ISDS Debate Certification Course I
by Indian Schools Debating Society (ISDS)
ISDS graded debate certificate
A 12-module online WSDC debate training programme for Grades 9-12, with graded certification and a pathway to national team selections for top performers.
Mode
Online
Fee
₹15,000 for one student, ₹13,500 per student in a team of 3 or more
Participation format
Individual
Duration
26 days (12 sessions across approximately 4 weeks)
Time needed
12 days, 6 to 8 PM each day
Eligibility
Open to students in Grades 9 to 12. No prior debate experience required. Fully online, accessible to students across India.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Graded certificate from ISDS
Graded certificate (Distinction, Commendation, or Completed) based on continuous assessment. Accepted for college application portfolios.
Opens doors to
Graded certificate serves as verifiable evidence of advanced communication and critical thinking skills for college applications.
Recognition
Direct entry to Team India Round 2
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Dates
- 23 Mar 2026 to 17 Apr 2026
How to apply
- 1Visit the course page at indianschoolsdebatingsociety.com/isds-debate-certification-course/
- 2Complete the registration form on the page
- 3Pay the applicable fee (individual: Rs. 15,000 or team of 3: Rs. 40,500)
- 4Receive Zoom session details before course start
Rules and guidelines
- Regular attendance at all 12 sessions is expected
- Assignments and readings between sessions must be completed
- Continuous assessment determines the final certificate grade
- Students register individually or in teams of 3 from any school
Technology requirements
- Stable internet connection
- Zoom-capable device with camera and microphone
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Individual registration: Rs. 15,000. Teams of 3 or more: Rs. 40,500 total (Rs. 13,500 per student). Team members do not need to be from the same school.
About this opportunity
The ISDS Debate Certification Course I is a comprehensive 12-module online training programme that introduces students in Grades 9 to 12 to competitive debating in the World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) format. Conducted in small groups by nationally acclaimed trainers, the course builds foundational and intermediate debating skills through structured instruction, practice debates, and regular assignments.
Over twelve sessions, students progress through motion analysis, argument construction, rebuttal techniques, Points of Information, style refinement, and full WSDC-format speech delivery. Each module combines conceptual teaching with practical application, reinforced through feedback on individual speeches and written exercises.
Students are continuously evaluated on participation, comprehension, assignment quality, and speech quality throughout the course. Upon completion, each student receives a graded certificate (Distinction, Commendation, or Completed) that can be referenced in college applications. Students who earn a high Distinction are eligible to directly enter Round 2 of the Indian National Debate Team selections.
No prior debate experience is required, though students should be prepared for an intermediate level of instruction and must commit to additional reading and homework between sessions.
What your child will do
- Motion analysis exercises
- Argument construction workshops
- Rebuttal practice
- Points of Information drills
- Full WSDC-format practice debates
- Individual speech feedback sessions
Course details
Trainers
Nationally acclaimed WSDC trainers
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
Frequently asked questions
How does this course enhance a student's long-term academic and professional trajectory?
The ISDS Debate Certification Course I provides students with a graded certificate recognized in college applications, demonstrating advanced communication and critical thinking skills. High distinction graduates also gain a direct pathway to national debate team selections, opening doors for prestigious opportunities.
Are there any specific technical skills or software prerequisites for participating in the online course?
Participants require a stable internet connection and a device capable of running Zoom, equipped with a working camera and microphone. Familiarity with basic online meeting etiquette is also beneficial for an optimal learning experience.
What are the potential next steps for students who successfully complete the Debate Certification Course I?
Graduates of Course I are well-prepared for advanced debate training, including the ISDS Debate Certification Course II. High-achieving students (Distinction) are also eligible for direct entry into Round 2 of the Indian National Debate Team selections, offering a pathway to represent India internationally.
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