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National Children's Science Congress (NCSC)
National science project platform
National Children's Science Congress (NCSC) is a competition by National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology for students in Class 5–12, open to students across India. It is free to take part.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Class 5–12
Fee
Free
Duration
The project work typically spans two to three months, followed by presentations at various competitive levels.
Format
Team · Teams of 5
Time needed
Participants should commit significant time over 2-3 months for research, experimentation, and project development. This includes preparing for and attending district, state, and national level presentations.
About This Opportunity
The National Children's Science Congress (NCSC) is a nationwide science communication program by the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology. It offers a unique platform for children aged 10 to 17 to creatively address local societal problems using scientific methods, fostering a spirit of inquiry and innovation.
Open to children from both formal schools and out-of-school settings across India, participants form small project groups under a guide, focusing on an annual focal theme like 'Science and Innovation for Sustainability'. Projects advance through district, state, and national levels, providing significant recognition, skill development, and pathways to advanced research programs and prestigious science fairs.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 5–12
- Age Range
- 10 - 17 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Prerequisites
- Age determined as of 31 December of the calendar year of participation
- Junior group: 10 to 14 years; Senior group: 14+ to 17 years
- Open to children from formal schools and out-of-school children, including those from marginalised communities
- Each project group requires a guide with scientific aptitude (need not be a school teacher; cannot be a direct relative)
- Project must be developed on the announced focal theme or one of the declared sub-themes
- Group leader who has previously presented at the national level may participate only as a co-worker in subsequent years within the same age group
The National Children's Science Congress is open to Indian children aged 10 to 17 years (grades 5-12), as of December 31st of the participation year. Participants must form project groups with a guide and align their projects with the annual focal theme. This opportunity is available nationwide for both formal school and out-of-school children.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The program encourages self-directed learning and research aligned with an annual focal theme and sub-themes, promoting experiential learning and application of scientific principles to real-world problems.
Rewards & Recognition
Certificate
Certificates of Participation and Achievement
Certificates are awarded at district, state, and national levels for participation and achievement in the science congress.
Opens doors to
Top projects are recommended for further fellowships, research programs, and direct entry routes to prestigious science fairs like INTEL Science and Technology Discovery Fairs, significantly boosting higher education prospects.
Career pathways
Opportunities for advanced research fellowships and participation in scientific programs, laying a strong foundation for future careers in science and technology.
Recognition
Pathway to research fellowships
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Emphasizes learning-through-doing and hands-on scientific investigation.
- Focuses on solving local societal problems using scientific methods.
- Provides mentorship from guides to support project development.
- Offers a multi-level competitive structure from district to national.
Rounds & format
Projects first undergo selection at the school level, then advance to district-level competitions. Successful projects proceed to the state level, with top entries from each state qualifying for the National Children's Science Congress.
How entries are judged
Originality and local relevance of the chosen problem; Application of scientific method including survey or experiment; Quality of data analysis and findings; Presentation and communication of results.
Selection process
Projects are selected based on their scientific merit, originality, and relevance to the focal theme at each competitive level (school, district, state) to advance to the next stage, culminating in the national event.
How to apply
- 1Form a project group of children of the same age category with a guide
- 2Select a local problem under the focal theme or a sub-theme
- 3Carry out survey or experimental work over two to three months
- 4Register and present the project at district level through the state coordinating agency
- 5Selected projects advance to state level and then to the National Children's Science Congress
Fees & financial support
Fee details
Participation in the National Children's Science Congress is free of charge at all levels (district, state, and national).
Frequently asked questions
Is National Children's Science Congress (NCSC) free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in National Children's Science Congress (NCSC)?
Students in Class 5–12. children aged 10-17.
What will my child gain from National Children's Science Congress (NCSC)?
Pathway to research fellowships and programs. Direct entry routes to INTEL Science and Technology Discovery Fairs. National recognition from Department of Science and Technology. District, state, and national certificates. Hands-on scientific research experience. Development of problem-solving and presentation skills.
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Provider
National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology
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