UKMT Senior Mathematical Challenge (SMC)
A UK-based mathematics competition where students solve 25 multiple-choice problems requiring logical and non-routine thinking. Open to students in Year 13 or below, or equivalent, through participating UK and overseas schools. Rated Advanced Level, with difficulty mainly coming from increasingly challenging problems, time pressure and negative marking.
Verified information
Competition details can change. Always confirm dates, eligibility and entry requirements on the official organiser's website.
Official website ↗OVERALL COMPETITION LEVEL
Advanced Level
3 evaluation dimensions have source-backed automatic scores; 0 dimensions need conflict review.
Competition overview
Key information
Eligible ages
14–19
School level
Year 13 and below (England/Wales/Overseas), S6 or below (Scotland), Year 14 or below (Northern Ireland)
Registration method
School Only
Competition stages
Single stage, 25 multiple-choice questions, 90 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
16 Sept 2026
Competition starts
7 Oct 2026
Competition ends
8 Oct 2026
Editorial perspective
Our Take
The Senior Mathematical Challenge is the main senior entry point into the UKMT competition system. It is broad enough for many sixth-form-age students to attempt, yet its strongest questions are deliberately unlike routine A-level exercises. They test whether a student can recognise a useful structure, combine familiar ideas in an unfamiliar way and make a reliable decision under time pressure. SMC is normally organised by a school or college. Strong results may lead to the Senior Kangaroo or British Mathematical Olympiad Round 1, with the exact route depending on the current UKMT rules and score thresholds. These are not interchangeable rewards: Senior Kangaroo develops concise problem solving, while BMO1 moves towards proof and longer written solutions. The SMC is therefore best seen as a gateway into several kinds of advanced mathematical work. The competition is particularly useful for students considering mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering or economics, but it does not require a student to have chosen a mathematical degree. Preparation should combine past SMC papers with careful review of wrong answers, because the main gains usually come from better judgement rather than from learning more syllabus content. We rate SMC at the Advanced Level. It is a demanding senior challenge with a school-based entry route and a preparation load that depends strongly on the student's starting point.
Read full guide →Preparation support
Recommended resources
SMC 2025 Paper and Solutions
Open resource ↗Official questions and solutions for a timed 90-minute practice paper.
Official · Free · Past paper & solutions · Essential
SMC 2025 Solutions and Investigations
Open resource ↗Extended worked solutions and explorations, especially for the harder final questions.
Official · Free · Worked solutions PDF · Essential
UKMT SMC Video Solutions
Open resource ↗Question-by-question explanations for comparing approaches after a serious attempt.
Official · Free · Video solutions · Recommended
Source information
Related competitions
Mathematics · Advanced Level