Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition(DHBBVC)
by Greater Bombay Science Teachers' Association (GBSTA)
₹3,000 Scholarship
40,000 participants
The Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition is a prestigious four-stage science competition organized by the Greater Bombay Science Teachers' Association (GBSTA) since 1981, fostering scientific curiosity and problem-solving skills in young Indian scientists.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹500
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Multiple stages over several months (typically November to April)
Time needed
90-minute written exam; 30-minute practical for qualifiers
Eligibility
Open to students in 6th and 9th standards (typically ages 10-15) from any board across India. While primarily conducted in Maharashtra, students from other states can participate if registered through a school with a minimum of 50 students, with exam centers arranged in their school. Individual registrations from outside Maharashtra will have centers in Maharashtra.
- Grade level
- Grade 6 to 9
- Age range
- 10 to 15 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students must be currently studying in 6th or 9th standard from any recognized board (Maharashtra SSC, CBSE, ICSE, IB, or other state boards).
- Prerequisites
- Familiarity with Maharashtra State Board science textbooks for 4th, 5th, and 6th standards for 6th-grade participants.
- Familiarity with Maharashtra State Board science textbooks for 7th, 8th, and 9th standards for 9th-grade participants.
- Knowledge of relevant content from ICSE, IB, and CBSE science textbooks.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹3,000
Scholarships are awarded to top-ranking students: Gold Medalists receive ₹3000, Silver Medalists receive ₹2000, and Bronze Medalists receive ₹1000. These amounts are based on cumulative marks across all four stages.
Prizes
Gold, Silver, Bronze Medals
Top performers receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.
Certificate
Merit & Passing Certificates
Merit Certificates are awarded to students who qualify for Phase II. Passing Certificates are given to all other students who pass Phase I. Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalists also receive certificates.
Opens doors to
Provides a strong foundation for future studies in science and prepares students for major competitive examinations like NEET and entrance into premier institutes like the IITs. Participation and success demonstrate a strong aptitude for science, beneficial for admissions to prestigious universities and specialized science programs.
Career pathways
Develops a scientific temperament crucial for future innovation and research roles, providing a strong foundation for careers in STEM fields, including engineering, medicine, and scientific research.
Recognition
National Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Jul 2026
- Registration closed
- 18 Aug 2026
- Competition
- 28 Nov 2026 to 14 Mar 2027
- Results
- 18 Apr 2027
MCQ round result
Practical round, Std VI
Practical round result
Action research report due
Online submission, till midnight
Various Exam Centers
How to apply
- 1Students can register online through their school or individually via the official website msta.in.
- 2For school registration, log in with the school ID and password, update the profile, select three preferred centers, and pay fees.
- 3For individual registration, create a new account, verify the mobile number, fill in student details, upload a passport-size photo and school bonafide certificate, and pay the fee.
- 4Registration through private classes or academies is strictly prohibited.
- 5A valid mobile number is mandatory for registration and cannot be changed once registered.
Rules and guidelines
- The chosen medium (English or Marathi) will remain the same for all further stages of the competition; no change is permitted.
- Registration through private classes or academies is strictly prohibited.
- Participants must adhere to the specified exam timings for each stage.
- Students must carry valid school ID for verification if required.
- Late submissions for the action research project will not be accepted.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The registration fee is ₹320 per student for school registrations (regular fee) and ₹500 per student for individual registrations. A late fee of ₹25 per student applies for school registrations after July 31st. Payment is online through the msta.in website.
Refund policy
Fees once paid are non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition (DHBBVC) is a renowned science olympiad conducted by the Greater Bombay Science Teachers' Association (GBSTA), part of the Mumbai Science Teachers' Association (MSTA). Established in 1981, this unique four-stage competition aims to ignite scientific curiosity, develop problem-solving attitudes, and enhance observational and motor skills in young scientists. It also seeks to sensitize students towards their immediate environment and encourage rational initiatives.
This competition is open to students currently studying in the 6th and 9th standards from any board, including Maharashtra SSC, CBSE, ICSE, IB, and other state boards. The examination is conducted in both English and Marathi mediums, and the chosen medium remains consistent throughout all stages of the competition. While primarily focused on Maharashtra, students from other Indian states can also participate with specific center arrangements.
