I CAN School Challenge by Design for Change
by Design for Change (DFC) India
₹50,000 Cash Prize
20,00,000 participants
An annual national challenge for Indian students to identify and solve real-world problems using the FIDS (Feel, Imagine, Do, Share) framework, fostering 21st-century skills and a belief in their ability to create positive change.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 to 5
Duration
Flexible, project-based, typically spanning a few weeks to months for project development and submission.
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Open to students aged 8-18 years (classes 3-12) enrolled in schools across India. Younger or older students may participate with a mention in their submission. No specific academic requirements, prerequisites, or financial criteria. Participation is nationwide.
- Grade level
- Grade 3 to 12
- Age range
- 8 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Open to all school students.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹50,000
Cash prizes up to ₹50,000 will be awarded to winning projects. Specific prize amounts for different categories will be announced by Design for Change India.
Prizes
Global Conference Opportunity
One winning team will earn the prestigious opportunity to represent India at the global Be The Change (BTC) conference, gaining international exposure and networking.
Certificate
Participation Certificate
Participation certificates will be provided to all students who successfully submit their projects, recognizing their effort and engagement in the challenge.
Opens doors to
Participation and achievement in the I CAN School Challenge provide students with a strong portfolio of practical experience and demonstrated 21st-century skills, significantly enhancing their applications for higher education programs in various fields.
Recognition
National & International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Aug 2025
- Registration closed
- 30 Oct 2025
- Competition
- 25 Dec 2025
How to apply
- 1Register on the official I CAN School Challenge portal.
- 2Develop a project using the FIDS (Feel, Imagine, Do, Share) framework.
- 3Prepare a 'Story of Change' as either a photo story (4 photographs for each FIDS step) or a video story (up to 3 minutes, uploaded to YouTube).
- 4Submit the photo story or video link through the dedicated Challenge portal.
Rules and guidelines
- Projects must be developed using the FIDS (Feel, Imagine, Do, Share) framework.
- A core team of 5 students is recommended for each project, but there is no limit to submissions per school.
- Projects should demonstrate creativity, boldness, potential for long-lasting impact, ease of replicability, and quick impact.
Technology requirements
- Computer or tablet with internet access for online submission.
- Camera or smartphone for capturing photos/videos.
- YouTube account for video submissions.
About this opportunity
The I CAN School Challenge by Design for Change India is an annual national initiative that empowers young individuals to become agents of change. Participants are guided through the FIDS framework—Feel, Imagine, Do, Share—to identify local issues, brainstorm innovative solutions, implement their ideas, and share their impactful stories with the world.
This challenge aims to instill an "I CAN" mindset, encouraging children to believe that positive change is achievable through their actions.
This challenge is open to students across India, primarily targeting those aged 8 to 18 years, typically from classes 3 to 12. While a core team of 5 students is recommended for each project, there is no limit to the number of project submissions a school can make. The program is designed to be inclusive, welcoming participants who may be older or younger than the recommended age group, with a note to mention this in their submission.
Participants gain crucial 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, empathy, problem-solving, and leadership, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Winning projects receive significant recognition, including cash prizes and the opportunity for one team to represent India at the global Be The Change (BTC) conference. All participants develop practical skills and a sense of agency, contributing to their personal growth and community development.
The challenge emphasizes creating projects that are creative, bold, long-lasting, easily replicable, and have a quick impact. Schools are encouraged to implement the FIDS framework in every class to provide all students with problem-solving opportunities. Submissions can be made as photo stories or video stories through the dedicated Challenge portal.
Rounds and format
Phase 1: Initial evaluation of submitted projects. Phase 2: Further evaluation by a three-member jury panel consisting of a teacher, a design expert, and a student.
How entries are judged
Projects are judged based on their adherence to the FIDS framework, creativity, impact, replicability, and overall presentation of the 'Story of Change'.
Selection process
Projects are selected based on their innovation, impact, and effective application of the FIDS framework. The top 100 most inspiring stories are shortlisted nationally.
How to prepare
- DFC Toolkit with design framework and teacher tips.
- Seven-day lesson plans available in 11 languages.
- FIDS animated explainer videos for each step (Feel, Imagine, Do, Share).
- Jury videos explaining what makes a good 'Story of Change'.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The challenge is based on the FIDS (Feel, Imagine, Do, Share) framework, a simplified design thinking methodology. Comprehensive resources, including detailed lesson plans and animated explainer videos, are available in multiple languages to guide participants through each step of the project development process.
Frequently asked questions
How do students typically perform in this competition and what are the success factors?
Students who demonstrate a deep understanding of the FIDS framework, showcase genuine empathy, propose innovative solutions, and clearly articulate their 'Story of Change' tend to perform well. Consistent effort and a strong team dynamic are also key success factors.
What preparation strategies work best for participants to excel in the I CAN School Challenge?
Effective strategies include thoroughly studying the DFC Toolkit, utilizing the provided lesson plans, watching explainer videos, and engaging in brainstorming sessions. Practicing storytelling and documenting the project journey meticulously are also crucial.
How do children benefit from participating in this workshop experience beyond the competition aspect?
Beyond competition, children develop critical 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, creativity, empathy, and leadership. They gain a sense of agency, learn teamwork, and understand how to drive positive change in their communities, fostering a lifelong 'I CAN' mindset.
What should parents know about the application process and how can they best support their children?
Parents should encourage their children to identify local issues, facilitate access to resources for project development, and help with documentation. Reviewing submission guidelines and ensuring timely online submission are also important supportive roles.
How do applicants prepare for this type of program, especially regarding the FIDS framework?
Applicants should start by identifying a problem they 'Feel' strongly about. Then, 'Imagine' creative solutions, 'Do' the work to implement their idea, and finally, 'Share' their journey and impact through a compelling story. The DFC toolkit provides detailed guidance for each step.
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