AMC 10 Competition Guide
From Registration to AIME Qualification (2026–2027)

What is AMC 10? Exam Overview

AMC 10 is the intermediate-level competition in the AMC series, open to students in grade 10 and below. Held annually in November in two sittings (A and B), it is the primary pathway for qualifying for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME).

AMC 10 covers algebra, geometry, number theory, and combinatorics at a significantly higher difficulty than AMC 8. Top-scoring students earn AIME qualification — a credential highly valued by top universities including Harvard, MIT, and Princeton.

AMC 10A vs AMC 10B: What's the Difference?

• AMC 10A: November 5, 2026 (Thursday)
• AMC 10B: November 11, 2026 (Wednesday)
• Different problems, equivalent difficulty and scope
• Students may take sitting A, B, or both
• When taking both, the higher score counts for AIME qualification

Recommendation: Take both sittings if possible to maximize your chances of a high score and AIME qualification.

AMC 10 Eligibility Requirements

• Grade requirement: Grade 10 (sophomore) or below
• Age requirement: Under 17.5 years old on the day of the exam
• Note: Students in grade 11–12 must take AMC 12 (age limit 19.5)
• Junior students: Grade 8 and below students also qualify for AMC 10, though AMC 8 is recommended first

AMC 10 Exam Topics: Four Core Areas

AMC 10 does not include calculus, but requires creative and flexible application of algebra and number theory at a competition level.

2026–2027 AMC 10 Exam Dates & Registration Deadlines

AMC 10 AIME Cutoff Scores — Historical Reference

AMC 10 maximum score is 150 points. The AIME cutoff typically falls between 90–110 points, representing approximately the top 2.5% of participants.

AMC 10 Preparation Strategy

• Build on AMC 8: If you've practiced AMC 8, the problem-solving approach is familiar — but AMC 10 difficulty is significantly higher
• Work through past papers: All AMC 10A/10B papers from 2000 onward, with special focus on the last 10 harder problems
• Target weak areas: Number theory and combinatorics are common stumbling blocks — dedicate specific practice sessions to each
• Timed practice: 75 minutes for 30 questions (2.5 min average) — build speed through regular timed mock exams
• Error analysis: Review every wrong answer in detail; understand the correct approach before moving on