Raman Young Science Innovator (RYSI) Award
by Innovation and Science Promotion Foundation (ISPF)
₹20,000 Cash Prize
A national-level, hands-on science competition for students in grades 3-10 to showcase their innovative projects and win cash prizes.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
The competition spans several months, from the registration period to the National Finals.
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Open to students in India from grades 3 to 10 (approx. 8-16 years old) in 3 categories: Junior (3rd & 4th Standard), Intermediate (5th to 7th Standard), Senior (8th to 10th Standard). Participation is on a nationwide basis. No specific academic prerequisites are required beyond enrollment in the eligible grades. Finalists may need to provide a bona fide certificate from their school.
- Grade level
- Grade 3 to 10
- Age range
- 8 to 16 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Open to all students enrolled in grades 3 to 10 in any school across India. Home-schooled children within the eligible grade levels can also participate.
- Prerequisites
- Interest in creating hands-on science projects
- Access to basic materials for building models or experiments
- Ability to create a project using simple, everyday materials.
- Basic understanding of scientific principles relevant to the school curriculum.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹20,000
Winners in each of the three categories (Junior, Intermediate, Senior) receive a cash prize of ₹20,000. Two runners-up in each category receive ₹5,000 each.
Prizes
ThinkTac Science Kits
All awardees receive a free one-year subscription to a ThinkTac annual programme. Finalists also receive a ThinkTac TACtivity package.
Certificate
Certificate of Recognition
All finalists receive a certificate of recognition for their achievement in reaching the final stage of this national competition.
Recognized by
Career pathways
Participants can request free mentoring from volunteers to help refine their project submissions.
Recognition
National-level recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Aug 2026
- Registration closed
- 25 Sept 2026
- Competition
- 1 Aug 2026 to 7 Feb 2027
- Results
- 7 Feb 2027
Registration & Stage 1 Open
Schools and students can enroll online and begin working on their Stage 1 activity. All times are in IST.
Registration & Stage 1 Submission Deadline
Last day to register and submit the Stage 1 project online. Submissions close at 11:59 PM IST.
Stage 1 Results Announcement
Qualifying students for Stage 2 are announced.
Stage 2 Starts
Shortlisted students can begin working on their Stage 2 projects.
Stage 2 Submission Deadline
Final day to submit Stage 2 projects. Submissions close at 11:59 PM IST.
Stage 2 Results Announcement
National finalists are invited to the live finals.
National Finals (Bengaluru)
The two-day live event for national finalists begins in Bengaluru.
Final Results Announcement
Winners and runners-up are honored in each category at the awards ceremony in Bengaluru.
Panchavati, Sir C.V. Raman's old home, Bengaluru, Karnataka
How to apply
- 1Register on the official Raman Award website.
- 2Complete Stage 1 (Preliminaries) by submitting a guided activity and taking a quiz.
- 3Shortlisted participants advance to Stage 2 (National Qualifiers) and submit up to two original science projects.
- 4Approximately 100 finalists are selected for Stage 3 (National Finals), a live event in Bangalore.
Rules and guidelines
- Submissions must be original and created by the participant.
- A video submission is mandatory to prove the participant has created and performed the activity.
- Parental or legal guardian consent is required for participation.
- Entries are judged on originality, effectiveness in explaining the concept, accessibility of materials, and the element of fun.
- ISPF's decisions regarding judging and selection are final and binding.
Technology requirements
- Access to the internet for registration and submission
- A valid mobile phone number and email address
- Device to record and upload photos and videos of the project
About this opportunity
The Raman Young Science Innovator (RYSI) Award is a prestigious national competition that encourages students to engage with science through hands-on projects. Organized by the Innovation and Science Promotion Foundation (ISPF) with the Raman Research Institute Trust, it aims to make science an accessible and exciting activity using everyday materials, inspiring future careers in STEM.
Open to students across India from grades 3 to 10, the competition challenges participants to design and build working models or experiments that demonstrate a scientific principle. The award provides a national platform for young innovators to showcase their creativity, with top participants receiving cash prizes, certificates, and recognition.
Rounds and format
Stage 1 is the preliminary online submission of a science activity. Stage 2 is the national qualifier where shortlisted students submit up to two detailed innovations. Stage 3 is the National Finals, a live, two-day event in Bangalore where finalists create an innovation 'on the fly' based on a given topic.
How entries are judged
Entries are judged based on the originality of the idea, the effectiveness with which it conveys the chosen scientific topic, the ease of access to the materials required, and the 'fun' element of the activity.
Selection process
Participants are shortlisted based on the quality of their submissions (photos, videos, descriptions) and their scores in an observation quiz. A panel of experts and qualified volunteers screen the entries to select participants for subsequent stages.
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The competition encourages projects based on scientific principles found in the national science curriculum for grades 3-10.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively manage competitive pressure during the RYSI Award?
Participants can manage competitive pressure by focusing on their individual learning and project development rather than solely on winning. Emphasizing the joy of scientific discovery and the hands-on experience can reduce stress. Regular practice and seeking feedback from mentors also build confidence.
What are common preparation mistakes students should avoid in this competition?
Common mistakes include presenting generic activities without unique variations, using overly expensive or complex materials, submitting at the last minute, and focusing too much on verbal explanation rather than project demonstration. Applicants should prioritize originality, simplicity, and clear demonstration.
How does participation in the RYSI Award contribute to a student's long-term STEM career prospects?
Participating in the RYSI Award fosters critical skills such as scientific inquiry, innovation, and problem-solving, which are foundational for STEM careers. The national recognition and mentorship opportunities can also open doors to future educational and professional pathways in science and technology.
What strategies can students employ to enhance the originality of their science projects?
To enhance originality, participants should explore scientific principles from everyday life, experiment with unconventional materials, and try to explain complex concepts in simple, innovative ways. Thinking critically about existing ideas and adding a unique twist can also make a project stand out.
How are projects evaluated, and what aspects are most crucial for a high ranking?
Projects are evaluated on originality, effectiveness in explaining the scientific concept, accessibility of materials, and the 'fun' element. The most crucial aspects for a high ranking are a clear demonstration of the scientific principle, creative use of materials, and an engaging presentation that highlights the innovation.
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