UKMT – Intermediate Mathematical Challenge

Introduction

Founded in 1996, United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) operates as a registered charity, dedicated to advancing young people’s education in mathematics. The UKMT offer their main Junior, Intermediate and Senior Maths challenges and are seen as the UK’s most popular school maths competitions. Through a diverse range of national-level competitions and activities, UKMT engages students aged 11 to 18 in the UK. Every year over 700,000 students across the world take part in The UKMT challenges.

The Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC) is eligible for students in grade 10 or below. It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency to make students think. The problems on the IMC are designed to make students think, most are accessible yet still challenge those with more experience.

Additionally, IMC has several follow-on Rounds that are Cayley (CMO), Hamilton (HMO) and Maclaurin Maths Olympiads (MMO). These follow-on Rounds are 2 hour Challenges consisting of six Olympiad style problems requiring full written solutions. The questions featured in the CMO/HMO/MMO cover a range of mathematical topics and require students to apply their understanding of different areas of mathematics.

Intermediate Mathematical Challenge

700,000

participants all over the world every year

3 levels

eligible for different age groups

Strengthen

the competitive edge of application for top universities

Encourage

mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques

UKMT Challenges

Note: There is no promotion relationship between the following challenges. Students can register and participate based on their

Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC)

Language: English

Date: Jan. 29, 2026 (Thu.) 17:00-18:00 HK time (60 mins)

Student Eligibility: Grade 10/Year 11 or below

Format: Individual test, 25 multiple choice questions

Scoring Rules:
Question 1-15, 5 points are awarded for each correct answer;

Question 16-25, 6 points are awarded for each correct answer.

Questions 16-20, each wrong answer loses 1 mark;

Question 21-25 , each wrong answer loses 2 points.

Answers left blank will be marked as 0

Award

Awards

Global Awards (2025 award thresholds)

● Gold: 89+

● Silver: 69+

● Bronze: 54+

● Best in School: The top 1 participant in the school

● Best in Year: The top 1 participant in each grade in the school

Top-Scoring Rules 50% of participants will be awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze in the ratio 1:2:3. International participants will be awarded based on the UK thresholds. Students not amongst the high scorers will receive a Certificate of Participation in E-version.

Registration Details

REGISTRATION FORM

Includes the exam, grading, proctor fee, past-papers, certificates.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

2 weeks before the competition