The Australia AMC (Australian Mathematics Competition) is one of the world’s oldest and largest middle school mathematics competitions, recognized internationally for its authority and scale. In the 2025–2026 season, the competition introduces four major structural adjustments, increasing its difficulty and placing higher demands on students’ knowledge, thinking skills, and solution presentation.
1. Four Key Adjustments for 2026
Adjustment 1: Increased Difficulty Across Levels
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Level A (Grades 3–4): now requires mastery of original Grade 5 content, including fraction operations and simple equations.
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Level B (Grades 5–6): incorporates Grade 7–8 algebra, such as linear equations and coordinate geometry.
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Level C (Grades 7–8): introduces early abstract algebra, number theory, and modular arithmetic.
Impact: Traditional grade-based preparation strategies are no longer sufficient; students may need to study 1–2 years ahead to secure awards.
Adjustment 2: Increased Weight of Logic and Geometry
| Question Type | 2026 Proportion | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Logical reasoning | >30% | +15%, includes Sudoku variants, code-breaking, and basic graph theory |
| Geometry | >25% | Emphasis on 3D unfolding, dynamic rotations, and applications of similar triangles in final questions |
| Pure computation | <20% | Includes traps and hidden conditions |
Adjustment 3: Higher Weight for Final Problems
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Questions 26–30 (last 5 questions) are now worth 10 points each (previously 6 points).
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Each problem carries more than 7% of the total score, and correctly solving even one can create hundreds of ranking positions of difference.
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These problems are often open-ended proofs or combinatorial optimization, requiring creative problem-solving.
Adjustment 4: Stricter Scoring Standards
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For proof-based questions (especially C/D/E levels), students must present a complete logical chain.
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Correct answers without full justification, skipped steps, or ambiguous statements may receive partial or zero points.
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The use of formal mathematical language (e.g., “∵…∴…”, “Let … then …”) is now explicitly required.
2. Academic and Personal Value of Australia AMC
Institutional Recognition:
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Hosted by the Australian Mathematics Trust (AMT), AMC enjoys high global recognition and is one of the largest school-level mathematics competitions worldwide.
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Admission Value:
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Australia’s Group of Eight (G8) universities, including the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, and UNSW, consider AMC awards as part of academic assessment.
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For domestic primary-to-secondary transition, especially in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, AMC certificates can enhance competitiveness.
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Personal Development:
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Confidence Building: Winning awards fosters a strong sense of accomplishment and boosts students’ confidence.
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Mathematical Thinking: The competition emphasizes logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Students encounter complex and engaging problems that enhance logical reasoning, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and creative thinking, effectively improving their overall mathematical ability.
3. 2026 Australia AMC Preparation Tips
1. Practice Extensively:
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Use past papers for practice, as they provide an accurate reflection of question difficulty and distribution.
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Conduct timed mock exams to manage time for simpler questions while allocating sufficient time for challenging problems.
2. Focus on Problem-Solving Approach:
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Difficulty often lies in methodology rather than knowledge gaps.
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Study official solutions carefully, analyze the problem-solving approach, and align your strategies with the logic used in official explanations.
3. Read Questions Carefully:
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Australia AMC problems often have lengthy or subtle question statements.
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Avoid assuming standard question patterns; carefully mark all given conditions and constraints to prevent misinterpretation and time loss.
