Today is Wednesday, February 11, 2026. For students preparing to take the SASMO competition, understanding its unique scoring system and mastering a scientific time management strategy is crucial. The SASMO exam consists of 25 questions with a time limit of 90 minutes. However, incorrect answers in Section A (Multiple Choice) result in a point deduction, while Section B (Short Answer) questions do not have penalties for wrong answers.
This article will help you develop a scientific exam-taking plan, allowing you to maximize your score in the 90-minute challenge.
01 Understanding the Basic Rules and Scoring Characteristics of the SASMO Competition
The SASMO (Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad) is a widely recognized mathematics competition for primary and secondary school students in the Asian region, covering students from Primary 1 to Junior College 2 (G1-G12).
The competition uses grade-level specific papers to ensure question difficulty matches the cognitive level of each grade. The test paper is bilingual (English and Chinese), calculators are prohibited throughout the exam, and the test duration is 90 minutes.
Unique Scoring Mechanism
The SASMO scoring system is its core characteristic; understanding it is the foundation of all strategies:
SASMO Exam Structure and Scoring Rules
| Section | Question Type | Number of Questions | Points per Question | Points for Correct Answer | Points Deducted for Wrong Answer | Points for No Answer | Section Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Multiple Choice | 15 | 2 points | +2 points | -1 point | 0 points | 30 points |
| Section B | Short Answer | 10 | 4 points | +4 points | 0 points | 0 points | 40 points |
| Total | 25 | 70 (raw score) + 15 (starting points) = 85 points |
All participants receive 15 starting points, so the final score will never be negative. This rule dictates that you cannot guess blindly on multiple-choice questions, while you should always attempt the short-answer questions.
02 Core Answering Strategies: Wisdom for Different Question Types
Section A: Multiple Choice Strategy
The "deduction for wrong answers" mechanism in the multiple-choice section requires a more cautious approach.
Multiple Choice Decision Guide (Based on Certainty Level)
| Question Type | Recommended Strategy | Expected Score | Key Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definitely know how to solve | Solve carefully and verify | 2 points | Avoid carelessness, ensure the points are secured. |
| Completely clueless | Decisively leave it blank | 0 points | Better than blind guessing (expected value of guessing could be negative). |
| Can eliminate 1 wrong option | Generally recommended to leave blank | ~0.33 points | Expected value is near zero; decide based on time available. |
| Can eliminate 2 wrong options | Can make a reasonable guess | ~0.5 points | Expected value is positive; worth attempting. |
| Can eliminate 3 wrong options | Must answer | 2 points | Equivalent to a question you definitely know. |
Section B: Short Answer Strategy
In contrast to multiple choice, there is no penalty for wrong answers in the short answer section. Therefore, there is no reason to leave any question blank. Even if you don't have a complete solution path, write down relevant formulas, reasoning steps, or try substituting special values. A clear, logical solution process can sometimes earn you partial points.
General Problem-Solving Techniques
Number Theory & Arithmetic Problems: Use properties like parity (odd/even) and divisibility rules (e.g., divisibility by 3, 9, 11) to make quick judgments.
Geometry Problems: If no diagram is given, draw one. Try adding auxiliary lines (connect points, draw altitudes, rotate shapes), and apply common models (like the "bird's head model," "butterfly theorem").
Logical Reasoning Problems: Use tables or connecting lines to clarify conditions and avoid confusion.
Word Problems/Applications: Make good use of the Singapore Math model drawing (CPA approach). Transform the text into a visual model to help identify quantitative relationships.
03 Scientific Time Allocation Plan
Completing 25 questions in 90 minutes allows an average of less than 3.6 minutes per question. Strict time planning is essential.
Overall Time Plan
SASMO Competition Recommended Time Allocation Overview
| Phase | Time Allocation | Core Tasks | Goal/Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 (Quick Scan) | 0-5 minutes | Quickly browse the entire paper. Mark questions as "Easy," "Medium," or "Hard." | Decide on your personal answering order, starting with question types you are best at. |
| Phase 2 (Secure Foundation Points) | 5-50 minutes | Focus on all easy and medium difficulty questions. | Ensure you score points on all questions you are confident about. Build confidence. |
| Phase 3 (Challenge & Review) | Last 10 minutes | Attempt to tackle difficult questions and systematically review answers. | Strive for extra points, correct careless mistakes. |
Time Breakdown by Question Type
Suggested Time Allocation for Different Question Groups
| Question Group | Question Characteristics | Suggested Max Time | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Questions 1-10 (Foundation) | Test core concepts, relatively simple. | 15-20 minutes | Steady and sure. Avoid losing points due to underestimating the questions. |
| Questions 11-20 (Intermediate) | Require comprehensive application of knowledge. | 25-30 minutes | Read carefully, flexibly apply problem-solving techniques. |
| Questions 21-25 (High Difficulty) | Extremely challenging, high differentiation. | Remaining time | Decisively make trade-offs. Ensure points accumulated earlier are secure. |
04 Important In-Competition Precautions
Exam Hall Conduct Rules
Equipment (for online exams): Test your computer, internet connection, and camera in advance. Ensure the exam environment is quiet, well-lit, and your desk is clear of clutter.
Materials: Prepare pencils, eraser, ruler, black or blue pens, and blank scratch paper. Calculators are strictly prohibited.
Mobile Phone Management: If you bring a mobile phone, it must be turned off and handed to the invigilator; otherwise, it may be considered cheating.
Mindset Adjustment and Emergency Strategies
Use the Starting Points to Reduce Pressure: Remember you have 15 starting points as a safety net. Don't panic when facing difficult questions; strategic skipping is completely reasonable.
What to do when encountering a difficult problem: If you have no idea how to solve a question after 2-3 minutes of thinking, decisively mark it and skip it. After finishing other questions, your thinking might be stimulated, and you may have new ideas when you return to it later.
Review Phase: Prioritize reviewing questions you were unsure about but had some approach/thoughts for, rather than those you were completely clueless about or extremely confident on. During review, focus on unit conversions, calculation processes, and whether the answer makes sense (e.g., a perimeter cannot be negative).
Achieving a good score in the SASMO competition hinges on combining knowledge, strategy, and mindset. The core strategy can be summarized as: Be cautious with multiple-choice questions, be bold with short-answer questions; pursue speed and accuracy on foundation questions, learn to strategically let go of difficult problems; strictly control your time throughout, and leave room for review.
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SASMO competition past papers for all levels from the last ten years + answer keys + explanations + textbooks ⇓
