The IMC was created to promote a love of problem solving.

The Intermediate Mathematical Challenge is a 60-minute, multiple-choice competition aimed at students across the UK.

It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems.

The problems on the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge are designed to make students think. Most are accessible, yet still challenge those with more experience.

To recognise the highest performers in the Challenge, the UKMT award the top-scoring 40% (approx 88,000 of 220,000) of participants Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates in the ratio 3:2:1.

In addition, approx 1,500 (top 7%) of the very highest performers to take part in either the Cayley, Hamilton or Maclaurin Olympiads (depending on their school year) and around 8,000 (top 4%) to take part in either the Grey or Pink Kangaroo (depending on their school year). These take place in March.