TCS iON IntelliGem - National Contest for 21st Century Skills
by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
Cash Prizes & Modern Gadgets
TCS iON IntelliGem is a national contest for students in Grades 5 to 9, focusing on essential 21st-century skills like Universal Values, Global Citizenship, Creativity, Innovation, and Communication. It aims to develop future-ready competencies through a structured assessment and learning approach.
Mode
Online
Fee
₹399
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Multiple stages over several months
Eligibility
Open to students in Grades 5 to 9 across India. Participants must register through their schools using a unique School ID. No specific academic prerequisites beyond current grade level are mentioned.
- Grade level
- Grade 5 to 9
- Age range
- 10 to 15 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Currently studying in Grades 5 to 9
- Prerequisites
- School registration is mandatory for student participation.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Cash Prizes
Winners receive cash prizes. Specific amounts vary and are announced by TCS iON.
Prizes
Gadgets, Trophies & Medals
Winners are awarded modern gadgets, trophies, and medals.
Certificate
TCS iON Certificates
Digital certificates of participation and distinction are provided to all eligible students based on their performance. Principals and IntelliGem Coordinators also receive 21st Century Leader Recognition certificates.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Developing 21st-century skills provides a significant advantage in higher education admissions, especially for programs valuing holistic development, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary approaches.
Career pathways
Participation enhances a student's profile, demonstrating critical 21st-century skills valued by future employers. Leadership training opportunities are also provided for winners.
Recognition
National Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Aug 2026
- Registration closes
- 31 Oct 2026
- Competition
- 15 Nov 2026 to 26 Jan 2027
- Results
- 26 Jan 2027
Discount for Topic Selection Ends
Students can avail up to 15% discount on topic selection by this date. Early registration is highly recommended to benefit from this offer.
Last Date for Registration
Ensure all registration steps, including topic selection and fee payment, are completed by this deadline. No extensions will be granted.
Contest Rounds Begin
The initial online qualifying rounds for the contest will commence. Participants should check their registered email for detailed schedules and instructions.
Online · TCS iON Assessment Platform
How to apply
- 1Schools must register first to enable student participation.
- 2Students then register individually using the unique School ID provided by their school.
- 3Participants select one or more topics to compete in.
- 4A fee is applicable per topic, and payment confirms participation.
- 5Learning materials are provided to help students prepare for the contest.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must register through their school using a valid School ID.
- Students must select their current grade carefully during registration, as it cannot be modified later.
- Participants can select one or more topics, up to a maximum of five.
- Registration is not transferable; only the registered participant can continue through the contest.
- Participants are responsible for their own arrangements for online assessments and the Grand Finale.
- Registration is non-transferable; only the registered participant can proceed through the contest stages.
- Adherence to fair play and ethical conduct is expected throughout the competition.
Technology requirements
- Laptop or desktop with Windows OS for online assessments (mobile/iPad may work but not officially supported)
- Stable internet connectivity
- A compatible web browser for accessing the TCS iON Assessment platform.
- Web camera may be required for proctored qualifying rounds.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
A fee of INR 399 is required for each topic selected by the student. Students can also opt for a special offer of purchasing all 5 IntelliGem Topics at a reduced price of INR 999. Payment confirms participation. There is no refund of the participation fee.
Refund policy
There shall be no refund of the participation fee if the participant opts out at any stage, in case of a no-show, or under any other circumstances.
About this opportunity
The TCS iON IntelliGem is a national-level contest organized by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) designed to cultivate crucial 21st-century skills in school students. This competition emphasizes developing competencies such as Universal Values, Global Citizenship, Creativity and Innovation, Communication Skills, and Financial Literacy through a comprehensive assessment and learning framework.
This contest is open to students across India who are currently enrolled in Grades 5 to 9. Participation is facilitated through school registration, followed by individual student registration using a unique School ID. Students have the flexibility to select one or more topics to compete in, with a fee applicable for each chosen topic.
Participants gain valuable exposure to vital future-ready competencies and foster a competitive spirit. Winners are awarded cash prizes, modern gadgets, leadership training, trophies, medals, and certificates. Additionally, top-performing schools receive the 'School Excellence Award' in recognition of their commitment to promoting skill development.
The contest unfolds in three distinct stages: a Qualifying Round comprising two online assessments, a Pre-Finals stage involving expert interviews, and a Grand Finale featuring a face-to-face, activity-based evaluation by a jury. Comprehensive learning materials are provided to assist students in their preparation for the contest.
Exam format
- Duration
- 45 minutes
- Format
- Scenario-based questions in audio-video-puzzle formats, multiple-choice questions
Rounds and format
Stage I: Qualifying Round consists of two online assessments evaluating understanding and knowledge of topics. Stage II: Pre-Finals involve interviews with a panel of experts to assess skill demonstration and application of knowledge. Stage III: Grand Finale is a face-to-face, activity-based contest evaluated by a jury, where top performers are chosen as winners.
How entries are judged
Qualifying Round: Evaluation based on understanding and knowledge of topics through online assessments. Pre-Finals: Assessment of skill demonstration, ability to convey ideas, fluent communication, and application of knowledge in audio/visual, activity-based interviews. Grand Finale: Face-to-face evaluation by a jury based on performance in innovative settings, including game-based, quiz-based, or discussion-debate based rounds.
Selection process
Top students from Stage I qualify for Stage II based on weighted average scores. Top performers from Pre-Finals are selected for the Grand Finale. Winners are chosen based on their performance in the Grand Finale.
How to prepare
- Free digital reference material on 21st-century topics
- Webinars, blogs, and puzzles for engaged learning
- Learning Booklets available in School Login page and via email
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The contest curriculum is based on five core 21st-century skills: Universal Values, Global Citizenship, Communication Skills, Creativity and Innovation, and Financial Literacy. Digital learning content is provided for preparation, including webinars, blogs, and puzzles.
Frequently asked questions
How can students best prepare for the multi-stage assessment process of the IntelliGem contest?
Students can utilize the free digital learning content, webinars, blogs, and puzzles provided on the TCS iON IntelliGem portal. Engaging with these resources consistently helps build a strong foundation in the 21st-century skills assessed in the contest.
What strategies help participants manage competitive pressure effectively during the various rounds?
Encouraging a growth mindset and focusing on learning rather than solely on winning can help. Regular practice with the provided materials, understanding the contest format, and maintaining a balanced routine can also significantly reduce stress and enhance performance.
How are the 21st-century skills evaluated across the different online and activity-based rounds?
Skills are assessed progressively. Qualifying rounds use online assessments for knowledge and understanding. Pre-finals involve expert interviews to evaluate skill demonstration and application. The Grand Finale uses activity-based challenges to assess innovative thinking and problem-solving in real-time.
What are common mistakes students make during the competition, and how can they be avoided?
Common mistakes include not reading instructions carefully, poor time management during online assessments, and insufficient practice. Students should thoroughly review guidelines, practice with sample questions, and develop a strategy for each round to avoid these pitfalls.
How does participation in this contest benefit a student's long-term academic and personal growth?
Participation fosters critical thinking, creativity, communication, and financial literacy—skills vital for future success. It builds confidence, competitive spirit, and provides national recognition, enhancing a student's profile for higher education and career opportunities.
What support is available for students facing technical issues during online assessments?
TCS iON provides a dedicated helpline number and support email for technical assistance. Students are advised to ensure stable internet connectivity and compatible devices, and to contact support immediately if any issues arise during the assessment window.
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