American Mathematics Competitions (AMC 12) for Indian Students
by Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
Certificates of Participation and Achievement
3,00,000 participants
The AMC 12 is a prestigious 75-minute multiple-choice math competition for students in grades 11 and 12, focusing on advanced problem-solving skills and serving as a gateway to international olympiads.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹1,950
Participation format
Individual
Duration
75 minutes
Time needed
75 minutes for the exam, plus preparation time
Eligibility
Open to students in Grade 12 or below, under 19.5 years of age on the competition day. This competition is available nationwide in India through participating schools or authorized centers. No specific academic performance or financial criteria are required.
- Grade level
- Grade 11 to 12
- Age range
- 16 to 19 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students must be in Grade 12 or below. Open to all indian students of all boards. There are no specific GPA or academic performance prerequisites beyond the grade level requirement.
- Prerequisites
- Strong foundation in high school mathematics, including advanced algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Familiarity with precalculus concepts is highly recommended.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
MAA Certificates of Distinction, and Achievement
Participants receive an e-Certificate of Participation. High-scoring students receive a Certificate of Distinction (top 5%) and an Honor Roll of Distinction certificate (top 1%). Students in Grade 10 or below who score 90 or above on the AMC 12 receive a Certificate of Achievement.
Opens doors to
Excelling in AMC 12 is a significant advantage for admissions to top universities globally, especially for STEM programs. It showcases exceptional mathematical aptitude and a passion for challenging academics, often viewed favorably by Ivy League and other selective institutions. Qualification for AIME and further Olympiad stages further strengthen college applications.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Sept 2026
- Registration closes
- 28 Oct 2026
- Competition
- 5 Nov 2026 to 13 Nov 2026
- Results
- 11 Dec 2026
Early Bird Registration Deadline
Deadline for early bird registration directly through the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).
Regular Registration Deadline
Final deadline for new competition managers to register directly with MAA.
Late Registration Deadline
Late registration deadline for returning competition managers directly with MAA.
AMC 12A Competition Date
First competition date for AMC 12A. Participants should arrive at their designated test center at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
AMC 12B Competition Date
Second competition date for AMC 12B. This offers an alternative opportunity for students or those wishing to attempt both versions.
Various Schools and Authorized Centers, Nationwide, Multiple States
How to apply
- 1Registration is primarily done through a school or an authorized competition manager. Schools can register their institution with MAA, and then students can enroll through their school.
- 2Individual registration through authorized third-party organizations or independent test centers, such as TLUPS in India, may also be available for international students.
Rules and guidelines
- The exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions.
- Calculators are not permitted during the test.
- Correct answers receive 6 points, unanswered questions receive 1.5 points, and incorrect answers receive 0 points.
- Students may take either AMC 12A or AMC 12B, or both, but not on the same day.
- Only pencils, scratch paper, and a straightedge are allowed during the exam.
- Participants must adhere to strict proctoring guidelines to ensure fairness and integrity of the competition.
Technology requirements
- Internet-connected computer for online proctoring (if applicable)
- Printer for answer sheets (if applicable)
- Reliable internet-connected computer for online proctoring (if applicable).
- Webcam and microphone for remote proctoring (if applicable).
- Printer for answer sheets (if applicable, though online submission is common).
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The registration fee for AMC 12 in India is approximately ₹1950 per student. Fees may vary based on early bird, regular, or late registration periods, and whether registering individually or through a school bundle. Students taking both AMC 12A and AMC 12B will incur a fee for each exam. And for international students, fees will be Early Bird Registration: ($55) Regular Registration: ($75) Late Registration: ($115)
Refund policy
No refund is typically provided for invalid testing instances or cancellations. It is advisable to confirm the refund policy with the specific registration platform or school.
About this opportunity
The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) 12, organized by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), is a globally recognized mathematics competition designed to challenge and inspire high school students. Specifically tailored for students in Grade 12 and below, this competition aims to cultivate exceptional mathematical talent and advanced problem-solving abilities.
The competition features 25 multiple-choice questions to be completed within a strict 75-minute time limit, without the aid of calculators. The questions span a wide range of difficulty and cover advanced topics such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, number theory, and combinatorics, explicitly excluding calculus.
To accommodate participants, two distinct versions of the exam, AMC 12A and AMC 12B, are offered annually in November. Students have the flexibility to choose a preferred date or even attempt both versions for additional practice and experience. High-scoring participants are extended an invitation to the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME), a more rigorous subsequent competition that further tests their mathematical prowess.
The AMC program is a truly global initiative, attracting over 300,000 students from more than 30 countries worldwide, including India. Participation from India is facilitated through designated international testing sites, ensuring accessibility for aspiring mathematicians across the nation.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 150
- Duration
- 75 minutes
- Format
- 25 multiple-choice questions with five answer choices each.
- Language
- English, French, Spanish
Rounds and format
The competition consists of a single round. High-scoring students are invited to the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME).
How entries are judged
Scores are calculated as 6 points for each correct answer, 1.5 points for each unanswered question, and 0 points for incorrect answers. The maximum score is 150.
Selection process
Students scoring in the top 5% of the AMC 12 are invited to take the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME).
How to prepare
- Past AMC 12 competition papers and solutions
- Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) courses and practice materials
- Books on advanced algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics
- Online forums and communities for math competition discussions
- Simulated practice tests under timed conditions
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The AMC 12 covers the entire high school mathematics curriculum, including advanced algebra, functions, coordinate geometry, modular arithmetic, combinatorics, sequences, basic geometry knowledge (Pythagorean Theorem, area and volume formulas), elementary number theory, and elementary probability. Calculus is explicitly excluded from the syllabus. The problems often require creative application of these concepts rather than rote memorization.
Frequently asked questions
How do students effectively prepare for the advanced problem-solving nature of AMC 12?
Effective preparation involves consistent practice with past papers, focusing on conceptual understanding in algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics. Utilizing resources like Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) and engaging in timed mock tests can significantly enhance problem-solving skills and speed.
What strategies can participants employ to manage time effectively during the 75-minute competition?
Time management is crucial. Participants should aim to quickly solve easier problems first, allocate more time for challenging questions, and avoid getting stuck on any single problem. Practicing under timed conditions helps develop a sense of pacing and strategic skipping.
How does participation in AMC 12 impact a student's profile for higher education admissions?
Strong performance in AMC 12, especially qualifying for AIME, significantly enhances a student's application to top universities globally. It demonstrates exceptional mathematical aptitude, a passion for challenging academics, and advanced problem-solving abilities, which are highly valued by admissions committees.
What are the common pitfalls or mistakes students should avoid during the competition?
Common mistakes include misreading questions, making careless calculation errors, spending too much time on a single difficult problem, and not understanding the scoring system (points for unanswered questions). Thorough review and strategic problem selection are key to avoiding these.
How can students maintain motivation and manage competitive pressure throughout their preparation?
Maintaining motivation involves setting realistic goals, celebrating small achievements, and focusing on learning rather than just winning. Engaging with a supportive community, seeking guidance from mentors, and ensuring a balanced study schedule can help manage competitive pressure effectively.
Are calculators allowed during the AMC 12 competition?
No, calculators are strictly prohibited during the AMC 12 competition. The exam is designed to test mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills without the aid of computational devices.
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