How To Think

Description: Reasoning, analysing, and problem-solving are among the most crucial skills to thrive in today’s data-driven world and tomorrow’s AI future. 

The “How To Think” series is a course in logic and reasoning that aims to build both the mathematical foundation of the participants and equip them with skills for the real world.

Through our unique blend of rigorous, proof-based discussions of topics such as data analysis, combinatorics, brainteasers, game theory, chess, algorithms, estimation, and probability, we develop advanced logical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in this course. 

This experience is sure to help participants in any future avenue of their choosing: be it school or entrance exams, maths contests, higher education, or even challenging real-world problems outside school altogether. 

Duration: 8 weeks (October 23 to December 25, 2025)

Format: Online 1-hour lectures, twice a week, in the style of lectures at Oxford and Cambridge. 

Lecture Breakdown: Each class will consist of 55 minutes broken down into three segments:

• A 25 minute introductory, theoretical lecture on the topic of the day, with examples.

• A 10 minute interlude to let the students think about 1-3 problems on a quiz.

• A 20 minute follow-up lecture to explain the examples in the quiz

Resources: Lecture notes and problem sets will be available in advance of the class each week. Lecture recordings will not be available at this time. For pedagogical value, we encourage students to attend all lectures on time, in the intended format, for maximum focus and retention. 

Prerequisites: A willingness to learn, work hard, self-study, and dedication are all essential to benefit from the program. 

• The How To Think Part I course assumes very minimal knowledge of basic algebra, arithmetic operations and basic manipulation skills. It focuses entirely on logic and puzzle solving.

• The How To Think Part II course assumes a decent ability to manipulate algebraic expressions, and willingness to learn any requisite formulas. It focuses on logic, combinatorics, probability, problem-solving, and how to effectively make decisions and model them mathematically.

The program emphasises self-study, discipline, and staying diligent throughout its duration for the maximum possible benefit. An expected amount of workload would be 5 to 10 hours per week of self-study and working on homework problems outside the classroom.

Timings:  Here are the timings of the classes in our “How To Think” series.

• How To Think: Part I runs on Mondays and Thursdays at 4 pm IST.

• How To Think: Part II runs on Mondays and Thursdays at 5 pm IST.

Revision Class: Once every two weeks, after every four lectures, 1 hour of office hours to discuss solutions to all the homework problems in the previous two weeks. The presentation of homework problem solutions will be the only opportunity for clarification of questions. 

Here are the timings of the revision classes. 

• How To Think Part I: At 4 pm IST on Nov 7, Nov 21, Dec 5, and Dec 19.

• How To Think Part II: At 5 pm IST on Nov 7, Nov 21, Dec 5, and Dec 19.

Style: Problem-solving in the style of Russian maths circles.

Homework: Assigned every week in advance of the classes. 

Grades: Part I is best suited for grades 6, 7, 8 and Part II is best suited for grades 9, 10, but students may choose either part according to their interest and experience.