The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026 (AGC), a math competition for classes VIII to X students of CBSE affiliated schools. This competition has been initiated to develop practical skills in students and to assess and enhance their ability to use mathematical concepts in daily life.
The registration for school-level competition started from November 4 and will end on November 18, 2026.
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Key dates
| Event | Tentative Dates |
| Registration of schools for Stage 1 | November 4 to 18 |
| Question Paper Availability | November 25 to 26 |
| Registration of schools for Stage 2 | November 27 to 30 |
| Computer-based test for Stage 2 | December 2 |
How the challenge works
The Aryabhata Ganit Challenge (AGC) will be conducted in two stages:
- Stage 1: School-Level Competition - This round will be conducted by the school itself. The question paper will be provided by CBSE on their official portal. The schools will have to download the question paper and conduct the examination.
- Stage 2: National-Level Competition - The exam will be conducted by CBSE and will be a computer based exam.
Fees and recognition
There are no fees to participate in Round 1. Schools will have to pay Rs. 900 (non-refundable) for Round 2 via debit/credit card or NEFT.
Following the national exam, CBSE will select the top 100 students from each region and provide them with merit certificates. Additionally, the top 100 schools with the most participants in Round 1 will receive appreciation certificates from the board.
Test format
Both stages will have one hour long tests consisting of multiple choice questions only. The paper is of 40 marks, with no negative marking. Topics covered include geometry and spatial sense, quantitative aptitude, algebra, data analysis and probability, number sense and the number system, and mensuration. The exam will also test students on their logical reasoning, problem solving, understanding, creative and abstract thinking.
How to register
Schools will have to login to the AGC portal using the link provided on the CBSE Academic website (www.cbseacademic.nic.in), using their school credentials. Schools need to fill in school details, including the number of available computers, internet availability, and student strength in Classes VIII to X. Top 3 students will be registered for Round 2 and the fee must be paid online.
The circular encourages schools to motivate students to participate, noting that participation and success can be recorded in students’ personal portfolios.
If you have any questions please contact +91-9968313254 (Phone & WhatsApp: 9.30am-5.30pm) or [email protected].
Important Links
| CBSE Invites Schools to Participate in Science Exhibition 2026–27; Check Details | CBSE AI Module 2026–27: NCERT Releases New Module |
Conclusion
Aryabhata Ganit Challenge is a student enrichment activity offered by CBSE. Other activities include Science Challenge, Expression Series and Heritage India Quiz. CBSE have run this maths competition in previous academic years. The results were published in December 2025.
The competition is named after the famous Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata. It focuses on using maths to understand and solve real-life problems.
Schools should ensure that they register for Round 1 by November 18. Once the question paper has been received by the school the stage 1 exam can be conducted. The details of the top 3 students should be uploaded between November 27-30. Those who qualify will take the online national exam on December 2nd 2026.
Source
Official Notice by CBSE, 24 October, 2026: click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per CBSE, the Education Ministry, and Government of India.
