The 2021 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) is about to take another thrilling turn as qualified schools begin vigorous preparations and campaigns for the one-eighth stage.

The 27 contests will begin on Monday, November 15, 2021, in the Ashanti regional capital Kumasi, at two venues concurrently, with few supporters due to the Covid-19.

The one-eighth stage promises to be full of excitement and suspense, judging from the fixtures. The balloting exercise held on Tuesday saw some intriguing groupings that sent social media fans into a frenzy.

The schools were grouped into three pots, with Pot A made up of the 27 seeded schools from the 2020 edition of the NSMQ.

The other 54 qualifiers from the Preliminary Stage were ranked in Pots B and C based on the points they attained at the Preliminary Stage of the competition.

For some of the contests, NSMQ champions will compete against one another, while others will feature city rivals.

As you make your predictions, have it at the back of your mind that no school can be underestimated in this fierce battle full of brains and wits.

Now take a look at the balloting fixtures for the one-eighth stage:

Day One: Monday, November 15, 2021

Day Two: Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Day Three: Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Day Four: Thursday, November 18, 2021

Indeed, these are contests you would not want to miss any but is your school in good standing?