AMC 10 2026: Dates, Format, Eligibility & AIME Cutoff

AMC 10 2026 at a glance

When is the AMC 10 in 2026?

The official 2026 AMC 10 dates are: [1][2]

• AMC 10A: Thursday, November 5, 2026
• AMC 10B: Friday, November 13, 2026

Students who are eligible may take both AMC 10A and AMC 10B. The MAA also allows eligible students to mix AMC 10 and AMC 12 across the two dates, but a student may not take AMC 10 and AMC 12 on the same day. [3]

For most AMC 10 students, taking both versions can simply mean two opportunities to compete during the same season. [3]

Who is eligible for AMC 10 in 2026?

For the U.S. and Canada, the MAA's 2026-27 policy says an AMC 10 student must be in grade 10 or below and 17.5 years old or younger on the day of the competition, along with the other student-eligibility requirements in the official policy. [3]

Students and parents do not register directly with the MAA. Instead, an approved school, university, math circle, learning center, or other eligible competition site hosts the exam through a Competition Manager. If your school does not offer the AMC 10, the MAA recommends checking with other eligible local organizations. [1][3]

AMC 10 registration deadlines for 2026

Registration for the 2026-27 AMC cycle opened on September 2, 2026. The MAA lists September 30 as the early-bird deadline, October 15 as the regular registration deadline and final deadline for new Competition Managers, and October 28 as the late deadline for returning Competition Managers. [2][3]

Those are deadlines for the organizations administering the contest, so students should contact a school or local test site well before the final deadline. [1][3]

How is the AMC 10 scored?

Released official AMC 10 instructions use the familiar scoring system: 6 points for a correct answer, 1.5 points for a blank answer, and 0 points for an incorrect answer, for a maximum score of 150. [5]

That scoring system is one reason pacing matters. You do not have to force an answer on every problem, and a timed practice routine should include decisions about when to move on and return later. [5]

Can you use a calculator on the AMC 10?

No. The current MAA rules list calculators as prohibited during the AMC. Formula sheets, phones, smartwatches, headphones, and other communication-capable electronics are also prohibited. The current rules allow writing utensils, erasers, MAA-provided blank scratch paper, rulers, and—on AMC 10/12—compasses. [3]

What score qualifies for AIME in 2026?

This is one of the most important changes for the current AMC cycle.

For students taking the 2026 AMC 10, the MAA says students who score 100 or higher on AMC 10 and meet the other AIME eligibility requirements will qualify to register for the 2027 AIME. The MAA has moved to fixed qualifying scores rather than setting the AIME threshold later as a percentage-based cutoff. [4]

The 2027 AIME will be held on February 5 and 6, 2027 at Pearson testing centers. The MAA also states that AIME participants must be at least 13 years old in addition to meeting the other eligibility requirements. [4]

So if AIME is your goal, 100 is the key AMC 10 number to know for this cycle. [4]

How should you prepare for AMC 10?

A practical AMC 10 plan should match the actual contest: learn the core topics, practice solving unfamiliar problems, and regularly work under the 75-minute time limit. [1][3]

A simple routine is:

1. Take a timed diagnostic test. Find out which topics and question types are slowing you down.
2. Review every miss. Do not only check the answer—figure out where your reasoning changed direction.
3. Work by topic. Focus on algebra, geometry, number theory, counting, and probability based on your results. [1]
4. Return to full timed tests. The AMC 10 tests both problem solving and time management because all 25 questions must fit inside 75 minutes. [1]
5. Track progress. Watch accuracy, time per problem, and repeated weak areas instead of judging preparation from one score.

Math Prep Pro includes timed AMC 10 practice tests, step-by-step solutions, topic and timing analytics, and AI-powered test reviews. You can take a free AMC 10 practice test or use the free AMC 10 study guide to build a more structured plan. [6]

AMC 10 2026 FAQ

When is AMC 10 2026?

AMC 10A is November 5, 2026, and AMC 10B is November 13, 2026. [1][2]

How many questions are on the AMC 10?

The AMC 10 has 25 multiple-choice questions and a 75-minute time limit. [1][3]

Can a 9th grader take the AMC 10?

Yes, provided the student meets all MAA eligibility requirements. The AMC 10 is open to eligible students in grade 10 or below. [1][3]

Can I take both AMC 10A and AMC 10B?

Yes. Eligible students may participate in both AMC 10A and AMC 10B. [3]

Are calculators allowed on AMC 10?

No. Calculators are prohibited under the current MAA competition rules. [3]

What AMC 10 score qualifies for AIME in 2026?

For the 2026 AMC 10 cycle, the MAA has announced that a score of 100 or higher qualifies a student to register for the 2027 AIME, assuming the student also satisfies the remaining AIME eligibility requirements. [4]

Final checklist for AMC 10 2026

If you are preparing now, remember four things: November 5 and November 13 are the test dates, the exam is 25 questions in 75 minutes, calculators are not allowed, and 100 is the announced AMC 10 qualifying score for the 2027 AIME. [1][3][4]

Then spend the rest of your energy where it matters: solving problems, reviewing mistakes, and getting comfortable working against the clock.

Sources

1. https://maa.org/student-programs/amc/
2. https://maa.org/amcreg/
3. https://maa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-27-AMC-Policies.pdf
4. https://maa.org/maa-invitational-competitions/
5. https://maa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2022_AMC10A-Problems.pdf
6. https://www.mathpreppro.com/features/amc-10