Media Release
Mangaluru, July 16: Centre for Advanced Learning (CFAL) has announced the launch of ‘Search for the Next Ramanujan’, a seven-round mathematics puzzle league for students entering grades 7 to 10 in the academic year 2026–27.
Designed as a year-long problem-solving programme, the league seeks to provide students with regular opportunities to engage with challenging mathematical ideas beyond the classroom curriculum. Spread across seven rounds conducted over several months, the initiative aims to encourage analytical thinking and a sustained engagement with mathematics.
While national-level Olympiads and competitive examinations play an important role in identifying talent, opportunities for students to participate regularly in high-quality mathematical problem-solving experiences remain limited. By considering the best six scores out of seven rounds, the league seeks to reward original thinking, continuous improvement and long-term engagement with the subject.
Participants who attend at least five of the seven rounds will receive a full refund of the Rs 500 registration fee, reflecting the programme's emphasis on commitment and consistency alongside achievement.
Why This Initiative Matters
1. Nurturing Future Problem-Solvers
The league aims to help students develop the habits of mathematical reasoning and problem-solving that form the foundation for success in Olympiads, competitive examinations, and future studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
2. Making Opportunity Accessible
The fee-refund model has been designed to ensure that financial considerations do not discourage participation, enabling students from diverse educational and economic backgrounds to take part.
3. Building a Community of Scientific Thinkers
Conducted over several months, the contest encourages students to develop a sustained interest in mathematical thinking while fostering a community of learners who enjoy engaging with challenging problems.
Contest Details
- Eligibility: Students entering grades 7–10 in the academic year 2026–27.
- Categories:
- Junior Division — Grades 7 and 8
- Senior Division — Grades 9 and 10
- Contest Dates: July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18, November 15, December 20, 2026 and January 17, 2027
- Timing & Venue: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM, ELC Campus, Bejai, Mangaluru
- Recognition: Outstanding participants will be considered for prestigious honours, including the Ramanujan Award and the Harish-Chandra Award.
- Rewards: Students attending at least five rounds will receive books and cash prizes, in addition to a refund of the registration fee.
- Registration: Via QR code on the contest poster or through the CFAL website.
- Registration Deadline: 12:00 PM, July 18, 2026
A Message from the Organisers
“A consistent effort by students is what is needed for them to excel in Maths. This is what Ramanujan exam is about,” said Mervin Rosario, principal, CFAL High School. "Students explore different methods without time constraints and try and arrive at the solution of a challenging question."
Celebrating the Achievers of 2025-26
The announcement coincides with the prize distribution ceremony held on July 11, 2026, to recognise outstanding performers from the 2025–26 edition of the contest. Students were felicitated for their performance across multiple rounds of the league and were presented with awards and certificates.
The Bigger Picture
More than a standalone competition, Search for the Next Ramanujan seeks to create a sustained culture of mathematical problem-solving among school students in Mangaluru. By providing repeated opportunities to engage with challenging questions over an extended period, the initiative aims to nurture curiosity, perseverance and rigorous thinking, while laying a strong foundation for future pursuits in Olympiads and STEM disciplines.
In addition, the underlying idea is to create interest among the younger generation of mathematicians and attempt to commemorate the spirit of the late S Ramanujan, who made extraordinary contributions to number theory and mathematical analysis.
About CFAL
CFAL, Mangaluru, builds strong foundations in mathematics and science and prepares students for premier national examinations including JEE, NEET, Olympiads, ISI, CMI, and IISER. The institution is built around a culture of curiosity, discipline and science learning.
For more information, contact:
CFAL India, Mangaluru
+91 99005 20233
www.cfalindia.com