UKMT Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC)
A UK-based mathematics competition where students solve 25 multiple-choice problems requiring logical reasoning and non-routine problem-solving. Open to students in Year 11 or below, or equivalent, through participating UK and overseas schools. Rated Intermediate Level, with difficulty mainly coming from increasingly challenging questions, time pressure and negative marking on later problems.
Verified information
Competition details can change. Always confirm dates, eligibility and entry requirements on the official organiser's website.
Official website ↗OVERALL COMPETITION LEVEL
Intermediate Level
3 evaluation dimensions have source-backed automatic scores; 0 dimensions need conflict review.
Competition overview
Key information
Eligible ages
11–16
School level
Year 11 and below (England/Wales/Overseas), S4 or below (Scotland), Year 12 or below (Northern Ireland)
Registration method
School Only
Competition stages
Single stage, 25 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes
Fee
GBP 16 per pack of 10 (posted) or GBP 15 per pack of 10 (download-and-print)
Online / in-person
In-person
Dates
Competition timeline
Registration opens
Not yet announced by the organiser
Registration closes
7 Jan 2026
Competition starts
28 Jan 2026
Competition ends
28 Jan 2026
Editorial perspective
Our Take
The Intermediate Mathematical Challenge is one of the main entry points into the UKMT's secondary-school mathematics system. It is broad enough for many students to try, but its best questions ask for more than syllabus recall: students must combine ideas, interpret an unfamiliar condition and choose an efficient route under time pressure. That makes IMC a useful test of mathematical flexibility rather than simply a test of how far a student has progressed through the textbook. IMC is normally organised through a school or college. Families should therefore begin by asking the mathematics department whether the school enters, rather than looking for an individual registration form. Strong performance can lead to the Intermediate Kangaroo or to the Cayley, Hamilton and Maclaurin Olympiad papers, depending on the student's score and the relevant UKMT rules. Those routes measure different things, so a follow-on invitation should be seen as an opportunity to explore, not as a required next step. The competition suits students who enjoy puzzles, patterns and questions that do not announce their method. Preparation is usually most effective when it is short and regular: past papers, error logs, careful reading and discussion of alternative solutions. More content alone will not solve the main problem if the student is rushing or choosing a method before understanding the question. We rate IMC at the Intermediate Level. It is a strong bridge between junior challenge mathematics and more advanced problem solving, with light preparation that can still reveal genuine mathematical promise.
Read full guide →Preparation support
Recommended resources
IMC 2026 Paper and Solutions
Open resource ↗Current questions and solutions for a realistic timed mock followed by review.
Official · Free · Past paper & solutions · Essential
IMC 2026 Solutions and Investigations
Open resource ↗Detailed solutions, alternative approaches and extension problems for every question.
Official · Free · Worked solutions PDF · Essential
UKMT IMC Video Solutions
Open resource ↗Official short videos for diagnosing methods and filling conceptual gaps.
Official · Free · Video solutions · Recommended