Participants will gain valuable skills in critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and practical application of concepts. The competition provides a strong foundation for future studies in science and prepares students for major competitive examinations like NEET and entrance into premier institutes like the IITs. Top performers receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, along with scholarships and certificates, offering significant recognition and networking opportunities.
The competition typically involves a written test, a practical examination, an action research project, and an interview. It emphasizes understanding, reasoning, and correlation over rote memorization, with questions primarily based on Maharashtra state board science textbooks and relevant content from ICSE, IB, and CBSE science textbooks.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 100
- Duration
- 90 minutes
- Format
- MCQ for written test, hands-on experiments for practical, oral interview for general and project discussion.
Rounds and format
Phase I: Written Competition (MCQ Round) - 100 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes duration. Top 7.5% students per region per medium are selected for Phase II. Phase II: Practical Competition - Hands-on experiments. For 6th standard, 5 experiments of 6 marks each; for 9th standard, 3 experiments of 10 marks each (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). Duration is 30 minutes. Selection for Phase III considers 30% of Phase I marks plus Phase II marks. Phase III: Action Research Project & Interview - Students complete a small research project and submit a report. Phase IV: General Interview - A 5-10 minute oral interview to assess scientific knowledge, reasoning skills, and application of concepts. This phase also includes evaluation and discussion of the action research project.
How entries are judged
Selection for medals is based on 30% marks from Phase I + marks scored in Phase II + Phase III + Phase IV. Emphasis is placed on understanding, reasoning, correlation, and application of scientific concepts, along with practical skills and research abilities.
Selection process
Phase I: Top 7.5% students per region per medium (Marathi, English Maharashtra SSC Board, English All other Boards) are selected for Phase II. Phase II: Selection for Phase III and IV considers 30% of marks obtained in Phase I plus marks obtained in Phase II. Top 10% students qualify for Phase III and IV. Final selection for medals is based on cumulative marks from all four phases.
How to prepare
- Maharashtra State Board science textbooks (4th, 5th, 6th for Std 6; 7th, 8th, 9th for Std 9)
- Relevant content from ICSE, IB, and CBSE science textbooks
- Official Menaka Publication books for Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition
- Previous year question papers and sample MCQs
- Online mock tests and science olympiad programs
- Practice conceptual and practical science using everyday materials
- Stay updated on current science general knowledge
- Participate in school science fairs and similar olympiads
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The syllabus primarily covers Maharashtra State Board science textbooks, with additional content from ICSE, IB, and CBSE science textbooks. It emphasizes understanding, reasoning, correlation, and application of scientific concepts, along with general knowledge in science and day-to-day science applications. For 6th standard, approximately 10% questions from 4th std, 20% from 5th std, 60% from 6th std, and 10% from general science knowledge. For 9th standard, approximately 10% questions from 7th std, 20% from 8th std, 60% from 9th std, and 10% from general science knowledge.
Frequently asked questions
How do students typically prepare for the practical exam?
Students should focus on hands-on experiments and understanding scientific concepts. Practical application of knowledge is key to success in the practical exam.
How does this competition help students in the long run?
It builds a strong foundation in science, preparing students for competitive exams and fostering a scientific temperament for future innovation.
What are the key areas to focus on for the written exam?
Understanding, reasoning, and application of scientific concepts are crucial. Focus on Maharashtra state board science textbooks and relevant content from other boards.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Never miss the right opportunities for your child
The WiWit app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
Ei ASSET Science Exam
by Educational Initiatives (Ei) Private Limited
The Ei ASSET Science Exam is a skill-based assessment for students in grades 3-10 across India, evaluating conceptual understanding and benchmarking school performance. It provides insights into individual strengths and weaknesses to improve learning outcomes.
What your child could gain:
SilverZone International Olympiad of Science (iOS)
by SilverZone Foundation
The International Olympiad of Science (iOS) is an annual science Olympiad for students of classes 1-12, testing proficiency in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology on a national and international level.
What your child could gain:
Unicus Science Olympiad (USO)
by Unicus Olympiads
A national-level science competition for grades 1-11, testing conceptual understanding from previous years' syllabus. Win medals and trophies. The exam is primarily conducted online, with an offline mode available upon request by schools.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Get the free app