🏆 About the event

SciQuest Summer Exploration is a high-impact national poster competition designed to spark a passion for science, technology, and practical problem-solving in young minds. Operating under the central theme “Science to Solve Everyday Problems,” this summer initiative challenges middle-school students to step away from rote theoretical learning. Instead, they are encouraged to design original, science-and-technology-based solutions for real-world societal bottlenecks, aligning directly with India’s long-term vision of building a self-reliant, innovation-led Viksit Bharat 2047.

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📅 Critical Dates & System Timeline

• Competition Start Date: May 22, 2026 (12:00 PM IST)
• Final Submission Cutoff: June 21, 2026 (11:45 PM IST)
• Application Status: Open & Actively Screening Submissions
• Organizing Authority: Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, in association with the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) and the MyGov platform.

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📋 Strict Submission & Technical Guidelines

To pass the system’s automated file vetting and reach the evaluation panel, all entries must follow these exact parameters:

• Target Cohort: Open exclusively to middle-school students currently studying in Classes VI to VIII.
• Canvas Size Dimensions: Must be designed in A3 size ($297 \times 420 \text{ mm}$) or the exact equivalent digital canvas resolution at a minimum of 300 dpi.
• Acceptable Formats: Pure digital vector posters or high-quality, clear scans of physical hand-drawn artwork saved strictly as JPG or PNG files.
• Lingual Support: Posters can be designed in either English or Hindi.
• The Text Array Node: Every upload must include a brief caption (maximum of 100 words) embedded in the submission box explaining the core scientific concept behind the poster.
• Originality Guardrail: The artwork must be entirely unique and created solely by the student. Any trace of plagiarism or copied layouts will result in immediate disqualification.

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📊 Evaluation & Selection Criteria

The specialized DST and NIF review board will grade all submitted design files using a standardized matrix:

1. Guideline Alignment: Absolute compliance with file sizes, types, formats, and word counts.
2. Thematic Focus: How strongly the poster targets “Science to Solve Everyday Problems.”
3. Innovation & Originality: The creativity behind the proposed technology or scientific solution.
4. Visual & Artistic Appeal: General layout composition, color balance, drafting quality, and clarity of the message.
5. Viksit Bharat Link: The potential of the idea to contribute to India’s future sovereign and indigenous technology ecosystem.

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📥 Step-by-Step Upload Protocol

1. Develop the Concept: Identify an everyday problem (e.g., waste management, water purification, energy efficiency) and draft a creative poster solution on paper or a digital app.
2. Format the Asset: Save your digital file or scan your physical A3 sheet ensuring it is crisp, clear, and saved as a .jpg or .png at 300 dpi.
3. Draft the Summary: Write a concise description (under 100 words) summarizing how your design solves the chosen problem.
4. Log into the Portal: Access the official MyGov competition portal, fill out the student verification metadata, paste your summary, attach the file, and lock your submission before June 21, 2026.

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🎁 Incentives & Program Gratification

The evaluation panel will select a premier tier of student innovators to receive national honors:

• 🏆 Top 3 National Winners: Awarded premium, specialized Science Kits directly from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to support continuous hands-on experimentation.
• 📜 Top 50 Shortlisted Students: Awarded official National Merit Certificates alongside exclusive access to an online innovation workshop with senior Indian scientists and research experts.