What is AMC 10/12?
The American Mathematics Competitions 10 and 12 (AMC 10/12) are 25-question, 75-minute, multiple-choice high school math contests organised by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). They are the gateway to the AIME, USAMO/USAJMO, and ultimately the US IMO team.
AMC 10 targets students in grade 10 and below, covering algebra, geometry, number theory, and probability up to that level. AMC 12 targets students in grade 12 and below, adding precalculus and trigonometry. Both are the natural next step after AMC 8.
Eligibility Criteria
- AMC 10: Grade 10 or below, under 17.5 years old on contest day
- AMC 12: Grade 12 or below, under 19.5 years old on Nov 1 of the contest year
- Students eligible for AMC 10 may also take AMC 12 in the same year
- No prior competition experience required
- Each version (A/B) can be taken once — a student can attempt both A and B
Quick Facts
| Organised by | Mathematical Association of America (MAA) |
| Exam mode | Through registered schools / testing centers |
| Exam month | November (A and B dates, ~1 week apart) |
| Registration opens | Typically August–September |
| Calculators | Not permitted |
Exam Pattern and Scoring
- Format: 25 multiple-choice questions, options A–E
- Duration: 75 minutes
- Two versions each: A and B (~1 week apart, different papers)
- Calculators, phones, and smartwatches are not allowed
- Correct answer: 6 points
- Unanswered question: 1.5 points
- Wrong answer: 0 points (no negative deduction beyond losing the blank credit)
- Maximum score: 150 points
Path to AIME & Beyond
AMC 10/12 is the first step in the US olympiad pathway. Top scorers earn an invitation to the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) — and from there, the pathway continues toward USAMO/USAJMO and the IMO team.
| AMC 10 → AIME cutoff | Roughly top 2.5–8% of AMC 10 participants (historically ~96–105 score) |
| AMC 12 → AIME cutoff | Roughly top 5–15% of AMC 12 participants (historically ~84–93 score) |
| AIME format | 15 questions, 3 hours, integer answers 0–999 |
| AIME dates | AIME I in February, AIME II in March (qualifiers pick one) |
AMC 10 vs AMC 12 Syllabus
Roughly 12 questions overlap between the two papers — AMC 12 simply extends into more advanced topics. Broad coverage:
Grades 9–10 Curriculum
- Elementary algebra & equations
- Basic geometry (incl. Pythagorean Theorem)
- Area & volume formulas
- Elementary number theory
- Elementary probability & counting
- No trigonometry or advanced algebra
Full High School Curriculum
- Everything in AMC 10, plus:
- Trigonometry
- Precalculus & advanced functions
- Advanced algebra & geometry
- Complex numbers, logarithms
Core Problem-Solving Skills
- Combinatorics & probability
- Number theory (factors, modular arithmetic)
- Coordinate & synthetic geometry
- Multi-step word problems
- Speed + accuracy under time pressure
Exam Date & Registration
- AMC 10/12 is held in November — an A date and a B date, about a week apart
- Registration typically opens in August and closes in September–October
- Students don't register individually on the MAA site — registration is handled by schools or approved testing centers
- A student can take both the A and B version in the same year (different papers)
How to Register
Why Participate? Benefits of AMC 10/12
🏅 Awards & Recognition
Distinction (top 5%) and Honor Roll of Distinction (top 1%) recognitions, plus AIME qualification for top scorers.
📈 Direct Path to AIME & USAMO
The only route to AIME — and from there, USAJMO/USAMO and the US IMO team.
🎓 Strong College Profile
AIME qualification and Distinction-level AMC scores are highly regarded by STEM-focused universities like MIT, Caltech, and Stanford.
🧠 Deep Problem-Solving Skills
Builds the advanced algebra, geometry, and combinatorics skills that carry over into JEE Advanced and other competitive exams.
Join Our AMC 10/12 Preparation Program
Whether you're just beginning your Olympiad journey or aiming for a top score, our structured AMC 10/12 program is designed to help students build deep conceptual understanding and effective problem-solving skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between AMC 10 and AMC 12?
AMC 10 is for grade 10 and below (under 17.5 years), covering algebra, basic geometry, and elementary probability. AMC 12 is for grade 12 and below (under 19.5 years), adding trigonometry and precalculus.
Can I take both AMC 10 and AMC 12?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility for both — many students in grade 9–10 take AMC 10 for a better AIME shot, since its qualification percentile is more generous.
How does scoring work?
6 points for a correct answer, 1.5 points for a blank, 0 for a wrong answer, out of a maximum of 150.
What happens if I qualify for AIME?
You're invited to sit the AIME — a 15-question, 3-hour exam with integer answers from 0–999, held in February or March.
How can Scholars Foundation help me prepare?
We offer structured AMC 10/12 batches with topic-wise coverage, mock tests, and WhatsApp doubt support — message us for current batch timings and registration help.