NMTC 2026 Stage 1 Exam: Date, Timing, Question Paper, Answer Key, Solutions & Result

NMTC 2026 Stage 1 Exam: The Association of Mathematics Teachers of India (AMTI) conducts the 58th National Mathematics Talent Contest (NMTC 2026) to test mathematical aptitude, analytical thinking, and logical reasoning among school and college students. The Stage 1 Preliminary Exam serves as the initial screening test to select the top 10% of candidates for the Stage 2 Final Exam. 

Candidates competing across Primary, Sub-Junior, Junior, and Inter levels need to stay updated on key dates, shift timings, question paper patterns, answer key releases, and result timelines. 

Also Read:

• NMTC 2026 Answer Key & Paper Solutions
• NMTC 2026 Question Paper

NMTC 2026 Stage 1 Overview 

The NMTC 2026 Stage 1 exam takes place in offline pen-and-paper mode across designated school centres.

NMTC 2026 Stage 1 Shift Timings & Centre Rules

Candidates appearing for the preliminary round must strictly follow the schedule set by AMTI:

• Reporting Time: Candidates must reach their assigned exam centre between 9:15 AM to 9:30 AM.

• Exam Start Time: 10:00 AM sharp.

• Exam End Time: 12:00 Noon.

• Documents Required: Printed NMTC admit card/hall ticket along with a valid school identity card.

• Allowed Items: Blue or black ballpoint pens, geometry instruments, and transparent water bottles. Electronic gadgets and calculators are strictly prohibited.

NMTC 2026 Stage 1 Question Paper & Exam Pattern

The Stage 1 question paper tests basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number theory using non-routine problems.

• Primary Level (Gauss Contest - Classes 5 & 6): Contains 20 objective-type questions (Multiple Choice Questions and Fill-in-the-blanks).

• Sub-Junior Level (Kaprekar Contest - Classes 7 & 8): Contains 30 objective-type questions.

• Junior Level (Ramanujan Contest - Classes 9 & 10): Contains 30 objective-type questions testing analytical reasoning.

• Inter Level (Bhaskara Contest - Classes 11 & 12): Contains 30 objective-type questions based on advanced algebra and geometry.

NMTC 2026 Stage 1 Answer Key and Solutions

AMTI releases the provisional answer key shortly after the exam concludes. Students can use the answer key to cross-check their responses and estimate their raw scores before official results are published.

1. Provisional Answer Key: Released on August 31, 2026. Candidates can submit objections via email until September 2, 2026 (4:00 PM).

2. Final Answer Key: AMTI releases the corrected final key on September 3, 2026.

3. Detailed Video & PDF Solutions: Physics Wallah (PW) subject experts provide comprehensive step-by-step solutions and detailed paper analyses for all levels immediately following the exam.

NMTC 2026 Stage 1 Result & Selection Criteria

The Stage 1 results are scheduled for release on September 7, 2026.

• Qualifying Criterion: Approximately the top 10% of scorers in each category at the institution/center level advance to Stage 2 (Final Test).

• Merit List: AMTI sends the list of selected candidates directly to participating schools and publishes the qualifying list on its portal.

• Next Round: Qualified students earn eligibility for the Stage 2 exam on October 25, 2026, which consists of a 3-hour subjective paper.

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