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National Mathematics Talent Contest (NMTC) Olympiad – Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern and Registration Guide

The National Mathematics Talent Contest (NMTC) is conducted by AMTI since 1968 and is open to students from Class 5 to graduation level. It tests non-routine problem-solving skills across five categories with a two-stage exam format. This guide covers everything about NMTC — eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, and registration process.

National Mathematics Talent Contest (NMTC)

The National Mathematics Talent Contest (NMTC) is one of India's most prestigious mathematics Olympiads, organized every year by the Association of Mathematics Teachers of India (AMTI). NMTC is known for its challenging and non-routine problems and has been nurturing young mathematical minds since 1968. This exam gives students from Class 5 all the way up to graduation level a platform to showcase their creativity, problem-solving ability, and reasoning skills at the national level. With a structure consisting of preliminary and final stages, NMTC recognizes students who can think beyond the textbook and approach mathematics in innovative ways.

The NMTC registration window opens every year and is conducted through institutions only. The Phase 1 Preliminary Exam is held every year in August, followed by the declaration of results in early September. Qualified students then appear for the Stage 2 Final Examination, which is held in October, and the final results are typically declared in the first week of December. These exam stages help students plan their preparation in a structured and timely manner from registration to result.
 

How to crack NMTC exam

Free NMTC PYQ PDFs – Download for Practice

Prepare for NMTC with our Free previous years question papers. The stated PYQs have been selectively prepared based on real NMTC examinations to have real-life perception of the nature of questions and their grade. I belong to the Primary category or the Sub-Junior category and this is one thing I know by heart now and it is to practice past year papers, one of the best things to do to make your accuracy and speed faster.

  • Boost your NMTC preparation
  • Understand question pattern & difficulty level
  • Perfect for self-assessment and daily practice

Download Free NMTC PYQs (PDFs)

Year / Category Download Link
2019 NMTC PYQ – Primary Level 📥 Download PDF
NMTC Topic-wise PYQ – Primary (Class 5 & 6) Download PDF
NMTC Free PYQ – Sub-Junior Group (Class 7 & 8) Download PDF

Note: More free resources and mock tests are coming soon. Stay connected with Olympiad by Class24 for updates..

National Mathematics Talent Contest (NMTC) Overview

The National Mathematics Talent Contest (NMTC) Olympiad is an annual competition held by the Association of Mathematics Teachers of India (AMTI) which has been fostering mathematical flair since 1968. It is a competition that challenges students nationwide to express their imagination and problem-solving skills in mathematics. It is designed for young minds who excel at mathematical thinking and enjoy solving complex, unfamiliar problems. The NMTC follows a rewarding yet rigorous format that encourages students to think outside the box.

Aspect Details
Exam Name National Mathematics Talent Contest (NMTC) Olympiad 
Conducting Body Association of Mathematics Teachers of India (AMTI)
Mode of Exam Online (Preliminary Test); Offline (Final Test)
Medium of Exam English
Eligibility Levels - Primary (Class 5–6)
- Sub-Junior (Class 7–8)
- Junior (Class 9–10)
- Inter (Class 11–12)
- Senior (Degree Level)
Stage - 1 Preliminary Test Date Held annually in August, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Stage - 2 Final Test Date Held annually in October, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Duration - Preliminary Test: 2 hours
- Final Test: 3 hours
Type of Questions - Preliminary Test: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Fill-in-the-Blank
- Final Test: Subjective (Detailed Problem Solving)
Negative Marking - Objective Questions: 0.5 marks deducted for incorrect answers
- Numerical-based Questions: 0.25 marks deducted for incorrect answers
Selection Criteria The top 10% of candidates in the Preliminary Test advance to the Final Test
Registration Link amtionline.com

National Mathematics Talent Contest Registration

NMTC registration opens every year and is conducted through institutions only. Individual registrations are not accepted. Schools and colleges need to register their students collectively through AMTI's official portal. There are two rounds in NMTC — a Preliminary Round and a Final Round. Students need to ensure their institution submits their application before the registration deadline announced for that particular year.

