Online Classes for IMC - Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (UKMT) Exam Preparation

• What is the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (UKMT) 2026?
• How to Participate in IMC?
• IMC Syllabus
• Exam Pattern
• Exam Fee
• Exam Dates
• How to Prepare for IMC?
• IMC Sample Papers
• Awards
• Other International Olympiads
• FAQs

The UK Mathematics Trust oversees the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC), a competition that is recognised at the national level. Set for children from 13 to 16 years old (usually in 9 to 11 years old in England and Wales), the IMC is an amazing opportunity for learners to struggle with solving and logical reasoning through engaging and sometimes challenging maths problems.

What is the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (UKMT) 2026?

The IMC is a one-hour written exam divided into 25 multiple-choice questions. The challenge does not center on typical textbook problems; rather, it includes atypical and engaging challenges that necessitate creative problem-solving alongside critical reasoning skills. Its aim is to encourage students to appreciate mathematics outside of the school curriculum and foster new and flexible approaches.

This challenge is accessible to students in the United Kingdom and overseas.

How to Participate in IMC?

Most students enter through their schools. Schools need to register their students via the official UKMT website. The exam is then conducted on a designated date under supervision at the school itself.

In some cases, home-educated students or students outside the UK may enter through approved centres or authorised platforms.

IMC Syllabus

The IMC has no fixed syllabus, but it covers mathematical skills up to the Year 11 curriculum (GCSE level). The challenge focuses on:

• Algebra and Arithmetic
• Geometry and Measurement
• Number Patterns and Sequences
• Logic and Reasoning
• Combinatorics
• Problem Solving

The questions are designed to test creative application rather than routine procedures.

Exam Pattern

• Total Questions: 25 multiple-choice questions
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Scoring: Q1-15: 5 marks each, Q16-25: 6 marks each
• Total Marks: 135
• Examination Mode: Paper-based

Note: Each incorrect answer to questions 16-20 loses 1 mark, for 21-25 loses 2 marks. Unanswered questions are marked as 0.

Exam Fee

• The registration fee varies slightly depending on whether it's a paper exam or a downloaded version.
• The exam fee is 850 THB per student
• International pricing may differ based on local partners or schools.

Note: Fees are payable by the school upon registration through UKMT's online system.

Exam Dates

Tentative IMC 2026 Timeline:

• Registration Opens: September 2025
• Exam Date: February 2026 (exact date announced on the UKMT website)
• Results Released: Within 4-6 weeks after the exam

Make sure your school registers in time to avoid missing the deadline.

How to Prepare for IMC?

Preparation for the IMC should focus on developing logical reasoning, creative thinking, and non-routine problem-solving. Here are some tips:

1. Practice Past Papers: Solve papers from previous years to understand question styles and scoring.
2. Learn from Mistakes: Always review and understand incorrect answers.
3. Strengthen Core Concepts: Master algebra, geometry, and number theory relevant to GCSE-level math.
4. Use UKMT Resources: Books like "Problem Solving Challenges" and "Mathematical Challenges" are excellent.
5. Join a Math Circle or Olympiad Class: Group discussions and guided problem-solving can be very effective.

IMC Sample Papers

You can download them from the official UKMT Sample Past Paper.

Click to Download the IMC Sample Paper

Awards

Top-performing 50% of students receive certificates based on their scores: Gold (top 1/6), Silver (next 2/6), and Bronze (next 3/6). Those ranked Best in Year or Best in School are awarded a special badge on their certificate. All remaining participants receive a Certificate of Participation.

Follow-on Rounds:

• Cayley Olympiad: Top 500 from Year 9 & below (England, Wales & Overseas)
• Hamilton Olympiad: Top 500 from Year 10
• Maclaurin Olympiad: Top 500 from Year 11
• Grey Kangaroo: The next 4,000 students from younger year groups (UK only)
• Pink Kangaroo: The next 7,000 students from older year groups (UK only)

Other International Olympiads

Once confident in UKMT-style problem solving, students can aim for other prestigious competitions:

• Junior and Senior Mathematical Challenges (UKMT)
• British Mathematical Olympiad (BMO)
• International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
• AMC (USA), AIME, and MathCounts
• SASMO, SIMOC, and AIMO (Asia-focused Olympiads)

FAQs

1. Who can take the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge?
Students in Years 9-11 in England and Wales (equivalent ages elsewhere) are eligible.

2. Can I participate without school registration?
Typically no, but exceptions may be made for home-educated or international students via affiliated centres.

3. Is guessing allowed in the exam?
Not advisable for questions 21-25, as incorrect answers carry a penalty.

4. Is there any certificate?
Yes. Top students receive Gold, Silver, or Bronze certificates based on their scores.

5. Are calculators allowed?
No, calculators are not permitted. All problems are designed to be solved using logic and mental math.