exam entry, YouTube training videos, and past one-year questions with solutions (PDF).
- Parents and teachers can create portal accounts to monitor progress.
- Round 1, SEAMO (Online Round): the 90-minute online paper described under Age Criteria & Exam Structure.
- Round 2, SEAMO X (Global Round): the top 40% of SEAMO candidates enter the Champions Division, and the remaining 60% enter the Open Division. The two divisions are ranked separately.
SEAMO X 2025 was held on 17–20 January 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
SEAMO 2026
- Registration Deadline: 10 October 2026
- Examination Date: 18 October 2026
- Examination Time: 11:00 AM (Pakistan Standard Time)
- Mode: Online
Candidates are ranked within their own paper (grade level). Candidates on higher papers are not ranked against those on lower papers.
| Medal | Awarded to |
|---|---|
| Gold | Top 8% of contestants |
| Silver | Next 12% |
| Bronze | Next 20% |
- SEAMO recognises all medal winners and supports their applications to top schools.
- SEAMO X top performers also receive e-certificates and a Letter of Recommendation endorsed by Chief Examiner Mr Terry Chew.
- AcademicQuests distributes medals and certificates to participants residing in Pakistan only.
SEAMO 2026 Competition Fee: S$32.30
- Pay the PKR equivalent at the prevailing exchange rate on the day of payment.
- For assistance, call +92 318 7272100.
SEAMO 2026 registrations are now closed.
Follow the guide that matches you. Candidates should log in to the SEAMO portal and open their profile.
GET STARTED
Registrations Closed