The 2025 G.C.E. O/L Mathematics paper is labelled 2025(2026). Choose the English, Sinhala or Tamil PDF below and read its cover instructions before you begin.
Download the Mathematics question paper
- English medium Mathematics paper (PDF)
- Sinhala medium Mathematics paper (PDF)
- Tamil medium Mathematics paper (PDF)
Use the paper for practice
Work through the questions without notes first. Show each step of your calculations, then revisit answers you found difficult. Check the paper itself for its sections and time limits.
These PDFs are question papers. No marking scheme is provided here. You can also browse the Department of Examinations past papers catalogue.
A 4-week revision plan using this paper
A single past paper is most useful when you use it in stages rather than all at once. Here is a simple plan students can follow in the weeks before the exam:
- Week 1 – Diagnose: attempt the paper under timed conditions, without a calculator unless the paper allows it. Mark every question you could not start or finished unsure of.
- Week 2 – Fix the gaps: group your mistakes by syllabus area (numbers, measurement, algebra, geometry, statistics, sets and probability) and revise the two weakest areas from your textbook.
- Week 3 – Re-attempt: redo only the questions you got wrong, then try similar questions from earlier years’ papers.
- Week 4 – Full rehearsal: sit a complete paper again in one session to practise timing and presentation.
Common mistakes to avoid in O/L Mathematics
- Writing only the final answer. Examiners award marks for method, so show each step clearly.
- Forgetting units (cm, m², Rs.) or not rounding to the accuracy the question asks for.
- Spending too long on one hard question. Move on and come back after finishing easier ones.
- Misreading geometry diagrams. Remember diagrams are often “not drawn to scale” — use the given values, not your eye.
- Skipping the check. Leave 10 minutes at the end to re-check calculations and copy-over errors.
Tips for parents and teachers
Parents can help by setting a quiet, timed session at home and simply asking the student to explain one solution aloud afterwards — explaining a method is one of the fastest ways to find weak understanding. Teachers can use each medium’s version of this paper for mixed-medium classes, since the questions are the same across English, Sinhala and Tamil.
Where to find more papers
For other subjects from the same exam, see our O/L past papers library. Past papers are official Department of Examinations documents shared here for study purposes; always check the official catalogue for the latest versions.
Read also: How to Choose Your A/L Stream After O/L Results · How to Request O/L and A/L Exam Certificates Online
