This year's AMC 8 score release features significant changes, including the addition of a Top 25% cutoff score. For the first time, the China region has used two different exam papers with distinct cutoff scores.
The Asdan online exam aligns with North American cutoffs, requiring a score of 24 for the Global Honor Roll of Distinction (Top 1%). The offline exam administered by the China Committee is slightly more challenging, with a lower cutoff of 22 for the Top 1% award.
Overall, cutoff scores are trending upward, indicating increasingly fierce competition.
The 2026 AMC 8 cutoff scores for the China Committee version, Asdan version, and Taiwan version have been released.
The 2026 AIME qualification cutoffs have also been announced.
This serves as a reminder for students planning to participate in the upcoming AMC season: start preparing early to aim for high scores, increase your chances of winning awards, and strengthen your academic profile.
What Are the Different MAA AMC Competitions?
The AMC series offers tiered competitions for different grade levels: AMC 8, AMC 10, AMC 12, and the advanced AIME.
Both AMC 10 and AMC 12 are divided into Version A and Version B. The only difference between the two versions is the exam date.
AMC 8
The AMC 8 is an excellent pathway for younger students to engage with mathematical problem-solving beyond the standard school curriculum. Students who enjoy the AMC 8 often progress to the AMC 10 and AMC 12.
Overview: The AMC 8 consists of 25 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 40 minutes. It is designed for students in grade 8 and below. Topics cover middle school mathematics, including counting and probability, estimation, proportional reasoning, elementary geometry (including the Pythagorean theorem), spatial visualization, and graph interpretation. Some problems may involve introductory algebra, such as linear and quadratic functions and coordinate geometry.
Eligibility: Students in grade 8 and below, under 15.5 years of age on the day of the competition.
Exam Date: Held annually in January over a one-week period. Each student may take the AMC 8 only once per year.
AMC 10
The AMC 10 provides students with opportunities to develop advanced problem-solving skills.
Overview: The AMC 10 features 25 multiple-choice questions with a 75-minute time limit, designed for students in grade 10 and below. Content covers elementary algebra, basic geometry, area and volume formulas, elementary number theory, and elementary probability. Advanced topics such as trigonometry, higher algebra, and advanced geometry are excluded.
The AMC 10 offers Version A and Version B. Schools or organizers can choose the most suitable date, or students may take both versions.
Eligibility: Students in grade 10 and below, under 17.5 years of age on the day of the competition.
Exam Date: Held annually in November, on the same dates as the AMC 12. Students cannot take both the AMC 10 and AMC 12 on the same day.
AMC 12
The AMC 12 aims to further enhance students' mathematical problem-solving abilities. It is primarily targeted at high school students up to grade 12.
Overview: The AMC 12 consists of 25 multiple-choice questions with a 75-minute time limit, designed for students in grade 12 and below. The exam covers the entire high school mathematics curriculum, including trigonometry, advanced algebra, and advanced geometry. Calculus is excluded.
Like the AMC 10, the AMC 12 offers Version A and Version B. Organizers can select the preferred date, or students may participate in both.
Eligibility: Students in grade 12 and below, under 19.5 years of age on the day of the competition.
Exam Date: Held annually in November, concurrent with the AMC 10. Students cannot take both exams on the same day.
2025 AMC 10/12 Award Structure Updates
Please note the following changes to the AMC 10/12 award categories this year:
- New Awards Added:
- Top 10% Honor Roll (Global)
- Top 25% Honor Roll (Global)
- Existing Awards Remain Unchanged: The Perfect Score, Honor Roll of Distinction (Top 1%), Distinction (Top 5%), Achievement Roll, and AIME Qualification certificates remain the same.
Recommended International Mathematics Competitions
Participating in international middle and high school math competitions can significantly enhance a student's academic profile. With numerous options available, how should students and parents choose beyond the AMC series? Below is a curated list by grade level.
Elementary School Level
- Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) - Level A: Targeted at grades 3-4. Features five difficulty levels to ensure fair competition across ages. Low difficulty, ideal for beginners. Time: Typically held in August-September annually.
- Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) - Level B: Targeted at grades 5-6. Low-to-medium difficulty with a slight challenge, focusing on foundational math skills. Time: Typically held in August-September annually (alongside Level A).
- Math Kangaroo: Covers grades 1-12 (Elementary corresponds to grades 1-6). Features engaging, real-world problems designed to cultivate mathematical thinking and interest. Low-to-medium difficulty, perfect for elementary enrichment. Time: Fixed annually in mid-to-late March.
Middle School Level
- Junior Mathematical Challenge (JMC): Targeted at grades 7-8 (UK Year 7-8). Introductory level focusing on basic math application and logical reasoning. Low difficulty, designed to spark interest in competitions. Time: April 30, 2026 (Thursday) 17:00-18:00 (60 mins). Registration Deadline: April 21, 2026.
- Junior Mathematical Olympiad (JMO): Targeted at grades 7-8 (requires high JMC scores to qualify). Medium-to-high difficulty, emphasizing mathematical proofs and deep thinking. Serves as an advanced selection round following the JMC. Time: June 10, 2026 (Wednesday) 17:00–19:00. Registration Deadline: June 1, 2026.
- Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) - Level C: Targeted at grades 7-8. Medium difficulty, emphasizing fair competition and testing mastery and application of mathematical knowledge. Time: Typically held in August-September annually.
- Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC): Targeted at grades 9-10 (UK Year 9-10). Medium difficulty, focusing on comprehensive application of core middle school topics like algebra and geometry. Acts as a bridge to high school competitions. Time: Typically held in January-February annually.
- Math Kangaroo: Middle school division corresponds to grades 7-9. Problems are practical and engaging with medium difficulty, suitable as an introductory enrichment for middle school math. Time: Fixed annually in mid-to-late March.
High School & Advanced Level
- Duke Math Meet (DMM): Targeted at grades 9-12. Medium-to-high difficulty, featuring classical and standardized test-level problems. Suitable for students with some competition experience. Time: Typically held in February-March annually (online/offline).
- Euclid Mathematics Contest: Open to all high school grades. High difficulty, emphasizing innovation and comprehensive problem-solving. Often regarded as a high-level benchmark for university admissions. Time: Typically held in March-April annually.
- Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT) - February Round: Targeted at outstanding high school students. Extremely high difficulty, heavily challenging mathematical and analytical skills. Highly recognized by STEM-focused universities. Time: Fixed annually in February (November round also available).
- International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO): Targeted at grades 8-11 (national team selection). The pinnacle of global math competitions, requiring exceptional foundational knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Often referred to as the Math Olympics. Time: Typically held in July annually, lasting about one week.
- Math Kangaroo: High school division corresponds to grades 10-12. Medium-to-high difficulty, focusing on logic and problem-solving techniques, suitable for high school math enrichment. Time: Fixed annually in mid-to-late March (global synchronization).
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