📌About the Event

The National Children’s Science Congress 2026 is a nationwide research competition that encourages young students to identify local problems and develop practical solutions using scientific observation, experimentation and data analysis. The 2026 focal theme is “Science and Innovation for Sustainability,” covering waste, energy, water, agriculture, health and Indian Knowledge Systems.

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ℹ️ Event Details

• Competition stages: District Level → State Level → National Level.
• Team size: Two child scientists with one guide or mentor.
• Project format: Research-based project addressing a locally relevant problem.
• Theme: Science and Innovation for Sustainability.
• Sub-themes:
  • R5 for Waste Management
  • E4 for Energy
  • Water Conservation and Recycling
  • Food, Agriculture and Health
  • Indian Knowledge Systems for Sustainability
  • Exact presentation venues and schedules are announced by the respective state and district coordinators

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📅 Important Dates

• Registration deadline: August 15, 2026.
• Recommended project duration: Minimum two to three months.
• District-level competitions: September–October 2026.
• State-level competitions: November 2026.
• National-level congress: December 27–31, 2026.

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🎯 Eligibility & Rules

• Eligibilty:
• Age limit: 10–17 years, calculated as of December 31, 2026.
• Junior category: 10–14 years.
• Senior category: Above 14 and up to 17 years.
• Open to Classes 6–12, school students, school dropouts, informal learners and children with disabilities.
• Each team must consist of two students working under a guide or mentor.
• Projects must be original, practical and connected to the focal theme or one of its sub-themes.
• Participants must use scientific methods such as observation, experimentation, surveys, data collection and analysis.
• A dated project logbook containing original observations must be maintained.
• Live-animal experiments, hazardous activities and projects involving ethical violations are not permitted.
• Proposals are shortlisted by experts before district-level participation.

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🏆 Benefits for the Participants

• Selected district projects advance to the state level.
• Top state-level projects qualify for the National Children’s Science Congress.
• National-level participants receive exposure to scientists, experts and innovative projects from across India.
• Participants gain research, teamwork, scientific communication and problem-solving experience.
• Certificates and recognition may be provided according to the respective competition stage and state coordinator.