Anveshana Science and Engineering Fair
by Agastya International Foundation
Prize varies by city, up to ₹50,000
Anveshana is a national science and engineering fair by the Agastya International Foundation, where engineering students mentor school students to create innovative, hands-on science projects.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Free
Participation format
Team
Teams of 4
Duration
Several months
Eligibility
School students from grades 7-9 attending Government or Government-aided schools are eligible. Participation requires forming a team with two undergraduate engineering students who will act as mentors. The competition is available in select states, including Karnataka, Telangana, Delhi NCR, and Maharashtra. The project must be approved by the mentors' college.
- Grade level
- Grade 7 to 9
- Age range
- 12 to 15 years
- Eligibility region
- Andhra Pradesh (Chittoor, Vijayawada), Maharashtra (Mumbai, Pune), Karnataka (Bangalore, Hubli-Dharwad), Chhattisgarh, Telangana (Hyderabad), Odisha (Bhubaneswar), Delhi (Delhi-NCR), Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow, Amethi), Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal), Jharkhand, West Bengal, Haryana
- Academic requirement
- The competition is a collaboration between undergraduate engineering students (B.E, B.Tech, M.E, M.Tech) or PG students (MSc) and school students. The school students must be from classes 7 to 9 from Government or Government-aided schools.
- Prerequisites
- Interest in science and technology
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to work in a team
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹50,000
The national first prize winner is awarded ₹50,000. Other cash prizes are available for national, regional, and consolation winners, with a total prize pool of over ₹2,45,000 at the national level.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation
All participants receive a certificate from the Agastya International Foundation, recognizing their involvement in this national-level science and engineering fair.
Recognition
National Level Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 24 Nov 2025
- Registration closed
- 15 Jan 2026
- Competition
- 10 Mar 2026 to 22 Apr 2026
- Results
- 22 May 2026
How to apply
- 1Online registration of the project idea and team details.
- 2Submission of a concept synopsis for initial screening by a jury.
- 3Shortlisted teams proceed to build their models.
- 4Selected teams mentor two students from government or government-aided schools.
- 5Participation in regional or zonal fairs for final evaluation.
Rules and guidelines
- Each team must consist of two engineering students and two school students from a government or government-aided school.
- The project presentation at the fair must be conducted solely by the school students.
- Projects must be original, innovative, and aim to solve a real-world social problem.
- Low-cost and application-oriented models are encouraged.
- The decisions of the judging panel are final and binding.
- All team members must be from the same college (for engineering students).
- Teams must obtain necessary permission letters from the respective state's education department.
Technology requirements
- Access to a workshop or laboratory for model building and testing.
- Computer with internet access for research, documentation, and online registration.
- Basic tools and materials relevant to the specific project.
About this opportunity
Anveshana is a prominent Science and Engineering Fair organized by the Agastya International Foundation. It serves as a unique platform where undergraduate engineering students mentor school students to collaboratively develop innovative models and projects that address real-world social problems.
The competition is designed for teams, each comprising two engineering students and two school students from government or government-aided schools. This structure fosters mentorship, teamwork, and the practical application of scientific and engineering concepts, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on creation.
Participants gain invaluable experience in research, design, and project presentation. Winners are awarded significant cash prizes and receive national recognition, while all participants develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and gain exposure to the broader scientific community through interactions with experts and peers.
Anveshana stands out by emphasizing grassroots innovation and providing a stage for creative ideas from underserved communities. The competition unfolds in multiple stages, starting with proposal submissions and regional rounds, culminating in a national-level Grand Finale where the best projects are showcased.
Rounds and format
The competition consists of multiple rounds. It begins with an initial screening of project concept synopses submitted by engineering teams. Shortlisted teams then proceed to build their models with their school student mentees, leading to regional fairs. The winners of the regional events compete in the national-level grand finale.
How entries are judged
Projects are evaluated based on originality, creativity, scientific thought, social applicability, cost-effectiveness, and the school students' ability to clearly present and explain the project and its underlying principles.
Selection process
Initial selection is based on the submitted project synopsis, focusing on the innovation, feasibility, and potential impact of the proposed solution to a social problem. Final selection is based on the quality of the working model and the presentation by the school students at the fair.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The competition focuses on the practical application of STEM concepts to solve real-world problems, often aligned with themes like the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The process covers the entire project lifecycle, from ideation, research, and proposal writing to model development, experimentation, data collection, and final presentation to a jury.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key factors that contribute to a successful project in the Anveshana Science and Engineering Fair?
Successful projects typically demonstrate strong originality, clear scientific thought, and a practical approach to solving a real-world social problem. Effective collaboration between engineering and school students, along with a compelling presentation by the school students, are also crucial for high scores.
How can participants manage competitive pressure and performance anxiety during the regional and national fairs?
Participants can manage pressure by focusing on the learning experience and teamwork rather than solely on winning. Thorough preparation, practicing presentations, and understanding that the fair is a platform for showcasing innovation and learning from peers can help alleviate anxiety.
What common mistakes should teams avoid during the project development and presentation phases?
Common mistakes include insufficient research, lack of clarity in problem definition, over-complicated solutions, and inadequate preparation for the presentation. Teams should ensure the school students are fully capable of explaining the project independently, as they are the primary presenters.
What are the long-term benefits for students participating in a national-level competition like Anveshana?
Participation offers significant long-term benefits, including enhanced problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation skills. It provides national recognition, networking opportunities with experts, and a strong foundation for future STEM pursuits and higher education.
How are projects evaluated, and what criteria do judges prioritize during the Anveshana fair?
Projects are evaluated on originality, scientific accuracy, social applicability, cost-effectiveness, and the clarity of presentation by the school students. Judges prioritize projects that demonstrate genuine innovation and a deep understanding of the underlying scientific principles.
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