Format, levels & awards.
A plain-English look at how the AMO paper is built, who sits which level, and how medals are decided.
Three sections of rising challenge.
25 questions · 90 minutes · 100 marks — one multiple-choice section and two open-ended ones.
15 multiple-choice
3 marks each — 45 marks. Approachable questions to build momentum.
5 open-ended
5 marks each — 25 marks. Short worked answers, not multiple choice.
5 open-ended
6 marks each — 30 marks. The most demanding problems on the paper.
The paper at a glance.
A paper for every grade, 2 to 12.
Each student sits the paper that matches their own grade, so the challenge grows naturally with them.
Primary · Grade 2–5
A friendly first taste — arithmetic, number sense and early problem-solving.
Middle · Grade 6–8
Ratios, geometry and early algebra that stretch developing students.
Senior · Grade 9–12
Algebra, geometry and pre-calculus — a genuine international benchmark.
Every answer is worth a try.
Correct answers earn marks; wrong answers never subtract. So a reasoned guess can only help.
Nothing to lose
A blank is a wasted opportunity — students are encouraged to attempt every question.
Ranked by percentile
Results compare each student with same-grade peers worldwide — not a fixed pass mark.
Medals by percentile.
Awards reflect how a student does against the global cohort in their grade — about the top 40% are recognised.
What strong performers can unlock
Beyond medals, top AMO students may become eligible for further recognition through the organising bodies — historically including:
Have a question? We’re here to help.
We’ll help you pick the right grade, prepare with confidence, and find the official next step.
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