Speech Debate India x Harvard Debate Council Championship Series
SDI x Harvard Debate Certificate
Speech Debate India x Harvard Debate Council Championship Series is a competition by Speech Debate India for students in Grade 4 to 12, open to students across India.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Grade 4 to 12
Fee
₹16,500
Duration
3 days per tournament
Format
Team · Teams of 2
Time needed
Significant preparation time (estimated 5-10 hours/week for 4-6 weeks) leading up to the 3-day tournament
About this opportunity
The Speech Debate India x Harvard Debate Council Championship Series is an annual competitive debating event that brings the U.S. Research-Based Debate (USRBD) format to Indian students in grades 4 through 12. Students compete in pairs, researching and debating a live national policy resolution, judged on argument quality, evidence use, and delivery.
The championship is organized by Speech Debate India in partnership with the Harvard Debate Council and runs across three major Indian cities in a single season. Each city hosts a three-day in-person tournament, and teams may compete at one or more city venues. Students compete in three age-appropriate divisions: Elementary School (grades 4-5), Middle School (grades 6-8), and High School (grades 9-12).
All participants receive a certificate co-branded by Speech Debate India and the Harvard Debate Council. National rankings are published at the close of the season across all participating teams.
The programme is open to students across India and internationally. Registration is per team (pair of two students) with a fee of Rs. 16,500 per city tournament.
Eligibility
- Grade level
- Grade 4 to 12
- Location
- Nationwide
Open to students in grades 4-12 across India and internationally. Students compete in age-appropriate divisions: Elementary School (grades 4-5), Middle School (grades 6-8), and High School (grades 9-12).
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Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
SDI x Harvard Debate Council Certificate
All participants receive a certificate co-branded by Speech Debate India and the Harvard Debate Council, regardless of placement.
Recognized by
Recognition
National Rankings across all city tournaments
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- U.S. Research-Based Debate format in India in partnership with the Harvard Debate Council
- Three-city tournament circuit with published national rankings
- Certificate for all participants co-branded by Harvard Debate Council
Rounds & format
Each three-day tournament features paired rounds followed by elimination brackets. Students compete in their respective division (Elementary, Middle, or High School). Judging uses the U.S. Research-Based Debate scoring criteria.
How entries are judged
Pairs are evaluated on argument quality, use of evidence, rebuttal effectiveness, and presentation delivery in the U.S. Research-Based Debate format.
Selection process
National rankings are determined by cumulative performance across all city tournament results within the season.
How to apply
- 1Online registration
- 2Payment of registration fee
Fees & financial support
Fee details
Registration fee of Rs. 16,500 per team (pair of two students) per city tournament.
Frequently asked questions
Is Speech Debate India x Harvard Debate Council Championship Series free?
No. The registration fee is ₹16,500.
Who can participate in Speech Debate India x Harvard Debate Council Championship Series?
Students in Grade 4 to 12.
What will my child gain from Speech Debate India x Harvard Debate Council Championship Series?
Certificate co-branded by SDI and Harvard Debate Council for all participants. National rankings published at season close. Compete in U.S. Research-Based Debate format across three Indian cities. Access to tournaments in Delhi/Gurgaon, Bangalore, and Mumbai.
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