As of 8 March 2024, the NUS High School of Math and Science has made some changes to the regulations for the 2024 NMOS competition. Here are some changes to the 2024 NMOS that you need to be aware of.
Changes to the 2024 NMOS and what does it all mean?
1. Age Eligibility for the 2024 NMOS
NMOS was previously one of the few competitions that is open to students as long as they are below the grade of Primary 5. With effect from 8 March 2024, only students who are currently in Primary 5 will be allowed to participate in this year’s 2024 NMOS.
Think Academy’s Predictions:
5000 (Primary 4-Primary 5) students participate in the NMOS annually with approximately 400 entering the Special Round and 80 gold medalists. Since the eligibility of the NMOS competition has been narrowed down to a single grade of 3000-3500 participants, we foresee fiercer and tougher competition in this year’s NMOS with 50-60 gold medals up for grabs.
2. Number of Rounds in 2024 NMOS
Previously, the NMOS had 2 different rounds – Preliminary Round and Special Round. This year, NUSH has reduced the NMOS to a single round.
Think Academy’s Predictions:
Unlike previous years, the Preliminary Round included several basic level questions catering to Primary 4 (or below) participants. With only a single round and stricter eligibility criteria, we concluded that the question difficulty level will increase to select the most outstanding candidates as their DSA applicants (which, by the way, is the only way you can apply to NUSH). Based on students’ feedback last year, top candidates will also be invited for a camp at NUSH, which is also a strong indication of their interest in your child in their DSA selection.
Details of 2024 NMOS
| Date | 16 July 2024 |
| Number of Round(s) | 1 |
| Format | Written and held in respective Primary Schools |
| Type | Short Answer Questions |
| Number of Questions | 35Q |
| Duration | 90 mins (1.5 hours) |
| Registration Fees | $24 per participant (inclusive 9% GST) |
3. Paper Structure of Competition
After analysing the NMOS Preliminary Round and Special Round papers from the past 6 years, we noticed some changes to the paper structure for the NMOS Special Round in 2023.
The NUS High School of Math and Science has also officially announced that there will be 35 questions in the 2024 NMOS.
Think Academy’s Predictions:
Based on the changes in the NMOS Special Round, we anticipate the following changes to the paper structure.
4. The Most Important Topics to Master for 2024 NMOS
From analysing the NMOS Preliminary Round, up to 34% and 20% of the Level 3 questions tested on Geometry and Number Theory respectively.
Think Academy’s Predictions:
We believe that the most important modules to master would be Number Theory, Combinatorics and Geometry as they appear as the most difficult questions in the NMOS.
5. Speed, speed, speed
While Speed and Journey problems might not hold a high level of weightage in NMOS, we consistently see 3-4 Speed/Journey questions appearing in the NMOS Preliminary and Special Round yearly.
Think Academy’s Predictions:
If you are aiming for gold or the IMSO team, we highly recommend you master speed and journey problems as they will most likely appear at least once.
NMOS Questions Traits
The NMOS questions have certain unique traits.
6. Mastery of Algebra is important
Firstly, NMOS tests students on their mastery of algebra. This is because, often, to solve these questions efficiently, algebra would be the easiest solution. Additionally, you will also need to be able to solve quadratic equations, tested in the secondary school syllabus.
7. Early exposure to Secondary School Math Material is also crucial
Secondly, the NMOS will have 1-2 questions outside of the Primary School Math syllabus.
How do I start preparing for 2024 NMOS?
With an increase in the number of questions, Teacher Eason, our experienced Math Olympiad Question Designer and coach, shares his strategy.
- Practice algebra and calculation questions daily
- Practice all 3-5 point questions from the recent 5 years
- Practice 5 similar questions of the same knowledge points and difficulty level for each incorrect question
Register for your free copy and collect it from our centre through here.
- Singapore’s First And Only Comprehensive NMOS Guide Book
- Build foundation, master problem-solving methods, and cultivate ability to apply knowledge flexibly
Preparation is essential, not optional.
To be prepared is half the victory. Selecting a preparation strategy and learning material is crucial for students preparing for the Math Olympiad DSA and IMSO selection.
With more than 20 years of education experience, Think Academy has a stellar curriculum team that has analysed the NMOS knowledge points to develop a NMOS preparation plan and training.
To align with the latest 2024 NMOS changes, we will be releasing the 2024 Secret to NMOS Gold book. Complete with key notes of 30 essential knowledge points, this book will also introduce basic and challenge questions to students to help them master these essential topics.
Keen to find out more on our 2024 NMOS Essential Preparation Guide? Enquire about our 2024 NMOS Preparation Plan with our education consultant!
Sign up for our NMOS mock test and run-through to master the main knowledge points tested in the competition!
If you are a Primary 4 student affected by the 2024 NMOS changes, we have just the thing for you. Find out how you can systematically prepare for the 2025 NMOS towards the Top 20 through our unique preparation plan unveiled during our webinar.