Important NMTC Exam Events (Annual Schedule)

Event Schedule
Name of Event National Mathematics Talent Contest (NMTC) 
Registration Period Announced at the start of each academic year
Stage 1 Preliminary Exam  Held every year in August (Saturday), 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Stage 1 Results Announcement Typically in early September
Stage 2 Final Test  Held every year in October (Saturday), 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Dispatch of Answer Books to AMTI Same day as Final Test via Speed Post or Courier
NMTC Stage 2 Results Announcement The first week of December

NMTC Application Process

Applying to the NMTC is the first step into one of the most impactful math competitions in India. The registration process requires correctly filled forms, school-level coordination, and timely submission. It is an event eagerly awaited by thousands of students every year and is considered a mark of academic prestige.

Steps to Apply for NMTC

The candidates are required to go through a step-by-step process of registering to the National Mathematics Talent Contest (NMTC).

  • Step 1: Download Required Documents — Visit amtionline.com, go to the "NMTC" section, and download the Data Consolidation Sheet and the Excel name list.
  • Step 2: Fill the Form — The Data Consolidation Sheet and Excel name list must be filled in accurately.
  • Step 3: Email Submission — Send the filled-in forms (in Excel format only) along with payment details to AMTI at support@amtionline.com.
  • Step 4: Pay the Fees — The registration fee can be paid online through NEFT, IMPS, or similar methods. The total fee is ₹150 per candidate — ₹125 goes to AMTI and ₹25 is retained by the institution as an administrative charge.

Note: Applications are only accepted through institutions, not on an individual basis. Make sure all details are filled in correctly before submission.

NMTC Eligibility Criteria

NMTC eligibility is based on the student's current grade level. Students from Class 5 all the way up to undergraduate level can participate. Each level has a separate contest named after a great mathematician.

Category Contest Name Eligible Classes
Primary Gauss Contest 5th and 6th
Sub-Junior Kaprekar Contest 7th and 8th
Junior Bhaskara Contest 9th and 10th
Inter Ramanujan Contest 11th and 12th
Senior Aryabhata Contest Students studying degree courses in arts, science, and technical institutions

Note: Senior-level participation is open to students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in mathematics or a related field. All participants must be currently enrolled in a school or college. Students from any board can apply.

NMTC Exam Pattern

NMTC follows a two-stage format — a Preliminary Test and a Final Test. The Preliminary Test is 2 hours long, consists of objective questions, and is open to all candidates except senior students. The top 10% of performers in the Preliminary Test qualify for the Final. Senior students skip the Preliminary and directly appear in the Final, which is a 3-hour subjective exam covering advanced mathematical topics.

NMTC Exam Pattern at a Glance

Stage Eligibility Duration Format Key Notes
Preliminary Test All except senior students 2 hours MCQs, Fill-in-the-blanks Top 10% advance to Final Test
Certificate = Hall Ticket
Final Test Passes from Preliminary + Senior Level 3 hours Subjective questions Evaluated by AMTI
Top 10% move to Final
Senior Level Degree-level students 3 hours Subjective questions No Preliminary Test for senior students

Stage 1: Prelims

This 2-hour objective test, consisting of multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions is a preliminary test to all candidates but seniors. The test evaluates the problem-solving skills, with a combination of moderate (20% and difficult (80% questions. It takes place at schools and the best 10% of them proceed to the final round. Candidates who will be tested in the prelims will be issued with certificates that would also be used as the Hall Ticket in the final test.

Stage 2: Final Exam

This subjective test lasts 3 hours and only the qualified individuals in the preliminary exam are able to take it because it requires advanced mathematical issues and the exam is taken at the respective institutions. The last exam is focused on more mathematical knowledge and problem-solving.

Key Points:

  • The final test is taken by the students in senior levels directly.
  • Both tests observe a rigid timetable as prescribed by AMTI.
  • The initial responses are tested by schools, and the end of the test is performed by AMTI.
  • The best 10% in the pre-final round qualify to the final where performance certificates are used as the ticket to the final.

National Mathematics Talent Contest Syllabus

Knowing the NMTC syllabus thoroughly is key to effective preparation. It helps students focus on the right topics and understand the exam format. Getting familiar with the syllabus reduces anxiety and helps students plan their time wisely across both Preliminary and Final stages.

