STEMS (Scholastic Test of Excellence in Mathematical Sciences)
by Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI)
Fully-funded 3-day camp at CMI
The Scholastic Test of Excellence in Mathematical Sciences (STEMS) is an annual, nationwide online examination by Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) for students in grades 8 to undergraduate level.
Mode
Online
Fee
₹100
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Mathematics exam: 6 hours; Physics and Computer Science exams: 3 hours each.
Eligibility
Open to students in grades 8 to undergraduate level across India. Participants should have a strong interest in Mathematics, Physics, or Theoretical Computer Science. The competition is nationwide with no specific age restrictions beyond grade level. No financial criteria or special reservations apply.
- Grade level
- Grade 8 to 12
- Age range
- 13 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Open to students of grade 8 and above with a strong interest in Mathematics, Physics, Probability-Statistics, and Theoretical Computer Science.
- Prerequisites
- Strong interest in Mathematics, Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, or Probability-Statistics
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Certificate for Top 100 Performers
Certificates of participation are awarded to the top 100 performers, recognizing their achievement in the national-level STEMS competition.
Opens doors to
Top scorers are invited to a fully-funded 3-day residential camp at CMI, offering unparalleled interaction with leading experts from premier research institutes like CMI, ISI Bangalore, IMSc, IISc, and the IITs, significantly enhancing prospects for advanced studies.
Recognition
National Recognition in STEM
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Oct 2025
- Registration closed
- 3 Jan 2026
- Competition
- 4 Jan 2026 to 10 Jan 2026
- Results
- 10 Feb 2026
How to apply
- 1Register online through the official Tessellate CMI website. Select the appropriate section (High School/College) and subject (Math/Physics/Computer Science).
- 2Fill out the registration form, pay the registration fee and receive confirmation.
Rules and guidelines
- The contest is conducted online in two parts for school and college students.
- Participants are allowed to use books and electronic resources, but solutions must be strictly original.
- Posting or sharing questions on forums or discussion groups while the contest is live will result in immediate disqualification.
- Answers should reflect independent thinking; plagiarism or failure to comply with regulations may lead to disqualification.
- Submissions for Part A (objective questions) must be a single integer without special characters, except hyphens for negative integers.
Technology requirements
- Reliable internet connection
- Device capable of accessing online exam platform
- Software for creating PDF files (for subjective answers)
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The registration fee is ₹100 per subject. Participants can apply for multiple subjects.
Refund policy
Fees are non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The Scholastic Test of Excellence in Mathematical Sciences (STEMS) is an annual, open-resource online examination organized by the Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI). This competition is designed to promote academic creativity, research interest, and awareness in mathematical sciences among students across India.
It features original conceptual questions that encourage deeper understanding over rote learning. This examination is open to students from 8th grade up to the final year of their undergraduate studies. Participants are categorized based on their grade level. The test is conducted online, allowing students from any location in India to participate.
Approximately 35 to 40 top scorers across Mathematics, Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, and Probability-Statistics disciplines will be selected for a fully-funded, 3-day residential camp at CMI. This camp offers a unique opportunity to interact with leading experts from premier research institutes in India, including CMI, ISI Bangalore, IMSc, IISc, and the IITs.
The competition aims to identify and nurture bright young minds, providing them with exposure to advanced topics and a collegiate environment. Past participants have included medalists from international olympiads, highlighting the high caliber of students attracted to STEMS.
Exam format
- Duration
- 360
- Format
- Part A: Objective (single integer answers); Part B: Subjective (detailed solutions). For mathematics duration is 6hrs and for physics and computer science 3hrs each.
- Language
- English
Rounds and format
The exam consists of two rounds: Part A with objective questions and Part B with subjective questions. Part B is graded only if a certain cut-off is met in Part A.
How entries are judged
Evaluation based on originality of solutions, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving approach. Ambiguous or illegible answers will not gain credits.
Selection process
Approximately 30 best scorers across the three disciplines (Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science) will be selected for a fully-funded camp at CMI.
How to prepare
- Past papers and sample tests available on the official STEMS/CMI portals.
- Study topic-wise focusing on higher-order math, science theory, and algorithmic/coding challenges.
- Seek mentor guidance, especially for project-based submissions.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The curriculum covers advanced topics in Mathematics (Algebra, Combinatorics, Geometry, Calculus, Number Theory, Set Theory, Probability), Physics, Probability-Statistics, and Theoretical Computer Science (computational, algorithmic, and logical thinking). Specific details about hardware architecture, operating systems, software systems, web technologies, and programming languages are not typically asked.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively prepare for the conceptual questions in STEMS?
Preparation should focus on developing a deep conceptual understanding rather than rote learning. Students are encouraged to practice problem-solving, explore advanced topics in their chosen subjects, and engage with challenging mathematical and scientific puzzles. Reviewing past papers and sample problems available on the official website can also provide valuable insight into the question format and difficulty level.
What strategies can participants use to manage time during the multi-subject online examination?
Effective time management is crucial. Participants should familiarize themselves with the duration allocated for each subject and section (objective/subjective). It is advisable to allocate time per question, starting with those that can be solved quickly, and then dedicating more time to complex problems. Regular practice under timed conditions can significantly improve speed and accuracy.
How does participation in STEMS benefit students' long-term academic and research interests?
Participating in STEMS provides national recognition and exposure to a high-caliber academic environment. The competition's focus on original conceptual questions nurtures critical thinking and research aptitude. For top scorers, the fully-funded camp at CMI offers unparalleled networking opportunities with leading experts, which can significantly influence future academic and career paths in mathematical sciences.
What are the key factors considered in the selection process for the CMI residential camp?
Selection for the CMI residential camp is primarily based on the overall performance in the online examination. The evaluation emphasizes originality of solutions, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving approach. A certain cut-off in Part A (objective questions) is typically required for Part B (subjective questions) to be graded, contributing to the final selection.
What technical requirements are essential for a smooth online examination experience?
Participants need a reliable internet connection, a desktop or laptop computer, and software capable of generating PDF files for subjective answers. It is recommended to use a modern web browser and ensure the device meets minimum system specifications for the CMI Online Exam Portal. A quiet environment free from distractions is also important.
How can students ensure their solutions are considered original, given the open-resource nature of the exam?
While STEMS is an open-resource examination allowing the use of books and electronic materials, solutions must strictly reflect independent thinking. Students should avoid direct copying or plagiarism. The focus is on demonstrating one's own understanding and problem-solving process. Any misconduct or unoriginal work may lead to disqualification.
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