NSMQ 2026: Check out the 147 schools battling in 49 preliminary contests

The 2026 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) will commence its preliminary stage on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with 147 schools vying for a spot in the next round of the esteemed academic competition. The preliminary stage comprises 49 contests, each involving three schools competing against one another. These contests will unfold from Thursday, August 20, to Monday, August 24, as schools strive to secure their places in the One-Eighth Stage.

The preliminary stage serves as a crucial opportunity for schools to showcase their knowledge and speed in science and mathematics-related questions. However, the competition is not merely about answering questions correctly; it is also an avenue for schools to defend their reputations, build upon past performances, and make a mark in Ghana’s academic competition history.

As of now, 174 schools have registered for the national championship stage. Nonetheless, 27 schools have already been granted automatic qualification to the One-Eighth Stage, leaving 147 schools to battle it out in the preliminary contests for the remaining qualification slots. The outcome of these 49 preliminary contests will determine which schools join the seeded teams in the subsequent phase of the competition, as the race for the 2026 NSMQ championship intensifies.