If you are reading this, chances are you or your child is interested in appearing for the National Mathematics Talent Contest and you want to understand how the registration works. Since 1968, NMTC has been one of the most reputable mathematics competitions in India, organized each year by the Association of Mathematics Teachers of India (AMTI). The first thing to know about NMTC registration is, that it is different from others exams. Registration must be done by another individual. All things pass through your school or college. The remaining process is then fairly easy.

NMTC Olympiad Overview

National Mathematics Talent Contest (NMTC) is an Indian talent contest in mathematics held every year organized by the Association of Mathematics Teachers of India (AMTI). It is also a way through which students are able to put their problem solving abilities to the test and compete amongst others nationally. The contest for students of class 5th to undergraduate can be joined where young minds can display their brilliance in Mathematics.

Its NMTC takes two stages: 

• Stage 1 Preliminary Test
• Final Test (Stage 2)

Registration is the first step to gaining entrance into this prestigious contest. Now, let's have a look at the NMTC Registration Process.

Why Registration Goes Through Institutions

AMTI has always maintained an institution-based registration process for a good reason. The liaison between students and AMTI is via schools/colleges. They check students' information, verify fees, and ensure that only currently enrolled students are playing. This ensures the procedure is national, controlled and clean. If you intend to showcase your work at NMTC, your first step is NOT to go on a website, but to approach your school and inform them that you wish to participate.

Step 1: Visit the Official AMTI Website

Go to amtionline.com this is the only official portal for NMTC registration. Do not visit any third party websites. Click on NMTC and you will find all the necessary documents and instructions for that year for registration on the site.

Step 2: Download the Required Documents

You should download two documents from the NMTC section of the website at your school:

• Data Consolidation Sheet
• Excel Name List

These documents are available on amtionline.com and must be downloaded in their original format — no changes to the file structure should be made.

Step 3: Fill in the Details

The Data Consolidation Sheet and the Excel Name List must be completed correctly with all student enrolments from that institution. All information given for each student should be accurate (Name, Class, Category, etc.). Check all work before proceeding to the next step as mistakes can cause difficulties later.

Step 4: Choose the Right Category

While filling in the forms, make sure each student is registered under the correct category based on their current class:

It is a common problem to register the class to the wrong type of category, so be sure that the class is registered to the right category before submitting.

Step 5: Pay the Registration Fee

The registration fee is Rs.150 per student. Online payment via NEFT / IMPS etc. The total amount of the fee is:

• The amount of ₹125 is directly transferred to AMTI.
• The institution keeps ₹25 as an administrative fee.

Be sure to complete the payment and save the transaction information before continuing.

Step 6: Submit via Email

After the forms are filled and payment is complete, the institution needs to send an email to AMTI at support@amtionline.com. The e-mail should contain:

• The completed Data Consolidation Sheet in Excel format only
• The final version of the Excel Name List in the format of an Excel file.
• Payment confirmation details

Many schools find it a mistake to send documents in PDF format rather than Excel. Only Excel is accepted by AMTI. Be careful to get the format right before sending.

Step 7: Keep Track of Confirmation

Once the email has been sent, AMTI handles the registration from their side. If you don't hear back within a reasonable amount of time, be sure to follow up with your school. After confirmation of registration, students need to be notified. The certificate given on completion of the Preliminary Test serves as the Hall Ticket for the Final Test as well and should be handled with care once stage 1 is over.

NMTC Registration Key Points to Remember

These are not simply formality, but the actual things that will make your registration successful or not.

• Individual registrations are not accepted. Applications are only accepted by institutions, on behalf of students.
• Documents should be in the Excel format. No other format will be accepted by AMTI.
• Payment must be received prior to sending the e-mail. Registration is incomplete without payment information in a form.
• Deadlines are fixed. The yearly registration deadline is announced by AMTI. Typically, there is no grace period after the deadline, so don't wait till the last day.
• Student information should match with official documents. The names, class and other details should be as they are written in the school records.

What Happens After You Register

Once registration is done, here is how the rest of the NMTC journey looks:

One important thing Senior level students do not appear in the Preliminary Test. They directly sit for the Final Test in October. In all the other categories, the Preliminary must be successfully completed before taking part in the Final.

Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid

A lot of students miss out on NMTC simply because of avoidable errors during registration. The most frequently encountered ones are as follows:

• Too late — Registration deadlines are tight. Let your school know well in advance, to allow time for them to finish.
• Wrong category selection — Check your category against the category table prior to submission.
• Incorrect File Format — AMTI ONLY accepts EXCEL format. This will be rejected if it is submitted in PDF or another format.
• Missing payment details — The email to AMTI must include payment confirmation. Forms that are not accompanied by payment information are NOT complete submissions.
• Error in spelling of student details – Names and details must be 100% identical to official school records.

Conclusion

The registration process for the NMTC is not a difficult one but does require the proactive and organized efforts of your school. Once you decide you want to take part, begin the process and talk with your school, let them know the deadline, and follow-up to let them know submission has been made. Don't take it for granted that it will be automated.

The mathematics component of NMTC is hard enough without the addition of the other components. Registration should never be the reason for someone not getting a registration. Be sure to stay on top of it early on, do it right, and then prepare for the exam itself. 

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