UKMT Junior Mathematical Challenge
The Junior Mathematical Challenge is a UKMT school competition. The questions ask you to spot patterns, draw helpful diagrams and work out which information matters. Exact Science helps students build those habits in weekly Olympiad maths groups and one-to-one lessons.
Three questions for your first session
Try questions 2, 5 and 6 of the 2026 paper. Put the timer away for this session so you can spend time on how you represent each problem.
Open the 2026 JMC paper and solutionsDraw the shape
On question 2, trace the outside edge. Say which edges count towards the perimeter and which are inside the shape.
Estimate and list
For question 5, decide how precise your calculation needs to be to distinguish the choices. For question 6, organise the possibilities by their first digit and check whether any are missing.
Explain one answer aloud
Pick the question you found hardest. Tell someone why your approach works, then check the official solution. Try one of UKMT’s investigations after that question in your next session.
How to improve before the paper
Change what is on the page
When a question feels crowded, sketch it, make a table or try a smaller example. Write down what you discover before going back to the original question.
Give yourself a second pass
If you have reread a question and still have no useful starting point, put a mark by it and move on. Return to it after working through the questions you recognise.
Check uncertain answers at the end
UKMT currently gives zero for wrong and blank answers. Use the last few minutes to review the questions you skipped, rule out any choices you can and check the answer sheet against your working.
Prepare with Exact Science
In a trial lesson we look at how you start a new problem, explain a choice and check an answer. In weekly lessons we practise these habits across topics. Bring a question where you got the right answer but would like a clearer way to explain it.
What comes after this paper?
High scorers may qualify for the Junior Mathematical Olympiad or, at UK schools, the Junior Kangaroo. If you’re moving into the Intermediate age group, look at an IMC paper to see how the questions and marking change.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a penalty for a wrong answer?
UKMT currently gives zero for wrong and blank answers on the JMC.
UKMT JMC scoring and follow-on roundsCan a younger student enter?
UKMT gives an upper year-group limit. Ask your maths teacher whether this is a suitable paper and whether your school is entering students.
Check dates and entry with UKMTHow can a home-educated student take part?
UKMT says families can ask a school that is a registered UKMT centre to host the student at its discretion.
UKMT advice for parentsFind the right level for your preparation
Try a lesson and get a recommendation on what to work on first.