Level Contest Name Key Topics
Primary Gauss Contest Arithmetic (fractions, percentages, ratio), Mensuration (triangles, circles), Algebra, Geometry
Sub-Junior Kaprekar Contest Arithmetic (square roots, time & work), Mensuration (3D shapes), Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory
Junior Bhaskara Contest Algebra (quadratic equations, logarithms), Geometry (circle theorems), Number Theory, Combinatorics
Intermediate Ramanujan Contest Algebra (polynomials, inequalities), Geometry (trigonometry, vectors), Number Theory, Combinatorics
Senior Aryabhata Contest Syllabus based on B.Sc. Mathematics (advanced algebra, geometry, number theory)

Detailed Syllabus by Level

Participating in the National Mathematics Talent Contest involves students in working with different and challenging areas of math. Our Olympiad By Class24 site helps you study by breaking down the NMTC syllabus for each class. This NMTC Exam Syllabus is put together deliberately to promote critical thinking, clear reasoning, and the understanding of ideas.

Level Contest Name Topics Covered
PRIMARY
(Classes V & VI)
Gauss Contest Arithmetic: Fractions, percentages, profit & loss, divisibility, LCM, HCF, ratio & proportion, calendar
Mensuration: Triangles, quadrilaterals, circles
Algebra: Basic algebra (addition, subtraction, multiplication of expressions)
Geometry: Straight lines, parallel lines, angles in triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons
SUB JUNIOR
(Classes VII & VIII)
Kaprekar Contest Arithmetic: Square roots, cube roots, average, time & work, time & distance, races, traveling around a circle
Mensuration: 3D shapes (cubes, cuboids, spheres, cones, cylinders, pyramids)
Algebra: Linear & quadratic equations, identities, surds, factorization
Geometry: Triangle inequalities, parallelograms, trapezoids, Pythagoras’ theorem
Number Theory: Prime & composite numbers, divisibility
JUNIOR
(Classes IX & X)
Bhaskara Contest Algebra: Quadratic equations, logarithms, remainder theorem, sequences & series, inequalities, mathematical induction
Geometry: Circle theorems, chords, arcs, angles, cyclic quadrilaterals, tangents, Apollonius theorem
Number Theory: Modular arithmetic, Greatest Integer Function, Least Integer Function
Combinatorics: Permutations, combinations, Pigeonhole principle, Inclusion-Exclusion principle
INTERMEDIATE
(Classes XI & XII)
Ramanujan Contest Algebra: Polynomials, inequalities, functional equations
Geometry: Trigonometry, vectors, coordinate geometry, complex numbers
Number Theory: Fermat & Wilson's theorems, Diophantine equations
Combinatorics: Counting techniques, recurrence relations
SENIOR
(College Level)
Aryabhata Contest Syllabus: B.Sc. Mathematics course content (subjective questions)
Topics: Advanced topics in Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, and Combinatorics from undergraduate-level syllabus

Start your NMTC Preparation with Olympiad By Class24

At Olympiad by Class24, we understand that doing well in NMTC isn't just about knowing concepts — it's about practicing in the right way and building a clear understanding of what's expected. Our carefully chosen study materials and practice problems are aligned with the NMTC syllabus, helping students understand subjects deeply and walk into the exam with confidence.

These are some of the special features that set Class24 above all the other exams in NMTC preparation:

  • Online Classes: Supportive, interactive sessions that let students learn at their own pace, from anywhere.
  • Free Downloadable Resources: Study notes, practice worksheets, and past year papers — all available to download for free.
  • Mock Tests: Regular mock tests that closely resemble the actual exam, helping students assess their understanding and improve time management.
  • Expert Mentors: Qualified tutors provide personalized guidance and problem-solving strategies tailored to the NMTC format.
  • Structured Curriculum: The curriculum is built in close alignment with the NMTC exam pattern, covering all relevant topics systematically.
  • Progress Tracking: Continuous feedback helps students identify weak areas and steadily improve their performance.

Stay tuned for new module courses, sample test papers, and live group help sessions — all designed for different NMTC levels.

