CBSE Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026: Registration Closes November 18. Who Can Participate?

Students in Classes 8, 9 and 10 at CBSE-affiliated schools can take part in the Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026. The competition is designed to test how well students use mathematics to solve real-life problems.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has opened school registration for the first stage of the challenge. Schools can register from November 4 to November 18, 2026.

The competition will take place in two stages. The first will be held at the school level, while the second will be a national-level computer-based test conducted by CBSE.

Who can participate?

The challenge is open to all students studying in Classes VIII to X at CBSE-affiliated schools.

Students will first take part in a school-level assessment. Each participating school will select its top three performers for the second stage.

This means students do not apply individually for the national-level test. Their school must complete the required registration and selection process.

What will students be tested on?

The Aryabhata Ganit Challenge is not limited to solving textbook questions.

CBSE wants to test whether students can understand mathematical ideas and use them in practical situations.

The assessment covers six main areas:

Geometry and spatial sense

Quantitative aptitude

Algebra

Data analysis and probability

Number sense and number systems

Mensuration

The challenge will also test skills such as logical reasoning, creative thinking, problem-solving, visualisation and conceptual understanding.

This approach aims to encourage students to understand mathematics instead of only memorising formulas.

How will the competition take place?

The challenge will have two stages.

Stage 1: School-level competition

Schools will download the question paper and answer key from the CBSE portal. They will conduct the assessment on their own campuses and select their top three students.

There is no participation fee for this stage.

Stage 2: National-level competition

The top three students from each school that completes Stage 1 can be registered for the second stage.

CBSE will conduct this round as an online computer-based test.

Schools must pay a registration fee of ₹900 for this stage. The fee is non-refundable.

Important dates students and schools should know

The schedule announced by CBSE is:

November 4–18, 2026: School registration for Stage 1

November 25–26, 2026: Question paper and answer key available to schools

November 27–30, 2026: School registration for Stage 2

December 2, 2026: National-level computer-based test

Schools should complete the first-stage registration before November 18. Students should contact their school teachers or administration to confirm participation.

What do winners receive?

CBSE will award Merit Certificates to the top 100 students from every CBSE region after successful completion of the second stage.

The Board will also recognise the top 10 schools in each region with the highest number of students participating in Stage 1. These schools will receive Appreciation Certificates.

Students can also record their participation and performance in their personal portfolios.

Why does this challenge matter?

Mathematics is useful in everyday life, from managing money and reading data to understanding patterns and solving problems.

A competition that focuses on practical thinking can help students become more confident with the subject.

It also gives schools an opportunity to encourage participation beyond regular classroom tests.

Students interested in the challenge should speak to their schools immediately. The first-stage registration deadline is November 18, 2026.

The challenge is open only to students in Classes VIII to X at CBSE-affiliated schools. Schools handle registration and selection; students should confirm the process with their school.