What’s New in China’s National Youth Scientific Modeling Competition 2026?

Competition Overview and History

Since 2020, Beijing Normal University (BNU) has organized the High‑School Mathematical Modeling (Application) Ability Exhibition, which evolved into the National Youth Scientific Modeling Competition – Modeling Ability Sub‑event. In 2025 the event was listed on the Ministry of Education’s white‑list, marking its status as a nationally recognized competition for secondary‑school students in China.

Five editions have been held, expanding from a pilot stage to over 150,000 participants nationwide.

2026 Competition Structure

Target Participants

Teams of up to 200 first‑ and second‑year high‑school students may register on a school‑level basis. Only group registrations are accepted.

Key Dates

Registration: 2025‑12‑10 to 2025‑12‑22 (school‑level team registration)

Identity verification & platform test: 2026‑01‑15 to 2026‑01‑22

Preliminary online test (60 min): 2026‑02‑01 09:30‑10:30

Preliminary results released: 2026‑02‑10

Re‑competition (paper writing): 2026‑02‑10 to 2026‑04‑15

Finals (offline test + defense): early to mid‑July 2026

Preliminary Test Requirements

The preliminary round is an online multiple‑choice test based on real‑world problems. Required equipment:

Computer with a functional webcam (must stay on for the entire test)

Stable wired internet connection

Quiet, well‑lit workspace; only essential stationery allowed (calculators prohibited)

Behavior Rules for the Preliminary Test

No switching windows, using other devices, or communicating with others.

No recording, screenshotting, or sharing test content.

Log in at least 30 minutes early for identity verification.

Re‑competition Paper Requirements

Eligibility: Students who earned 1st, 2nd, 3rd place or an Excellence award in the preliminary round.

Team composition: Up to 3 student authors and up to 2 supervising teachers.

Topic: Self‑selected real‑world problem (natural, social, or daily‑life context).

AI usage: Prohibited for writing; allowed for data processing if sources are cited.

Format: Cover page (title, authors, school, grade, supervisor, abstract, keywords), main text, references, optional appendix; A4 layout, clear tables/figures; PDF submission.

Evaluation criteria: Innovation, scientific rigor, authenticity, compliance, plus problem identification, knowledge application, writing & communication, and teamwork.

Finals Arrangement

The offline finals consist of a written test (30 % of total score) and a paper defense (70 %). For multi‑author papers, the highest individual test score among team members is used for the comprehensive award.

Comparison with Other Modeling Competitions

HiMCM (USA)

Target: High‑school and younger students.

Team size: 1‑4 members from the same institution; unlimited teams per school.

Fee: $100 per team.

Format: 14‑day window to submit a 25‑page English paper (max 12‑pt font). AI tools may be used with a usage report.

Awards: Outstanding, Finalist, Meritorious, Honorable Mention, Participation.

IMMC (International)

Target: Grades 6‑12 (separate middle‑school and high‑school divisions).

Structure: Two seasonal Chinese regional stages (autumn & winter); best scores advance to an international round.

Formats: Assigned problem (96 h) or self‑selected problem (120 h).

Fee: $100 per team.

Shanghai Mathematics Modeling Joint School Activity (SJMMA)

Target: All students from grade 7 upward, emphasizing problem identification.

Format: Poster presentation + oral defense.

Scope: Originated in Shanghai, now expanded to over ten provinces.

Key Takeaways

Each competition serves a distinct purpose:

HiMCM and IMMC provide international exposure and are valuable for students applying to overseas universities.

The BNU Modeling Ability Competition offers direct recognition within China’s higher‑education system as a Ministry‑approved event.

Regional activities such as SJMMA lower entry barriers and promote widespread adoption of modeling education.

From an educational reform perspective, international contests introduce advanced modeling concepts and assessment standards, while domestic events align with China’s curriculum and pacing, and regional activities explore inclusive pathways for modeling literacy.

Reference Links

Official website: https://mm.bnu.edu.cn HiMCM/MidMCM: https://www.contest.comap.com/highschool/contests/himcm/ IMMC:

http://immchallenge.org.cn