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.
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.
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..
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 |
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.
| 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 |
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.
The candidates are required to go through a step-by-step process of registering to the National Mathematics Talent Contest (NMTC).
Note: Applications are only accepted through institutions, not on an individual basis. Make sure all details are filled in correctly before submission.
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 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.
| 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 |
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.
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:
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) |
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 |
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:
Stay tuned for new module courses, sample test papers, and live group help sessions — all designed for different NMTC levels.
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:
Exposure to Competitive Mathematics: Students get to see how hard it can be to compete and at the same time improve their math skills.
Enhancement of Problem-Solving Abilities: The unique questions help people think more carefully and come up with new ideas.
Academic Growth: Participation helps students understand ideas better, which can make studying for big tests and exams a little easier.
Scholarships and Opportunities: High scorers can qualify for scholarships and get an opportunity to join special advanced contests.
Confidence Building: Facing tough issues helps you get more confident in yourself and makes it easier to keep going with your schoolwork.
Networking: Participants get to meet other people who have the same interests as them, hang out with helpful mentors, and talk to experts.
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.
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.
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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Class 6 - NMTC Primary
Class 7th & 8th - NMTC Sub Junior
Class 9th & 10th - NMTC Junior
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