CBSE announces Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026 for Classes 8–10. Check registration dates, eligibility, exam pattern, fees and awards
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the Aryabhata Ganit Challenge (AGC) 2026 for students of Classes 8 to 10 in CBSE-affiliated schools. The board issued Circular No. Acad-74/2026 on November 4 2026. The challenge aims to assess how students apply mathematical concepts to everyday situations.
CBSE will conduct the challenge in two stages. Schools will organise the first stage at their own campuses. The board will conduct the second stage as an online computer-based test.
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Schools can register for the first stage from November 4 to November 18 2026. The board will conduct the national-level computer-based test on December 2 2026.
CBSE Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026: Important Dates and Details
The circular outlines the registration schedule and test arrangements for both stages. It also explains the eligibility criteria and participation fees.
Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026: Important Dates
| Activity | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Registration of schools for Stage 1 | November 4–18 2026 |
| Question paper and answer keys available to schools | November 25–26 2026 |
| Registration of schools for Stage 2 | November 27–30 2026 |
| Stage 2 computer-based test | December 2 2026 |
Who Can Participate in the Aryabhata Ganit Challenge?
Students from Classes 8 to 10 who study in CBSE-affiliated schools can participate in Stage 1.
For Stage 2 the board will allow the top three students selected by each school that completes Stage 1. Each eligible school can register a maximum of three students for the national-level test.
Two Stages of the Aryabhata Ganit Challenge
CBSE will conduct the challenge through two stages.
Stage 1: School-Level Competition
Schools will conduct the first stage at their own campuses. CBSE will provide the question paper through its official portal on the CBSE Academic website.
Each school must conduct the assessment and select its top three performing students. If more than three students secure the same highest score then the school can conduct an internal screening test to select the top three.
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Schools do not need to pay any participation fee for Stage 1.
Stage 2: National-Level Competition
The second stage will take place as an online computer-based test conducted by CBSE.
Schools must submit the names of their top three selected students through the AGC portal. They must also pay the registration fee of ₹900 per school.
Only schools that complete Stage 1 within the prescribed schedule can participate in Stage 2. CBSE will share detailed instructions for the second-stage test with the registered schools.
The board will award a Merit Certificate to the top 100 students from every CBSE region who successfully complete Stage 2.
Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026: Participation Fee
CBSE has specified different fee arrangements for the two stages.
| Competition stage | Participation fee |
|---|---|
| Stage 1: School-Level Competition | No fee |
| Stage 2: National-Level Competition | ₹900 per school |
Schools must pay the Stage 2 fee online during registration. The board accepts Debit Card and Credit Card payments as well as NEFT. CBSE has stated that the fee is non-refundable.
Areas of Assessment in Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026
The challenge will assess students across six mathematical areas. It will also test their ability to apply different thinking and problem-solving skills.
| Mathematical content | Competencies assessed |
|---|---|
| Geometry and Spatial Sense | Strategic approach |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Creative and Abstract Thinking |
| Algebra | Logical Reasoning and Analytical Thinking |
| Data Analysis and Probability | Visualisation and Mathematisation |
| Number Sense and Number System | Conceptual Understanding |
| Mensuration | Problem-Solving Skills |
Test Duration and Question Pattern
CBSE has specified the same test pattern for both stages of the challenge.
| Test detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Question type | Multiple-choice questions |
| Total marks | 40 |
| Negative marking | No negative marking |
CBSE to Recognise Schools with High Student Participation
CBSE will also recognise schools that encourage more students to participate in the first stage.
The board will award an Appreciation Certificate to the top 10 schools in each CBSE region that record the highest number of student participants in Stage 1.
CBSE has encouraged all affiliated schools to motivate students to take part in the challenge. Students can also include their participation and achievements in their personal portfolios.
How Schools Can Register for Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026
CBSE has provided a registration guide in Annexure 2 of the circular. Schools must follow these steps to complete the registration process.
- Visit the CBSE Academic website: Open www.cbseacademic.nic.in and click on the AGC portal link provided with the circular.
- Open the registration portal: Click on the Participate Now button and enter the school login credentials.
- Fill in school details: Verify the pre-filled school information and enter the required details. Read the declaration carefully. Tick the confirmation box and click Save.
- Register the selected students: Log in with the same school credentials and enter the details of the top three students selected for Stage 2.
- Verify student details: Check the information in the Registered Students section. Then click Proceed to Payment.
- Pay the registration fee: Select a preferred payment method and follow the instructions on the payment gateway.
- Download the payment receipt: Verify the payment details and click Print Receipt to download or print the receipt for future reference.
Important Contact Details
Schools can contact CBSE for queries related to the Aryabhata Ganit Challenge 2026.
| Contact method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone and WhatsApp | +91 9968313254 |
| Contact hours | 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| agccbse@cbseshiksha.in | |
| CBSE Academic website | www.cbseacademic.nic.in |
Official CBSE Circular
CBSE issued the notification through Circular dated November 4 2026. The circular includes the complete challenge schedule and assessment details. It also contains the school registration guide.
