Indian Science And Engineering Fair (INSEF) By SSI
by Science Society of India (SSI)
₹3,000 Cash Prize
INSEF offers a national platform for Indian students in Class 5-12 to showcase innovative science and engineering projects, fostering research skills and potentially leading to international representation.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 to 2
Duration
Regional fairs are typically 1-2 days; National Fair 1 day
Eligibility
Open to Indian students in classes 5 to 12 (ages 10-18) with 2 categories, class 5th to 8th junior and class 9th to 12th Senior category. Participants must submit original research-based or engineering projects, which can be individual or team-based (max 2 students). Indian residency is mandatory, with specific citizenship requirements for international representation. Diploma students are also eligible.
- Grade level
- Grade 5 to 12
- Age range
- 10 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Open to Indian students in classes 5 to 12 (ages 10-18) and diploma students. 2 Categories are there to participate. Classes 5th to 8th are Junior, and 9th to 12th are Senior Category.
- Prerequisites
- Ability to conduct independent research or engineering projects.
- Strong interest in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
- Basic understanding of scientific methods or engineering design principles.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹3,000 Cash Prize
Cash awards are recommended for top projects at Regional Fairs (e.g., ₹3000 for 1st, ₹2000 for 2nd, ₹1000 for 3rd), with the hosting institution bearing the cost. Specific amounts for National Fair winners may vary and are announced by SSI.
Prizes
Medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze)
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals are awarded to top projects at both Regional and National Fairs.
Certificate
Participation & Merit Certificates
Certificates of participation are provided to all participants. Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal winners receive specific merit certificates. Certificates are also awarded to project guides.
Opens doors to
Participation and awards at INSEF, particularly international representation, provide a competitive edge in university applications for top engineering and science colleges in India and abroad, demonstrating strong aptitude for research and innovation.
Career pathways
Opens doors to research internships and early career opportunities in STEM fields.
Recognition
International Representation
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Jun 2026
- Registration closed
- 30 Sept 2026
- Competition
- 14 Nov 2026 to 5 Jan 2027
INSEF Regional Fair online (India and International) Submission deadline
INSEF Regional Fair online (India and International) Submission deadline is on 25th Oct 2026. If the regional fair is unavailable in the participant's region, they can submit online.
INSEF Regional Fair (Bangalore)
INSEF Regional Fair (Bangalore) hosted by Vagdevi Vilas School, Marathahalli, Bangalore
INSEF Regional Fair (Raipur)
INSEF Regional Fair (Raipur), CG hosted by R K Sarda Vidya Ashram, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
INSEF Regional Fair (Moodubidri)
INSEF Regional Fair (Moodubidri), hosted by Alvas Central School, Moodubidri, D.K
INSEF National Fair (Offline) Tentative dates
INSEF National Fair (Offline) hosted by Dholakiya Institutions, Jamnagar, Gujarat fron 2nd Jan 2027 to 5th Jan 2027
National Fair Venue, Jamnagar, Gujarat
How to apply
- 1Open the application form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJP7eG3DfWQP5gpco0JDfvn1ryqmfuirLn-K_nfs7w4hbKeQ/viewform) which is available on the official site.
- 2Fill all the required information and submit an abstract of the project online. All the entries must be submitted at http://sciencesociety.in/insef.
- 3Once submitted, you will get a submission ID. Please make a note of the submission ID.
- 4Note that participants can verify the submission by using the “View Submission” link. Even if you do not receive the email, it is perfectly fine. Once you have a submission ID it is registered in the official database. So, just make sure that you have a submission id and able to view the submission.
- 5Once the submission done, participants will be allowed to upload a pdf file that may contain any additional reference material, photographs etc.
- 6Shortlisted projects are invited to participate in the Regional Fair.
- 7Present and demonstrate the project to judges at the Regional Fair.
- 8Winners from Regional Fairs qualify for the INSEF National Fair.
- 9For the National Fair, upload project presentation in PDF format (max 15 slides) and a short video.
- 10If there is no INSEF Regional Fair in your State / Region, you can mark your submission as "Online" category and it would be reviewed. The top projects from "Online" category will be directly qualified for INSEF National Fair.
