IndiaSkills Junior: Visual Merchandising
by Ministry of Skills Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Govt of India
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A national skill competition for students in grades 6-12 to design captivating retail displays using digital tools like Photoshop and CorelDraw.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Multi-stage competition spread over several months.
Eligibility
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9 to 12 enrolled in any Indian school. Requirements: A strong interest in creative design and visual arts. Location: This is a nationwide competition open to students from all states and union territories.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 14 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Must be enrolled in a school in India.
- Prerequisites
- Basic knowledge of design principles
- Familiarity with graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or CorelDraw is beneficial
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Cash Prizes
Winners at the national level are felicitated with cash prizes.
Prizes
Medals
Winners receive gold, silver, and bronze medals based on their performance.
Certificate
National-level Certificate
All participants and winners receive nationally recognized certificates from MSDE and NSDC.
Recognized by
Career pathways
Participants get the opportunity to be groomed and mentored by industry experts throughout the competition.
Recognition
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Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 28 Jul 2025
- Registration closed
- 30 Sept 2025
How to apply
- 1Registration is conducted online through the official Skill India Digital Hub portal.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must compete individually.
- Designs must be original and created solely by the participant.
- Submissions must adhere to the theme and technical specifications provided for each round.
- Use of specified software (Illustrator, Photoshop, CorelDraw) is required.
Technology requirements
- A computer or laptop with internet access
- Licensed versions of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and CorelDraw
About this opportunity
IndiaSkills Junior in Visual Merchandising is a national competition for school students to showcase their creativity in retail design. Participants conceptualize and execute compelling visual displays, blending artistic talent with digital software proficiency to create engaging customer experiences.
Open to students from grades 6 to 12 across India, this competition provides a platform to explore a dynamic career path in design. This initiative by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and NSDC aims to make skill development aspirational from a young age, aligning with the National Education Policy.
Rounds and format
The competition typically follows a multi-stage format: 1. School Level: Initial screening and selection. 2. District/Zonal Level: Winners from schools compete. 3. State Level: District winners advance to the state championship. 4. National Level: State champions compete in the grand finale.
How entries are judged
Competitors are assessed on their creativity, interpretation of the theme, technical proficiency with design software, overall aesthetic appeal, and the commercial effectiveness of their visual display.
Selection process
Selection is based on the scores awarded by a panel of industry experts at each stage of the competition. The highest-scoring participants advance to the next round.
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The competition curriculum covers design principles, theme interpretation, digital tool proficiency (Adobe Suite, CorelDraw), and creating commercially effective window and interior displays.
Frequently asked questions
How are participants evaluated in a creative skill like Visual Merchandising?
Participants are judged on creativity, theme interpretation, technical proficiency with design software, aesthetic appeal, and the commercial effectiveness of their visual display. A panel of industry experts assesses these criteria at each stage.
What are common mistakes participants make that can be avoided?
Common pitfalls include misinterpreting the competition theme, poor time management, and focusing too much on aesthetics while neglecting the commercial objective. Practicing under timed conditions helps avoid these issues.
How can a student best prepare for the technical software requirements?
Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and CorelDraw is crucial. Students should practice creating designs using these tools, focusing on functions relevant to visual merchandising. Online tutorials and practice projects are highly recommended.
Beyond winning, what are the key benefits of participating in this competition?
Participation provides national exposure, mentorship from industry experts, and a chance to benchmark skills against peers. It builds a strong portfolio, enhances career prospects in design and retail, and develops critical problem-solving skills.
How is the theme for the competition decided and communicated?
The theme for each round is set by the organizing committee to test specific skills. It is communicated to registered participants through the official portal and email, along with detailed technical specifications and guidelines.
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Organization
Ministry of Skills Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Govt of India
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