Mathematical Association of America Worldwide
2026
Information
The William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition is an annual mathematics contest for undergraduate college students in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Participants sit a six-hour examination and compete individually while contributing to team results. Top individual performers are recognized as Putnam Fellows and cash prizes are awarded to high-ranking individuals, teams, and departments. A separate Elizabeth Lowell Putnam Prize recognizes a woman with particularly meritorious performance.
Benefits
Cash prizes for highest-ranking individuals and teams; recognition as Putnam Fellows for top individual performers; team and departmental prizes; the Elizabeth Lowell Putnam Prize for a woman with meritorious performance.
Eligibility
Undergraduate college students who attend a participating college or university in the United States, Canada, or Mexico and who meet additional participation requirements established by the Mathematical Association of America.
Application
Participating students register through their college or university mathematics department according to MAA and institutional registration requirements and sit the scheduled December examination.
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