Today is February 11, 2026. Registration for the 2026 SASMO competition will close soon (early March), and the exam is scheduled for mid-April. For students who have already registered or are planning to register in the final stage, now is the golden time for preparation. This article will provide you with a detailed pre-exam preparation guide.
I. Quick Overview of Core Competition Information
Before making a preparation plan, it is crucial to understand the basic framework of the competition. SASMO is open to students from Primary 1 to Junior College 2 (G1-G12), with separate papers for each grade level to ensure difficulty matches cognitive levels.
2026 SASMO Competition Key Information
| Item | Specific Information |
|---|---|
| Registration Deadline | Early March 2026 (no late registration) |
| Exam Date | Mid-April 2026 |
| Result Announcement | Approximately 6 weeks after the exam (expected late May) |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes |
| Paper Language | Bilingual (Chinese and English) |
| Scoring Mechanism | Total Score 85 = 15 Starting Points + 70 Raw Score |
Unique Scoring Mechanism: SASMO's scoring rules are quite distinctive. The paper is divided into two sections:
Section A: 15 multiple-choice questions, 2 points each. +2 for a correct answer, -1 for a wrong answer, 0 for no answer.
Section B: 10 short-answer questions, 4 points each. +4 for a correct answer, 0 for a wrong or no answer.
This mechanism requires candidates to be cautious when guessing on multiple-choice questions, but bold in attempting the short-answer questions.
II. Efficient Preparation Strategies
A scientific preparation plan should be progressive. The following three-phase strategy can serve as a reference.
Phase 1: Foundation Consolidation (Now – 1 month before the exam)
Systematically Review Knowledge System: Refer to the official syllabus and systematically review the core knowledge points for your grade, such as basic concepts and formulas in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics.
Build an Error Log: During practice, categorize mistakes by type (e.g., "calculation error," "conceptual confusion," "wrong approach") and review them regularly.
Phase 2: Skill Enhancement (1 month before the exam)
Focused Breakthrough on High-Frequency Topics: Based on past papers, SASMO has clear trends in question setting. Targeted training is essential.
Application Practice Problems (~40%): Modeling real-life scenarios, such as optimizing traffic routes, calculating discounts, etc.
Graphic Cognition Problems (~20%): Focus on mastering symmetry, 60° rotation, geometric transformations.
Logical Reasoning & Innovative Thinking Problems (increasing proportion): e.g., number table patterns, strategy games, code-breaking.
Core Skill Training:
Number Theory Shortcuts: Master quick judgment of divisibility (e.g., rules for 3, 9, 11) and application of remainder periodicity.
Geometric Intuition: Simplify complex geometric relationships through operations like translation and rotation.
Phase 3: Final Sprint & Mock Exams (2 weeks before the exam)
Timed Mock Exams with Past Papers: Find a quiet environment, strictly simulate the 90-minute exam, and complete full sets of past papers from the last 3-5 years.
Optimize Time Allocation Strategy: Use mock exams to develop a suitable time allocation plan. The following plan can be used as a reference:
Section A (Multiple Choice): Aim to complete within 40 minutes, avoid spending too much time on difficult questions.
Section B (Short Answer): Allocate at least 45 minutes. Ensure you write clear solution steps. Even if the final answer is wrong, a correct approach might earn partial points.
Core Tested Topics and Preparation Focus by Grade Level
| Grade Level | Core Tested Topics | Preparation Focus |
|---|---|---|
| G1-G4 (Lower Primary) | Arithmetic & Statistics, Basic Geometry, Logic Puzzles (number patterns). | Build a solid foundation in calculation. Cultivate graphic observation and simple logical reasoning skills. |
| G5-G8 (Upper Primary to Middle School) | Algebraic expressions, Geometric measurement, Introductory Number Theory, Combinatorial counting. | Proficiently use formulas. Enhance ability to solve complex word problems and logic problems. |
| G9-G12 (High School) | Algebraic identities and transformations, Trigonometry, Probability & Statistics, Advanced Number Theory. | Focus on the deep integration and flexible application of knowledge points. Tackle high-difficulty final questions. |
III. Exam Equipment and Material Preparation
Adequate pre-exam preparation guarantees stable performance. SASMO supports both online and offline exam formats, with different preparation requirements.
1. Universal Essential Items
Documents: Admission Ticket (printed in advance) and a valid ID (ID card / Passport / Student ID).
Stationery: At least 2 pencils (2B), black or blue pens, eraser, ruler. Calculators are strictly prohibited.
2. Special Requirements for Online Exams
If you choose the online exam, pay extra attention to the following equipment and environment preparation:
Table 3: SASMO Online Exam Equipment and Environment Checklist
| Item | Specific Requirements and Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Exam Computer | A computer with a high-definition camera (Windows 10 or later, or macOS 10.15 or later). Tablets are not allowed. Recommend using the latest version of Google Chrome. |
| Proctoring Device | A smartphone is required as a second-angle proctoring device. It should be fixed at a side-rear angle, ensuring the view covers the candidate's upper body, hands, and the computer screen. |
| Network Environment | Stability is the top priority. Recommended bandwidth is 50Mbps or higher. Prepare a 4G/5G mobile network as a backup hotspot. |
| Exam Space | Choose an independent, quiet, well-lit room. Ensure no disturbances during the exam. The desk must be clear of any items except permitted stationery. |
3. Precautions for Offline Exams
Visit the Venue in Advance: Arrive at the exam hall 20-30 minutes early to familiarize yourself with the environment and ease nervousness.
Follow the Rules: Obey the invigilator's instructions. All scratch paper is usually provided uniformly by the exam hall.
IV. Exam Room Techniques and Mindset Adjustment
Answering Order: Adopt an "easy first, difficult later" strategy. Quickly browse the entire paper, complete the questions you are confident about first to secure foundation points, then return to think about difficult questions.
Multiple-Choice Strategy: Due to the point deduction for wrong answers, do not guess blindly on uncertain multiple-choice questions. First, use elimination to narrow down the options. If you still cannot determine the answer, temporarily leaving it blank might be the wiser choice.
Short-Answer Strategy: Process is more important than result. Clearly and logically write down your solution steps, as step-by-step marking is used. Even if the final answer is incorrect,key deduction steps can earn points.
Mindset Adjustment: Use the 15-point starting point mechanism to reduce psychological pressure. Stay calm when encountering difficult questions. Trust your preparation and decisively skip them to avoid affecting subsequent answers.
Common Error-Prone Points and Avoidance Strategies
| Error-Prone Type | Specific Manifestation | Avoidance Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Careless Reading | Ignoring unit conversion (cm/m), misreading logical qualifiers ("at least" vs "cannot"). | Read the question silently, circle keywords, and double-check before answering. |
| Calculation Carelessness | Basic arithmetic errors, copying numbers incorrectly. | Develop a habit of using scratch paper, and reserve 5-10 minutes at the end for checking. |
| Poor Time Allocation | Spending too much time on the multiple-choice section, leading to rushed answers in the short-answer section. | Strictly follow your practiced time allocation plan. Decisively skip "stubborn" difficult questions. |
Adequate preparation is the source of confidence. We hope this guide helps you prepare efficiently and perform at your best in the 2026 SASMO competition!
Scan the QR code to join the exclusive SASMO study community, where a wealth of preparation materials and trial courses await you!
SASMO competition past papers for all levels from the last ten years + answer keys + explanations + textbooks ⇓