Rules and guidelines
- Projects must be original work supported by experimental data.
- Engineering projects require a basic working prototype.
- Mere essays, surveys, or presentations from the internet do not qualify.
- Each student is allowed to enter only one project.
- Projects may include no more than 12 months of continuous research.
- Research performed more than 18 months before the competition is not allowed.
- Team projects must have a maximum of two members.
- All team members must demonstrate significant contributions and understanding of the project.
- Participants must carry valid school ID and government-provided IDs (e.g., Aadhaar) for verification.
- No entry or registration fee is charged to students for participation in INSEF Regional Fairs.
Technology requirements
- A device with good internet connection for online submission of project abstract and presentation.
- Need to have wats up number to join the designated WhatsApp group for quick communication.
About this opportunity
The Indian Science & Engineering Fair (INSEF), meticulously organized by the Science Society of India (SSI), stands as a premier national-level science fair dedicated to nurturing scientific aptitude and innovation among young minds across India. Since its inception in 2010, INSEF has championed hands-on projects and experimental learning, encouraging students to transcend conventional textbook knowledge.
The fair unfolds in two distinct stages: the INSEF Regional Fair and the INSEF National Fair. Regional Fairs are strategically conducted across various locations in India, often in collaboration with local educational institutions, serving as crucial feeders for the National Fair.
Students from Class 5 to 12 (or equivalent, including diploma students who have completed 10th grade) are eligible to participate by submitting original research-based or engineering projects. A core requirement is that projects must be substantiated by experimental data or, for engineering projects, a basic working prototype; mere essays or presentations compiled from internet sources are strictly not accepted.
Winners from the Regional Fairs earn direct qualification to the prestigious INSEF National Fair. The top-performing projects at the National Fair are then meticulously selected to proudly represent India at esteemed international science competitions, such as the Genius Olympiad, held in the USA.
Rounds and format
The competition has two main levels: INSEF Regional Fair and INSEF National Fair. Winners from Regional Fairs qualify for the National Fair. Top projects from the National Fair are selected for international competitions.
How entries are judged
Projects are evaluated based on criteria such as novelty of ideas, scientific methods used, engineering ideas and designs, application of the project, data maintenance, creativity, and potential impact. Significant emphasis is placed on creativity and presentation during the interview. Judges also assess the student's understanding of the project and their independence in conducting the research.
Selection process
Projects are shortlisted based on the submitted abstract. Gold medal winners from Regional Fairs automatically qualify for the National Fair. SSI holds the final decision on projects selected for the National Fair and international representation.
How to prepare
- Official INSEF website for rules and guidelines (sciencesociety.in/insef).
- SSI provides online infrastructure and support for the fair.
- Students are encouraged to download and read the SSI_INSEF.pdf presentation for detailed information.
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
Focuses on project-based learning, encouraging students to apply existing knowledge and extend it beyond textbooks through hands-on experiments and innovative projects. Emphasizes practical application and original thought.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively prepare for the competitive environment of the INSEF National Fair?
Students can prepare by thoroughly understanding the judging criteria, practicing their presentation skills, and being ready to articulate their project's scientific methodology and impact. Engaging in mock interviews can also build confidence.
What are common pitfalls participants should avoid when developing their science and engineering projects for INSEF?
Common pitfalls include insufficient experimental data, lack of a working prototype for engineering projects, and projects that are merely literature reviews. Originality and a clear demonstration of scientific inquiry are crucial.
How does INSEF help participants manage the pressure associated with a national-level science competition?
INSEF encourages a learning-focused approach, emphasizing the journey of discovery and innovation. Participants are encouraged to focus on their project's quality and their learning experience, rather than solely on winning, to manage competitive pressure.
What strategies can students employ to ensure their project stands out among numerous entries at the regional and national levels?
To stand out, projects should demonstrate genuine originality, rigorous scientific methodology, clear problem-solving, and a well-articulated presentation. A strong understanding of the project's implications and future scope is also key.
How are projects evaluated, and what are the key factors that determine a project's ranking in the competition?
Projects are evaluated on novelty, scientific methods, engineering design, application, data maintenance, creativity, and presentation. Judges assess the student's understanding and independence in conducting the research, which significantly impacts ranking.
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