What is a Math Circle?

Thirty to forty high school students meet with a mentor for a couple of hours in an informal setting on weekends to work on interesting problems or topics in mathematics.
Proof by Contradiction Divisibility A Game with Numbers

Purpose

  • To cultivate awareness and appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematical ideas towards understanding the world.

  • To dispel anxiety and fear of mathematics among school students.

Invariants Batches 2022 & 2023 Logic

Features

  • Engages students through creative means such as a game, an activity or an enticing problem with emphasis on active and interactive learning.

  • No set syllabus - the objective is not to cover material but to select topics that have the potential to make for an engaging session.

  • Teacher involvement - school teachers are encouraged to participate in the sessions for wider reach beyond the selected students.

  • Interactive - session resembles a kindergarten classroom more than a college lecture.

  • Voluntary - participation is voluntary but commitment is expected.

  • ​​Accelerated learning - sessions led by mathematicians who present the content at a deep level and ensure that some of the occasional profound questions raised get the attention they demand.

Sorting Networks Sorting Networks Sorting Networks

How does it work?

  • IIT Palakkad selects a small group of 8th and 9th standard students from schools in Palakkad and Chittur educational subdistricts at the beginning of each academic year via a selection workshop.

  • The selected group meets on the second Saturday and the fourth Sunday of every month for a half-day session till the students complete their 10th standard.

  • Each session focuses on a particular math topic and the students learn from and interact (in English/Malayalam/Tamil) with mentors who are passionate about that topic.

  • Sessions held at IIT Palakkad campus and transportation from and to Palakkad town are arranged.

  • No fee or compulsory attendance or examinations. Wherever possible, study material is provided.

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Selection Workshop

The selection workshop is a day long event that comprises of a couple of sessions on selected topics in the morning followed by a selection test in the afternoon. The test is based on the topics discussed in the sessions and students may answer the test in English, Malayalam or Tamil. For more information, check out the selection workshop flyers 2024 2023 2022.