As the 2026 AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination) approaches, the final stage of preparation becomes critical for students who have already secured qualification. With the AIME score weight in the USAMO/USAJMO qualification formula doubling from 10× to 20× in 2026, every single point now carries unprecedented significance.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the 2026 AIME schedule, exam policies, difficulty structure, time management strategies, and in-exam techniques, helping students approach the competition with clarity and confidence.
I. 2026 AIME Schedule and Key Information
(1) Exam Dates and Format
The 2026 AIME will be administered in two separate sessions:
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AIME I: Thursday, February 6, 2026, 13:00–16:00
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AIME II: Wednesday, February 12, 2026, 13:00–16:00
Students may participate in only one of the two sessions.
(2) Exam Overview
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Exam duration: 3 hours
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Number of questions: 15 integer-answer questions
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Answer format: Integers from 000 to 999
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Scoring:
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1 point per correct answer
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No penalty for incorrect or blank answers
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Maximum score: 15
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Language: Bilingual (English and Chinese)
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Calculator policy: Calculators are strictly prohibited
(3) Major Weight Adjustment in 2026
The 2026 season introduces a significant rule update: the weight of AIME scores in USAMO and USAJMO qualification has doubled.
The updated formulas are:
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USAMO Index = AMC 12 Score + 20 × AIME Score
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USAJMO Index = AMC 10 Score + 20 × AIME Score
As a result, the AIME score now accounts for approximately two-thirds of the total qualification index, compared to about half in previous years. This change substantially elevates the strategic importance of AIME performance.
(4) Relationship to Other Math Competitions
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USAMO (USA Mathematical Olympiad)
Comparable to China’s CMO; open only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. -
AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination)
A high-impact credential for U.S. college admissions. Scores of 7–10 are particularly competitive. -
AMC 10 & AMC 12
Top 2.5% (AMC 10) and 5% (AMC 12) qualifiers are invited to AIME. -
AMC 8
Designed to cultivate mathematical interest and problem-solving skills; often compared to domestic junior math competitions.
II. AIME Difficulty Structure and Time Management Strategy
AIME problems are known for their clear gradient of increasing difficulty. Developing a disciplined time allocation strategy is essential for achieving a strong score.
(1) Difficulty Breakdown and Recommended Strategy
| Problem Range | Difficulty Description | Suggested Time | Scoring Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Problems 1–5 | Moderate; comparable to AMC 12 Problems 15–18 | 30–40 minutes | Must be solved accurately; core scoring section |
| Problems 6–10 | Significantly harder; multi-topic integration | ~50 minutes | Key range for achieving 7+ scores |
| Problems 11–15 | Very high difficulty; near USAMO level | At least 30–40 minutes | Differentiates top-tier students |
(2) Time Allocation Principles
Although the average time per problem is 12 minutes, effective allocation should follow the principles of “tight early, flexible late” and “easy first, hard later.”
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Problems 1–5:
Complete within 40 minutes. These are the most reliable scoring opportunities and should be solved carefully to avoid unnecessary errors. -
Problems 6–10:
Allocate around 50 minutes. This section is critical for gaining a competitive edge and typically requires synthesizing multiple concepts. -
Problems 11–15:
Reserve at least 30 minutes. Even partial progress on these problems can be valuable, and thoughtful attempts are encouraged.
III. In-Exam Techniques and Common Pitfalls
(1) Core Problem-Solving Techniques
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Pattern Exploration: Reduce complex problems to smaller cases and analyze numerical or structural patterns.
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Special Value Substitution: For equations or symmetry-based problems, test values such as 0, 1, or −1.
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Visual Aids:
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Draw precise diagrams for geometry problems.
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Use tables or tree diagrams for combinatorics problems.
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Symmetry Awareness: Symmetric structures often lead to integer or special-value answers, which can be used to validate results.
(2) Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Error Type | Typical Issue | Prevention Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Answer format errors | Writing “5” instead of “005” | Perform a final format check before submission |
| Careless calculations | Sign errors, incorrect remainders, missing steps | Recheck critical steps; use symmetry to verify results |
| Poor time management | Spending too long on early problems | Follow the time plan strictly; skip difficult problems decisively |
| Rigid thinking | Fixating on one approach without alternatives | Limit each attempt to 3–5 minutes; mark and revisit if stuck |
(3) Mindset and Psychological Readiness
AIME is widely regarded as a challenging competition. Even experienced contestants may find it difficult to solve every problem. When encountering difficult questions, remain calm and remember that even top scorers do not necessarily complete the entire paper.
Prioritize accuracy on solvable problems and recognize that partial success on challenging questions can still meaningfully impact the final score.
With only days remaining until the 2026 AIME, every day of preparation counts. Maintain a steady review rhythm and avoid excessive fatigue just before the exam. Ultimately, success in AIME depends not only on mathematical knowledge, but also on exam strategy, time management, and mental composure.