The 2026-27 season registration channel is now open. The SMC registration deadline is September 28, 2026, only 8 days away. Students who wish to participate should complete their registration as soon as possible.
I. Event Overview and Important Timeline
Let's first look at the overall schedule. The key milestones from registration to assessment are as follows.
| Stage | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration and Payment Deadline | September 28, 2026 | Scan the QR code to register or register collectively through your school. No late registrations will be accepted. |
| Official Assessment | October 8, 2026 (Thursday) 17:00-18:30 | Assessment duration is 90 minutes, held on-campus at partner schools nationwide. |
| Results Announcement | Typically announced a few weeks after the assessment (pending official release) | Chinese students receive corresponding certificates based on the UK gold, silver, and bronze award score thresholds. |
1. Organizer and Event Background
SMC is organized by the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT). Founded in 1996, UKMT is the largest mathematics organization in the UK.
UKMT provides various national-level mathematics activities for over 700,000 students aged 11 to 18 each year.
SMC is the largest and most authoritative secondary school mathematics assessment activity in the UK, and one of the selection events for the UK Mathematics Olympiad national team.
The activity aims to cultivate logical thinking and the ability to solve problems using mathematical techniques with precision and fluency.
II. Registration Requirements and Eligibility
Before registering, first confirm whether you meet the eligibility requirements.
1. Registration Requirements
Students in Grade 12 (senior year) and below may register.
Students with UK student status cannot participate in the China region assessment.
SMC is organized by the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT), with over 700,000 global secondary school students participating each year.
The award rate is as high as 50%-66%.
Chinese and other international students will receive corresponding certificates based on the UK gold, silver, and bronze award score thresholds.
2. Registration Methods
Method 1: Scan the official QR code to register.
Method 2: Register through collective school organization.
Method 3: Register through official partner test centers.
III. Exam Format and Award Structure
Understanding the exam rules and award structure will give you a clearer direction for preparation.
1. Exam Format and Scoring
Format: Individual participation, 25 questions in total.
Questions 1-22 are multiple choice; questions 23-25 are fill-in-the-blank, with answers being an integer from 0 to 999.
Language: Chinese and English.
Scoring: Starting score of 25 points. A correct answer earns 4 points, a wrong answer deducts 1 point, and an unanswered question earns 0 points.
Content covers key high school topics such as number theory, permutations and combinations, and does not involve advanced mathematics.
Questions are highly challenging and flexible, with a small number of algebra and application problems.
The assessment lasts 90 minutes, testing both problem-solving speed and accuracy.
Pay attention to time allocation during the exam: do easy questions first and difficult ones later to ensure stable performance.
2. Award Structure
| Award | Criteria (2025 Score Thresholds) |
|---|---|
| Gold Award | Top 11% in the UK, score threshold 72+ |
| Silver Award | Top 33% in the UK, score threshold 57+ |
| Bronze Award | Top 66% in the UK, score threshold 46+ |
| Best in School / Best in Year | Top-ranked participant in each school (or year group) receives a medal on their certificate. |
| Participation Certificate | Students who do not win an award receive an electronic participation certificate. |
| Award Reference | Approximately 130,000 candidates in the UK participated in SMC in 2025. |
IV. Fees and Preparation Advice
Finally, here are the fee and preparation key points. Please keep them all.
1. Fee Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | HKD 284 / RMB 240 per person |
| Fee Covers | Activity fee, exam administration fee, judging fee, certificate fee, reference past papers, etc. |
| Payment Notes | Please pay in HKD. The RMB price is adjusted according to exchange rate fluctuations. |
| Official Channels | Official website: www.seedasdan.asia, Phone: 400-9999-615 |
2. Preparation Advice
Past papers are king: Work through past SMC papers thoroughly to familiarize yourself with the 25-question structure and difficulty distribution.
Use solutions wisely: After the assessment, use the in-depth analysis provided by UKMT gold medal coaches, focusing on reviewing incorrect answers.
Control your pace: Complete 25 questions in 90 minutes. It is recommended to do easy questions first and difficult ones later, ensuring you don't lose basic points.
Answer cautiously: Wrong answers deduct points. For questions you are unsure about, it is better to leave them unanswered.
Timed mock exams: Conduct mock training under the standard 90-minute format to adapt to the pace in advance.
Error review: Compare each question with the official solutions and summarize the reasons for losing points.
3. Important Notes
Please complete registration and payment before September 28, 2026.
After registration, pay attention to official notifications to confirm the test center and assessment format.
Approximately 130,000 candidates in the UK participated in SMC in 2025.
