STEMS (Scholastic Test of Excellence in Mathematical Sciences)
by Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI)
Fully-funded 3-day camp at CMI
STEMS (Scholastic Test of Excellence in Mathematical Sciences) is a competition by Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI) for students in Class 8–12, open to students across India.
Mode
Online
Eligibility
Class 8–12
Fee
₹100
Duration
Mathematics exam: 6 hours; Physics and Computer Science exams: 3 hours each.
Format
Individual
Time needed
Varies per subject, with exams lasting 3 to 6 hours.
About This Opportunity
The Scholastic Test of Excellence in Mathematical Sciences (STEMS) is an annual, open-resource online examination organized by the Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI). This competition is designed to promote academic creativity, research interest, and awareness in mathematical sciences among students across India.
It features original conceptual questions that encourage deeper understanding over rote learning. This examination is open to students from 8th grade up to the final year of their undergraduate studies. Participants are categorized based on their grade level. The test is conducted online, allowing students from any location in India to participate.
Approximately 35 to 40 top scorers across Mathematics, Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, and Probability-Statistics disciplines will be selected for a fully-funded, 3-day residential camp at CMI. This camp offers a unique opportunity to interact with leading experts from premier research institutes in India, including CMI, ISI Bangalore, IMSc, IISc, and the IITs.
The competition aims to identify and nurture bright young minds, providing them with exposure to advanced topics and a collegiate environment. Past participants have included medalists from international olympiads, highlighting the high caliber of students attracted to STEMS.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 8–12
- Age Range
- 13 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Open to students of grade 8 and above with a strong interest in Mathematics, Physics, Probability-Statistics, and Theoretical Computer Science.
Prerequisites
- Strong interest in Mathematics, Physics, Theoretical Computer Science, or Probability-Statistics
Open to students in grades 8 to undergraduate level across India. Participants should have a strong interest in Mathematics, Physics, or Theoretical Computer Science. The competition is nationwide with no specific age restrictions beyond grade level. No financial criteria or special reservations apply.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The curriculum covers advanced topics in Mathematics (Algebra, Combinatorics, Geometry, Calculus, Number Theory, Set Theory, Probability), Physics, Probability-Statistics, and Theoretical Computer Science (computational, algorithmic, and logical thinking). Specific details about hardware architecture, operating systems, software systems, web technologies, and programming languages are not typically asked.
Rewards & Recognition
Certificate
Certificate for Top 100 Performers
Certificates of participation are awarded to the top 100 performers, recognizing their achievement in the national-level STEMS competition.
Opens doors to
Top scorers are invited to a fully-funded 3-day residential camp at CMI, offering unparalleled interaction with leading experts from premier research institutes like CMI, ISI Bangalore, IMSc, IISc, and the IITs, significantly enhancing prospects for advanced studies.
Recognition
National Recognition in STEM
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Open-resource examination, allowing use of books and electronic resources.
- Focus on original conceptual questions to promote academic creativity.
- Opportunity for selected participants to attend a fully-funded residential camp at CMI.
- Interaction with leading experts from top Indian research institutes.
Exam format
- Duration
- 360
- Format
- Part A: Objective (single integer answers); Part B: Subjective (detailed solutions). For mathematics duration is 6hrs and for physics and computer science 3hrs each.
- Language
- English
Rounds & format
The exam consists of two rounds: Part A with objective questions and Part B with subjective questions. Part B is graded only if a certain cut-off is met in Part A.
How entries are judged
Evaluation based on originality of solutions, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving approach. Ambiguous or illegible answers will not gain credits.
Selection process
Approximately 30 best scorers across the three disciplines (Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science) will be selected for a fully-funded camp at CMI.
How to apply
- 1Register online through the official Tessellate CMI website. Select the appropriate section (High School/College) and subject (Math/Physics/Computer Science).
- 2Fill out the registration form, pay the registration fee and receive confirmation.
How to prepare
- Past papers and sample tests available on the official STEMS/CMI portals.
- Study topic-wise focusing on higher-order math, science theory, and algorithmic/coding challenges.
- Seek mentor guidance, especially for project-based submissions.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
The registration fee is ₹100 per subject. Participants can apply for multiple subjects.
Refund policy
Fees are non-refundable.
Frequently asked questions
Is STEMS (Scholastic Test of Excellence in Mathematical Sciences) free?
₹100 registration
Who can participate in STEMS (Scholastic Test of Excellence in Mathematical Sciences)?
Students in Class 8–12. children aged 13-18.
What will my child gain from STEMS (Scholastic Test of Excellence in Mathematical Sciences)?
Opportunity to attend a fully-funded 3-day camp at Chennai Mathematical Institute for top scorers. Interaction with leading mathematicians, physicists, and computer scientists from top Indian research institutes. Certificates of participation for top 100 performers. Exposure to challenging, original conceptual questions that promote deep learning. National-level recognition for skills in Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science. Development of academic creativity, research interest, and advanced problem-solving skills.
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