Overview
The Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC) is a multiple-choice mathematics paper run by the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) for schools. It is the entry point to UKMT's follow-on rounds, including the Kangaroo papers and the Cayley, Hamilton and Maclaurin Olympiads.
Who can take part
| Region | Eligible years |
|---|---|
| England, Wales and overseas | Year 11 and below |
| Scotland | S4 or below |
| Northern Ireland | Year 12 or below |
Schools register and buy entries through the UKMT portal.
Exam pattern
| Detail | IMC |
|---|---|
| Questions | 25 multiple-choice |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculators and instruments | Not allowed; blank paper is allowed for working |
Questions are in rough order of difficulty, and pupils are not expected to finish the paper.
Marking and results
The maximum score is 135. Questions 1 to 15 score 5 marks each; questions 16 to 25 score 6 marks each. One mark is deducted for each wrong answer in questions 16 to 20 and two marks for each wrong answer in questions 21 to 25. Blank answers score 0.
For 2026, the top 50% of participants received certificates: Gold from 61 marks, Silver from 46 and Bronze from 35 (bands vary by year group and region). Others receive a Certificate of Participation, and Best in Year and Best in School badges are also given.
Important dates
The 2027 IMC is on Wednesday, January 27, 2027. Answer sheets must be uploaded by January 28. For physical papers, the ordering deadline is January 6, 2027, and for downloadable papers it is January 27, 2027.
Fees
Entry is GBP 16 for a pack of 10 posted papers or GBP 15 per pack of 10 for downloadable papers printed in school.
After the exam
Based on 2026 marks, about 1,500 top scorers qualified for the Olympiads: Cayley (86 or more, Year 9 and below), Hamilton (93 or more, Year 10) and Maclaurin (98 or more, Year 11). About 19,000 more qualified for the Kangaroos: Grey Kangaroo from 61 marks and Pink Kangaroo from 66 marks. Cut-offs change each year.
Preparation tips
Practise past IMC papers under time, and learn to skip hard questions, since wrong answers in the later questions cost marks.
Can I enter as an individual?
Entries are made by schools through the UKMT portal.