National Student Innovation Challenge (NSIC)
₹15,000 Cash Prize
500 participants
A pan-India contest by eVidyaloka (with support of LTIMindtree Foundation) for students in grade 7 to solve community problems using UN SDGs, fostering innovation and leadership.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Participation format
Team
Teams of 2 to 5
Duration
A minimum of 2-3 hours per week is recommended.
Time needed
At least 2 to 3 hours a week for 3 to 4 months
Eligibility
Open to students in grade 7 across India. Participants must form teams of 2-5 members. The challenge is conducted online and is free of cost.
- Grade level
- Grade 7
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No specific academic prerequisites are required, only a passion for innovation and community problem-solving.
- Prerequisites
- A strong interest in solving community problems.
- Willingness to collaborate with a team and engage with mentors.
- Basic research and presentation skills are beneficial.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹15,000
The top 8 winning teams each receive a cash prize of ₹15,000 for their innovative solutions.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation
All participants receive a certificate for their involvement in the challenge.
Recognized by
Career pathways
Students get mentored by global volunteers and industry experts, gaining valuable insights and guidance.
Recognition
National-level Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 15 Aug 2025
- Registration closed
- 30 Aug 2025
- Competition
- 1 Sept 2025 to 19 Dec 2025
How to apply
- 1Teams must register on the official NSIC website before the specified deadline.
- 2After registration, teams identify a local problem aligned with a UN SDG and submit their proposed solution.
- 3Submissions are typically made through a Google Form provided on the website.
Rules and guidelines
- All team members must be enrolled in grades 6 to 12.
- Projects must be original and address a specific UN Sustainable Development Goal.
- Teams must actively participate in mentorship sessions and meet submission deadlines for each phase.
- The final decision of the jury is binding and not subject to appeal.
Technology requirements
- A computer or mobile device with a stable internet connection for research and collaboration.
- Access to video conferencing tools like Zoom for mentor meetings.
- Software for creating presentations (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides) or videos.
About this opportunity
The National Student Innovation Challenge (NSIC) is a nationwide competition by the eVidyaloka Foundation, empowering students to address real-world community problems through the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This unique platform encourages young minds to become catalysts for change by developing innovative and practical solutions for local issues.
Open to students across India in grade 7, the challenge is conducted online in teams, often pairing rural and urban students to foster diverse perspectives. Participants receive mentorship from global volunteers, develop crucial 21st-century skills like problem-solving and leadership, and gain national recognition. All participants receive certificates, and winning teams are awarded cash prizes for their impactful projects.
Rounds and format
Phase 1: Teams register, identify a problem statement related to UN SDGs, and present their initial solution to a jury. Phase 2: Shortlisted teams, often paired as rural-urban units, refine their ideas with mentors and develop a unified, detailed proposal for the grand finale.
How entries are judged
Projects are evaluated based on innovation, creativity, feasibility, alignment with UN SDGs, potential for community impact, and the quality of research and presentation.
Selection process
Teams are shortlisted based on the originality, clarity, and potential impact of their proposed solution in Phase 1. Final winners are selected based on the depth of their refined project, the collaborative effort shown, and the final presentation at the grand finale.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The challenge is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encouraging research-based and project-based learning.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively prepare for the National Student Innovation Challenge to maximize their chances of success?
Students can prepare by thoroughly researching the UN Sustainable Development Goals, practicing problem-solving methodologies, enhancing their critical thinking skills, and engaging in collaborative project work to strengthen teamwork dynamics. Understanding current community issues is also beneficial.
What are the common pitfalls or mistakes that participants should avoid during the competition phases?
Participants should avoid last-minute preparations, neglecting mentor feedback, failing to clearly articulate their solution's impact, and not ensuring all team members contribute equally to the project development and presentation. Time management is crucial.
How does participation in this challenge contribute to a student's long-term academic and personal development?
Engaging in the challenge significantly enhances problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership skills. It also fosters a sense of social responsibility and provides valuable experience in project management and public speaking, which are beneficial for future academic and career paths.
What strategies can teams employ to ensure effective collaboration, especially when members are from different geographical locations?
Effective collaboration can be achieved through regular virtual meetings, clear division of tasks, utilizing online collaboration tools for document sharing and brainstorming, and establishing open communication channels to address challenges promptly. Assigning roles can also help.
How are the projects evaluated, and what specific aspects do the judges prioritize during the assessment process?
Projects are evaluated based on innovation, creativity, feasibility, alignment with UN SDGs, potential for community impact, and the quality of research and presentation. Judges prioritize originality, practical applicability, and the depth of understanding demonstrated by the team.
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