CBSE Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026 Registration Begins: November 18 Deadline, Exam Date and Rules
New Delhi: Mathematics is taught as a school subject using various methods such as formulas and calculations. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) wants students to stretch their mathematical imagination to think about and analyze how mathematical concepts relate to and/or impact everyday situations and extends an opportunity for the same through its Aryabhata Ganit Challenge (AGC) 2026.
The Board published its notification on November 4, 2026, with its reference as Circular. Students of Classes VIII, IX and X studying in CBSE affiliated schools are eligible to participate in this year’s challenge. The competition will be conducted in two phases with the first phase assessment at the school level, and the second phase assessment at the national level and will be in the form of a computer based test.
The first registration phase is only open to schools, and not individual students. Schools are able to register for the first phase from November 4 to November 18, 2026. The national level computer based test will be held on December 2, 2026.
Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026: Important Dates
CBSE has outlined the complete schedule for school registration, question paper availability and the second-stage examination.
|
Activity |
Schedule |
|
Stage 1 school registration |
November 4–18, 2026 |
|
Stage 1 question paper and answer key availability |
November 25–26, 2026 |
|
Stage 2 school registration |
November 27–30, 2026 |
|
Stage 2 computer-based test |
December 2, 2026 |
Schools should follow these dates carefully because participation in the national-level stage depends on completing the first stage within the prescribed schedule.
Who Can Participate in the CBSE Aryabhata Ganit Challenge?
The competition is open to students of Classes VIII to X in CBSE schools. Conditions for participation are different at both the stages.
- Stage 1: Students of Classes VIII to X in CBSE schools can take part in this stage.
- Stage 2: Only the three best students of each school can take part in this stage.
Essentially, the level one assessment is school-level, and level two assessment is national-level.
Two Stages, One National-Level Mathematics Challenge
Schools will conduct the assessment based on the question paper provided by CBSE on its official website. The selected students from each school will participate in the next stage of the assessment. Schools may select more than three students for the next round if they get tied scores. If this happens, schools may conduct a test to choose students for the next round.
The Aryabhata Ganit Challenge is a school to national level competition.
Level 1: School level Assessment
Schools may conduct an internal assessment based on the question paper provided by CBSE. Schools will select top three students from this assessment to take part in level 2. Participation in this assessment is free of cost.
Level 2: National level Assessment
CBSE will conduct the second level of assessment. Schools that qualify level 1 may register students to take part in level 2 between November 27 and November 30, 2026. Each school will pay a registration fee of ₹900.
The computer-based test is scheduled for December 2, 2026.
Exam Pattern and Topics Covered in Mathematics
As far as both stages are concerned, CBSE has specified a similar format for assessment. Each of the 2-hour tests will have multiple-choice questions only and carry a total of 80 marks. There will be no negative marking.
Knowledge of Mathematics, Reasoning and Practical Problem Solving skills will be assessed. The areas of assessment are:
|
Mathematics topics |
Skills and competencies |
|
Geometry and Spatial Sense |
Strategic approach |
|
Quantitative Aptitude |
Creative and abstract thinking |
|
Algebra |
Logical and analytical reasoning |
|
Data Analysis and Probability |
Visualisation and mathematisation |
|
Number Sense and Number System |
Conceptual understanding |
|
Mensuration |
Problem-solving skills |
The above emphasis is on deepening the understanding of mathematical concepts rather than on repetitive answers.
Recognition and Merit Certificates for Schools
Recognition is also given to the students and participating institutions. After successfully completing Stage II, the top 100 students of each CBSE region will receive Merit Certificates from the Board. Along with the Merit Certificates, CBSE will appreciate the schools which motivate more students to take part. The top 10 schools in each region will receive Appreciation Certificates from CBSE.
In view of the above initiatives of CBSE, affiliated schools are motivated to appreciate students for participation in this challenge and to create awareness about participation and recognition of the students among other schools.
Instructions for Schools to register for AGC 2026
Schools will be able to register for the Aryabhata Ganit Challenge through the CBSE Academic website. Once on the CBSE Academic website, Schools need to access the AGC portal through the link in the official circular and select the participation option to log in using their school credentials. The user guide attached to the circular outlines the process by which schools can verify the pre-filled information and fill in the remaining fields to complete the registration.
School officials must register the three students they have selected for stage 2, and complete the stipulated fees. Schools must abide by the timeframes stated in Circular and in the official notification.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is CBSE Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026?
CBSE Aryabhata Ganit Challenge is a Festival of Mathematics where students have to use their mathematical skills to solve problems related to the day to day activities of human beings. It consists of two stages.
2. Who can participate in Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026?
Students studying in class VIII to X in CBSE affiliated schools are eligible to participate in stage 1 of Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026.
3. What is the last date of registration for Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026?
The registration window for stage 1 of Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026 is open between November 4 to November 18, 2026.
4. When is the CBSE Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026 exam?
The National Level Computer Based Test (CBT) for stage 2 of Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026 is being conducted on 2nd December 2026.
5. What is the registration fee for Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026?
Stage 1 participation is free. Stage 2 requires a fee of ₹900 per school, which is non-refundable.
6. How many students can qualify from each school for Stage 2?
Each participating school can select its top three students from Stage 1 for the national-level competition.
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