The National Mathematics Talent Contest (NMTC) is conducted in two stages designed to identify and nurture mathematical talent across India.
Stage 1 – Preliminary Test
- Format: Multiple-choice and fill‑in‑the‑blank questions.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Mode: Conducted online or offline depending on the contest year.
- Syllabus: Drawn from the school curriculum with an emphasis on problem‑solving, number sense and creative thinking.
- Selection: Roughly the top 10 % of candidates qualify for the final test.
Stage 2 – Final Test
- Format: Subjective, proof‑based problems that demand clear reasoning.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- Eligibility: Only qualifiers from Stage 1 (approximately the top 10 %) are invited.
- Focus: Non‑routine questions requiring deep conceptual understanding and rigorous arguments.
- Orientation: Qualifiers typically attend an orientation or training camp before the final exam.
This two‑stage structure ensures that students with different levels of problem‑solving ability are challenged appropriately. Preparing thoughtfully for both stages will help participants maximise their chances of success.




