Putnam Competition – Your Quick‑Start Guide
Thinking about the Putnam Competition? It’s the toughest undergraduate math contest in India, and many students use it to prove they can solve real‑world style problems. If you want a clear path to a good score, you’re in the right place.
What the Putnam Competition Looks Like
The exam runs for three hours and gives you six problems. Each problem is worth 10 points, but the questions are designed to test creativity, not just memorized formulas. You’ll see topics from algebra, combinatorics, calculus, and number theory—often mixed in a way that forces you to think outside the textbook.
Scoring is simple: you get a score out of 60. Even a partial solution can earn points, so don’t give up on a problem halfway through. The key is to write down every logical step; graders reward clear reasoning.
How to Prep Without Burning Out
Start with a solid problem‑bank. The official Putnam archives are free and contain papers from the last 20 years. Pick three papers a week and try the problems under timed conditions. When you get stuck, look at the solution but only after you’ve spent at least 20 minutes thinking on your own.
Work with a study buddy or join a small group. Explaining a solution out loud often reveals hidden gaps in your own understanding. If a group isn’t possible, post your attempts on math forums—feedback from strangers can be surprisingly useful.
Don’t ignore the basics. Many contestants lose points because they slip on elementary inequalities or mis‑apply the chain rule. Keep a cheat‑sheet of core theorems (Cauchy‑Schwarz, AM‑GM, Pigeonhole Principle) and review it weekly.
Schedule regular short practice sessions instead of marathon cramming. Fifteen minutes of focused problem solving each day beats a single eight‑hour binge. Mix easy, medium, and hard problems to keep motivation high.
On the day of the exam, arrive early, bring a good pen, and eat a light snack. Read each problem carefully—most mistakes happen when students skim the question and miss a crucial condition. Allocate 30 minutes per problem; if you’re stuck after 20, move on, then return with fresh eyes.
Finally, keep perspective. The Putnam is a learning experience, not a make‑or‑break test. Whether you score 20 or 50, you’ll walk away with stronger problem‑solving muscles that help in other courses and interviews.
Ready to start? Grab the latest Putnam paper, set a timer, and give it a shot. Remember, consistency beats talent every time you practice. Good luck!