Best Books for Grade 3 Olympiad Preparation: Math, Science, General Knowledge & English

By Karan Singh Bisht

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Updated on 27 Jan 2026, 09:13 IST

Preparing for Olympiads at an early age helps students develop logical thinking, problem-solving ability, and confidence. For Grade 3 students, choosing the right resources is key to balancing concept learning and practice. This blog lists the most trusted books for Math, Science, GK, and English Olympiads — carefully reviewed to ensure quality, curriculum alignment, and usefulness for both students and parents.

Best Books for Grade 3 Math Olympiad

  1. MTG Olympiad Prep-Guide Mathematics (Class 3) – Includes theory, examples, practice sets, and model test papers.
  2. MTG 9-in-1 Combo (IMO, NSO, IEO) – Great for students appearing in multiple Olympiads.
  3. CREST Olympiad Workbook – Mathematics Class 3 – Well-structured, with explanations and solutions.

Why These Work: Math Olympiad preparation requires gradual progression from basics to higher-order thinking skills. These books combine concept explanations + graded exercises + past Olympiad questions to ensure readiness.

Best Books for Grade 3 Science Olympiad

  1. MTG Olympiad Prep-Guide Science (Class 3) – Covers key concepts like plants, force, energy, human body, and environment.
  2. CREST Science Workbook – Class 3 – Offers topic-wise breakdowns, exercises, and answer keys.

Why These Work: Science Olympiads test application, not memorization. These guides encourage curiosity and experiment-based learning, making them suitable for 8-year-olds developing scientific thinking.

Best Books for Grade 3 General Knowledge (GK) Olympiad

  1. Skool Plus Grade 3 Workbooks – Covers GK along with English, Math, and Science.
  2. CREST GK Workbook – Class 3 – Includes current affairs, world knowledge, and logical reasoning.

Why These Work: GK Olympiad books are broad-based — covering topics like geography, culture, sports, science trivia, and logical puzzles. They help students stay aware beyond textbooks, boosting confidence in real-world quizzing.

Do Check: What are the best way to prepare for Hindustan Olympiad exams?

Best Books for Grade 3 English Olympiad

  1. MTG Olympiad Prep-Guide English (Class 3) – Comprehensive for grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary.
  2. CREST English Workbook – Class 3 – Includes puzzles, reading comprehension, and word-building exercises.

Why These Work: English Olympiads emphasize reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. These books provide graded exercises and real Olympiad-style questions to improve both accuracy and fluency.

Multi-Subject Combo Packs (One-Stop Solution)

For parents seeking efficiency, multi-subject combos are highly effective.

  1. MTG 3-Book Prep-Guide Combo (Math, Science, English)
  2. MTG 9-in-1 Combo (IMO, NSO, IEO + Workbooks + PYQs)
  3. CREST Olympiad Combo Workbooks

How to Choose the Right Book

When selecting Olympiad books, ensure they are:

  1. Age-appropriate – Avoid overly complex material.
  2. Exam-aligned – Must match IMO, NSO, IEO, or GK Olympiad patterns.
  3. Balanced – Include theory, practice, and mock tests.

Parental Guidance Tips

  1. Dedicate 20–30 minutes daily to Olympiad prep.
  2. Use books as a supplement, not a replacement for school curriculum.
  3. Encourage puzzle-solving and quiz time as fun activities.
  4. Track progress with mock test results to adjust focus areas.

Conclusion

For Grade 3 Olympiad preparation, the right books make all the difference. MTG, CREST, and Infinity Learn offer reliable resources across Math, Science, GK, and English. Whether you choose subject-specific guides or multi-subject combo packs, consistency and practice are the keys to success.

FAQs on Best Books for Grade 3 Math Olympiad

Which is the best book for Grade 3 Math Olympiad preparation?

The most recommended book is MTG Olympiad Prep-Guide Mathematics (Class 3). It provides theory explanations, practice questions, and model test papers aligned with the SOF IMO exam pattern.

Are workbooks or prep-guides better for Grade 3 students?

Both are useful:

  • Prep-Guides explain concepts with solved examples.
  • Workbooks give practice through topic-wise and level-wise exercises.
  • For balanced preparation, experts recommend using both together.

Can Grade 3 students prepare only with NCERT or school textbooks?

School textbooks are a good base but not enough for Olympiads. Olympiad questions require higher-order thinking and application skills. Dedicated Olympiad books provide that extra edge.

What are some other good books apart from MTG?

Yes, here are a few alternatives:

  • CREST Olympiad Workbook Mathematics Class 3
  • Olympiad Excellence Guide Mathematics (Class 3)
  • MTG 9-in-1 Combo (IMO, NSO, IEO) covers multiple subjects, including Math

How much time should a Grade 3 child spend on Math Olympiad books daily?

A 2030 minute daily practice routine is enough for most students. Consistency is more important than long study hours at this level.

Do these books include previous year’s question papers?

Yes. Most MTG and CREST Olympiad prep books include previous year questions and sample test papers to familiarize students with the exam pattern.

Are e-books or online PDFs available for these Olympiad books?

Many publishers like MTG and CREST offer digital editions and online practice portals. However, for Grade 3 students, physical books/workbooks are often better for easy writing and parent-child interaction.