American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) for Indian Students
by Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
Certifications
The American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) is a prestigious 15-question, 3-hour mathematics contest for high school students, serving as a crucial step towards the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹1,800
Participation format
Individual
Duration
3 hours
Time needed
3 hours for the exam, plus preparation time
Eligibility
Open to students typically in grades 8-12 (ages 13-18) who achieve top scores in the AMC 10 or AMC 12 mathematics competitions. This includes international students from India who qualify through the AMC exams.
- Grade level
- Grade 8 to 12
- Age range
- 13 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must achieve top scores in AMC 10 or AMC 12 exams (top 2.5% for AMC 10, top 5% for AMC 12).
- Prerequisites
- Successful qualification through AMC 10 or AMC 12 competition.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Certificate from MAA
Participants receive a certificate of participation from the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), recognizing their achievement in this prestigious mathematics competition.
Opens doors to
Excelling in the AIME significantly enhances college and university applications, demonstrating exceptional mathematical aptitude and problem-solving skills highly valued by leading universities for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions, especially in STEM programs.
Career pathways
Participation in AIME provides a strong foundation for careers in STEM fields such as engineering, data science, research, and academia, offering a competitive edge for advanced studies and research opportunities.
Recognition
International Academic Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 2 Sept 2026
- Registration closes
- 28 Oct 2026
- Competition
- 5 Feb 2027 to 6 Feb 2027
Participating School Centers, Nationwide, Multiple States
How to apply
- 1Participation is invitation-based, automatically extended to qualifying AMC 10/12 participants.
- 2Registration and fee payment are typically handled by the student's school competition manager.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants may only take the AIME once per year (either AIME I or AIME II).
- Calculators are not permitted during the examination.
- Answers must be integers between 0 and 999.
- No points are deducted for incorrect answers; only correct answers receive points.
- The exam must be taken at the same time as students in the US, adhering to all rules and regulations.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The registration fee for the AIME is ₹1800. This fee is typically handled by the school or institution administering the exam. Students should confirm payment procedures with their school's competition manager.
Refund policy
Refund policies are typically determined by the administering school or institution. Participants should inquire directly with their school competition manager regarding any refund possibilities.
About this opportunity
The American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) is a highly competitive, invitation-only mathematics competition organized by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). It is a crucial step in the selection process for the United States team that competes in the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), following the AMC 10 and AMC 12 exams.
Participation in the AIME is strictly by invitation, extended to students who achieve top scores in the AMC 10 or AMC 12 competitions. Specifically, at least the top 2.5% of all scorers from the AMC 10 and at least the top 5% of all scorers from the AMC 12 are invited to participate. International students, including those from India, who take the AMC 10/12 are also eligible to qualify for the AIME, provided they adhere to the same rules and regulations as domestic participants.
Excelling in the AIME provides significant academic recognition and can greatly enhance college applications, particularly for STEM fields. Participants develop advanced problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and effective time management skills under pressure. High performance in the AIME can lead to further invitations to elite competitions such as the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) or USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad (USAJMO), which are subsequent stages in the IMO selection pathway.
The AIME consists of 15 questions, each requiring a three-digit integer answer, and is a 3-hour examination. The questions are significantly more difficult than those on the AMC 10 and AMC 12, covering advanced topics in algebra, geometry, number theory, combinatorics, and probability. Calculators are not permitted during the examination.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 15
- Duration
- 180 minutes
- Format
- 15 open-ended questions, each requiring a three-digit integer answer (000-999).
- Language
- English
Rounds and format
The AIME is a single 3-hour examination. There are two versions, AIME I and AIME II, administered on different dates, but students can only take one version.
How entries are judged
Scores are based on the number of correct answers. Each correct answer earns 1 point, with no partial credit and no penalty for incorrect answers. The maximum score is 15 points.
Selection process
The selection criteria are based on the Index. That means it combines AMC and AIME scores (Index = AMC Score+10×AIME Score).
How to prepare
- Past AIME problems and solutions
- Alcumus (free resource by AoPS)
- AMC Trivial (generates problems from past contests)
- MAATester (searches problems by topic)
- AoPS (Art of Problem Solving) textbooks (e.g., Intermediate Algebra, PreCalculus, Number Theory, Geometry)
- AIME practice tests and booster courses from various educational institutes
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The AIME syllabus covers advanced topics typically beyond the standard school curriculum, including polynomials, equations, inequalities, functional equations, Euclidean and coordinate geometry, trigonometry, vectors, divisibility, modular arithmetic, primes, Diophantine equations, counting, permutations, combinations, binomial coefficients, and advanced probability. It requires a deep conceptual understanding and creative application of mathematical principles.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively manage the pressure of a high-stakes competition like AIME?
Students can manage pressure by focusing on consistent preparation, practicing under timed conditions, and developing strong problem-solving strategies. Emphasizing learning over solely winning can also reduce anxiety and improve performance.
What are common mistakes students make during AIME preparation and how can they be avoided?
Common mistakes include neglecting foundational concepts, not practicing a variety of problem types, and failing to review past solutions thoroughly. Students should ensure a balanced study plan and analyze errors to learn from them.
How does participation in AIME impact a student's long-term academic and career prospects?
Participation in AIME significantly enhances a student's profile for university admissions, especially in STEM fields. It demonstrates exceptional mathematical aptitude, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued in academia and future careers.
What strategies can students employ to improve their performance in specific AIME topics like number theory or combinatorics?
To improve in specific topics, students should delve into advanced textbooks, work through challenging problems from past contests, and seek guidance from experienced mentors. Consistent practice with varied problems is key to mastering these areas.
How do students balance AIME preparation with their regular school curriculum and other extracurricular activities?
Effective time management and prioritization are crucial. Students should create a study schedule, allocate dedicated time for AIME preparation, and integrate it with their academic commitments without compromising other important activities.
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