Benefits of Participating in the National Mathematics Talent Contest

The involvement with the NMTC is an activity that makes students improve their problem-solving skills and master mathematics better. It gives an opportunity to compete with the best young minds and develops creativity and critical thinking. The NMTC can also enhance academic confidence and create a path to acquire future scholarships and opportunities as well. It also instills a passion towards mathematics to train students so that when they grow they are ready to face higher-level examinations and competitions. Here are some NMTC exam benefits:

Preparation Strategies for NMTC 

To prepare well for NMTC, start by building a solid understanding of the syllabus and regularly practicing the core mathematical concepts. Take simulated tests to improve both speed and accuracy. Focus on building analytical thinking and pay special attention to understanding foundational ideas — because NMTC questions test depth, not just familiarity.

  • Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly Go through the NMTC syllabus for your level and identify areas where you need to strengthen your basics.
  • Practice Past Year Papers PYQs from previous NMTC exams are invaluable. They give you a real sense of the question style, difficulty level, and what AMTI expects from students.
  • Develop Problem-Solving Skills Work on brain teasers and Olympiad-style problems regularly to build your logical and creative thinking muscles.
  • Join Coaching or Study Groups Peer learning and expert mentorship can accelerate your understanding significantly and keep motivation levels high.
  • Manage Time Effectively Practice completing questions within the given time limit. Timed practice builds the discipline needed for both the Preliminary and Final stages.
  • Use Quality Reference Books and Resources Explore Olympiad books and trusted online platforms for a wide variety of problem types and approaches.

Conclusion

The National Mathematics Talent Contest is a wonderful opportunity for young students who love mathematics to challenge themselves and grow academically. Organized by the Association of Mathematics Teachers of India (AMTI), it is one of the most respected math competitions in the country and has shaped some of India's finest mathematical minds over the decades.

Through NMTC, students earn recognition, develop critical thinking, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and deepen their love for the subject. Anyone who has the passion for math should take part, prepare well, and enjoy the experience. Challenge your mind, sharpen your skills, and become part of India's growing community of future math leaders — that's what NMTC is all about.

FAQ

NMTC is a national-level mathematics competition for students across India, organized annually by the Association of Mathematics Teachers of India (AMTI).

The Preliminary Test is held every year in August (10 AM to 12 PM) and the Final Test is held in October (10 AM to 1 PM). Results are typically declared in early September and the first week of December respectively.

Students from Class 5 to undergraduate degree level can participate. There are separate contests for each level — Primary, Sub-Junior, Junior, Intermediate, and Senior.

NMTC has two stages. Stage 1 (Preliminary) is an objective-type test. Stage 2 (Final) is subjective. Senior-level students skip the Preliminary and appear directly in the Final.

Registration is done through your school or college only — individual registrations are not accepted. Download the required forms from amtionline.com, fill them out, email them with payment details, and pay ₹150 per candidate online.

National Mathematics Talent Contest (NMTC) – Tests & PYQs

Download the official NMTC Test Papers & Previous Year Questions (PYQs) to strengthen your mathematical reasoning and problem-solving ability. These PDFs include both Mock Tests and Stage-1 PYQs for Primary, Sub-Junior, and Junior Levels.

Primary Level (Classes 5–6)

Paper Name Download PDF
NMTC Primary Test 1 Download PDF
NMTC Primary Test 2 Download PDF
NMTC 2016 Stage 1 PYQ – Primary Level Download PDF
NMTC 2019 Stage 1 PYQ – Primary Level Download PDF
Sub-Junior Level (Classes 7–8)
Paper Name Download PDF
Sub-Junior NMTC Test 1 Download PDF
Sub-Junior NMTC Test 2 Download PDF
NMTC 2016 Stage 1 PYQ – Sub-Junior Level Download PDF
NMTC 2017 Stage 1 PYQ – Sub-Junior Level Download PDF
Junior Level (Classes 9–10)
Paper Name Download PDF
NMTC Mock Test 1 – Junior Level Download PDF
NMTC Mock Test 2 – Junior Level Download PDF
NMTC 2017 Stage 1 PYQ – Junior Level Download PDF
NMTC 2019 Stage 1 PYQ – Junior Level Download PDF
Note: All NMTC test and PYQ papers are sourced from the official AMTI archives and provided here for educational use. Practice these regularly to develop accuracy, speed, and logical problem-solving for future NMTC stages.

NMTC Mock Tests Free Material

Class 7th & 8th - NMTC  Sub Junior

 

Class 9th & 10th - NMTC Junior

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