Frank Anthony Memorial All-India Inter-School Debate Competition
by Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)
National Recognition from CISCE
A prestigious national-level debate competition organized by CISCE for ICSE and ISC students across India, fostering critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation skills.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Participants receive 1 hour for topic preparation before the debate. Each speaker has 4 minutes to present, followed by 2 minutes for rebuttal.
Eligibility
Open to students in Standards IX-XII (typically ages 14-18) from CISCE-accredited schools across India. Participants should demonstrate strong English language and debating skills.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 14 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students must be enrolled in a CISCE-accredited school.
- Prerequisites
- Strong command of English language
- Ability to articulate thoughts clearly and persuasively
- Basic understanding of current events and general knowledge
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
CISCE Participation & Winner Certificates
Certificates of participation are awarded to all students, with special certificates for winners and best speakers at regional, zonal, and national levels.
Opens doors to
Demonstrates strong academic and extracurricular engagement, enhancing college applications for prestigious universities in India and abroad. It showcases intellectual curiosity and advanced communication abilities.
Career pathways
Participation enhances communication and analytical skills, which are highly valued in various professional fields, including law, journalism, public relations, and management. It builds a strong foundation for leadership roles.
Recognition
National Recognition from CISCE
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration closed
- 31 Jan 2025
- Competition
- 14 Jul 2025 to 25 Sept 2025
How to apply
- 1Schools interested in participating must confirm their entries via MS Forms by the specified deadline, typically January 31st. Students should contact their school's English department or debate club for internal selection processes.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must be from CISCE-accredited schools.
- Each school can send one team per category, comprising two speakers.
- Topics are revealed one hour before the debate.
- Participants may use library books and periodicals for preparation; no internet or electronic devices are allowed.
- Speakers are not permitted to read from prepared texts and will be penalized if found doing so.
- Unparliamentary language is strictly prohibited during the debate.
- Each speaker has 4 minutes to present their argument, with a warning bell at 3 minutes.
- A 2-minute rebuttal period follows each speaker's presentation, consisting of short and precise questions.
- Questions during rebuttal must be based on the content of the speaker's presentation.
- Cross-questioning between contestants is not permitted.
About this opportunity
The Frank Anthony Memorial All-India Inter-School Debate Competition is an annual and highly prestigious event organized by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). It honors the legacy of Frank Anthony, a renowned educationist, by providing a platform for students to engage in intellectual discourse and develop their oratory skills. Over 1,600 schools participate each year, making it one of the largest debate tournaments in India.
This competition is open to students from CISCE-accredited schools across India. Participants are divided into two categories: Category I for students of Standards XI and XII, and Category II for students of Standards IX and X. Each school typically sends two students per category to represent them in the debate.
Participants gain invaluable experience in public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation. They learn to articulate their viewpoints effectively, engage in constructive rebuttals, and think on their feet. The competition also fosters a spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie among young minds, providing national-level recognition for top debaters and schools.
Topics are revealed to students an hour before the debate, ensuring spontaneous and original arguments. Participants are allowed to use library resources for preparation but are strictly prohibited from using internet or electronic devices. The competition progresses through regional, zonal, and national levels, culminating in national finals.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 100
- Duration
- 6 minutes
- Format
- Given Subject/Topic
- Language
- English
Rounds and format
The competition is spread over three levels: Regional, Zonal, and National. Each round involves prepared and impromptu speaking, followed by rebuttal sessions. Topics are announced one hour prior to the debate.
How entries are judged
Participants are judged on content, argument construction, rebuttal effectiveness, appropriateness of language, delivery, demeanor, poise, and stance. Points are awarded for questions asked during rebuttal.
Selection process
Selection is based on performance in regional and zonal rounds, evaluating debating skills, content, and presentation. Winners from each stage advance to the next level.
How to prepare
- Library resources (journals, magazines, books)
- Current events and general knowledge
- Understanding of various debate topics (environment, civic issues, technology, academic curriculum)
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The competition aligns with the English language and communication skills curriculum of CISCE, encouraging students to apply their knowledge in a competitive setting. It also draws upon general knowledge and current affairs.
Frequently asked questions
How do students effectively manage performance anxiety during the debate competition?
Students can manage performance anxiety by practicing regularly, familiarizing themselves with the debate format, and focusing on clear articulation rather than perfection. Deep breathing exercises and positive self-talk before speaking can also be beneficial.
What are common mistakes participants should avoid to enhance their competitive edge?
Common mistakes include relying too heavily on pre-written scripts, failing to engage with opposing arguments during rebuttal, and using unparliamentary language. Participants should focus on spontaneous, well-reasoned arguments and respectful discourse.
How can students best prepare for impromptu topics revealed just an hour before the debate?
Effective preparation for impromptu topics involves extensive reading of current events, developing strong general knowledge, and practicing quick analytical thinking. Utilizing library resources efficiently during the preparation hour is crucial for structuring arguments.
What role does critical thinking play in achieving success in this debate competition?
Critical thinking is fundamental for success, enabling students to analyze complex topics, construct logical arguments, identify flaws in opposing viewpoints, and formulate persuasive rebuttals. It underpins the ability to think on one's feet and adapt to the debate's flow.
How are judges selected and trained to ensure fair and unbiased evaluation of participants?
Judges are typically eminent educationists, former debaters, and professionals with expertise in language and public speaking. They are provided with clear judging criteria and guidelines to ensure consistent and impartial evaluation across all stages of the competition.
What are the long-term benefits for students participating in this national-level competition?
Participation offers significant long-term benefits, including enhanced public speaking, critical thinking, and research skills. It boosts confidence, provides national recognition, and strengthens college applications, preparing students for future academic and professional leadership roles.
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