World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) Team India Selection
by Indian Schools Debating Society (ISDS)
Represent India at WSDC
The Indian Schools Debating Society's yearly selection of the Indian National Debating Squad, from which five students represent India at the World Schools Debating Championship. For students in Grades 7 to 12 at schools in India.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
₹1,000 on the Open Access Track, ₹2,000 per student in a team
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 3 to 4
Duration
Three stages
Time needed
One-day online regional round; those selected go on to an online assessment, a weekend camp and a 5 to 6 day National Selection Camp
Eligibility
Open to students aged 12 to 18 studying in a school in India: juniors in Grades 7 to 9 and seniors in Grades 10 to 12. Students enter as a school team, or through the Open Access Track when their school cannot send a team.
- Grade level
- Grade 7 to 12
- Age range
- 12 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Recognition
Five students represent India at WSDC
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration closed
- 19 Oct 2026
- Competition
- 26 Sept 2026 to 30 Dec 2026
Senior Selection Championships
Online, for Grades 10 to 12 at schools in the South, North, East and Central zones. Register by 19 October.
Open Access Track assignment due
For students selected on the Open Access Track.
National Selection Camp
In Chennai, 26 to 30 December.
Online · Zoom
How to apply
- 1Register a school team of three or four on the ISDS form before the regional round's deadline
- 2Pay ₹2,000 per student
- 3Debate in the one-day online regional round
- 4If selected, take the online assessment, then attend the weekend camp and the National Selection Camp
- 5Without a school team, apply on the Open Access Track form
Rules and guidelines
- Students may apply only once in the selection cycle, and only in their own regional round
- To be considered for the next stage, each student should speak in at least three rounds
- A team of three needs at least one girl and a team of four at least two, unless the school is single-sex
- Junior teams need at least one Grade 8 student; senior teams at least one Grade 10 student
- Schools first get one or two team slots; further slots open as space allows
Technology requirements
- A device with Google Chrome
- A steady internet connection
- The Zoom desktop app
Fees and financial support
Fee details
₹2,000 per student in a team: ₹6,000 for a team of three, ₹8,000 for a team of four. Open Access Track students pay ₹1,000 to confirm their place once selected. Schools and students who need a bursary, such as state schools and affordable private schools, can write to ISDS.
About this opportunity
The WSDC Team India Selection is how the Indian Schools Debating Society (ISDS) picks the Indian National Debating Squad each year. Five students from the squad represent India at the World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC), and ISDS trains the wider squad for competitions like the Asian Championships and the International Competition for Young Debaters.
Students aged 12 to 18 studying in a school in India may try out: juniors in Grades 7 to 9 and seniors in Grades 10 to 12. Students enter as a school team of three or four. Students whose schools cannot send a team can apply on their own through the Open Access Track, which sets an independent assignment.
The selection has three stages. Stage I is a one-day online regional tournament: four debates in the WSDC format, two with topics released in advance and two impromptu. In Stage II, students selected from Stage I take an online quiz and debate skills test, and a shortlist attends an in-person weekend camp. Stage III is the National Selection Camp in Chennai, a 5 to 6 day camp where students are evaluated on speaking ability, improvement over time, knowledge of world affairs and teamwork. At the end of the camp, students are selected to the Indian squad.
The fee is ₹2,000 per student in a team: ₹6,000 for a team of three and ₹8,000 for a team of four. Students on the Open Access Track pay ₹1,000 once selected. Schools and students who need a bursary, such as state schools and affordable private schools, can write to ISDS.
At the Intermediate Selection Camp, students get feedback from experienced debaters and trainers. At the National Selection Camp, students are placed with trainers matched to their strengths and development areas.
Rounds and format
Stage I: a one-day online regional tournament of four debates in the WSDC format. Stage II: an online quiz and debate skills test, then an in-person weekend camp for a shortlist. Stage III: a 5 to 6 day National Selection Camp in Chennai.
How entries are judged
In the Intermediate Selection Round, students are assessed on individual performance, not on their Stage I team's. At the National Selection Camp, students are evaluated on speaking ability, improvement over time, knowledge of world affairs and teamwork.
Selection process
Students selected at the end of the National Selection Camp join the Indian National Debating Squad. Five squad members are selected to represent India at the World Schools Debating Championship.
Academic details
Frequently asked questions
Who can try out?
Students aged 12 to 18 at a school in India who will still be in school in July and August 2027. Juniors are in Grades 7 to 9 and seniors in Grades 10 to 12.
Can a Grade 12 student apply?
Yes, in the senior round, if your child will not begin university or college classes before September 2027.
What does it cost?
₹2,000 per student in a team: ₹6,000 for a team of three, ₹8,000 for a team of four. Open Access Track students pay ₹1,000 once selected. Schools and students who need a bursary can write to ISDS.
Can my child try out without a school team?
Yes, through the Open Access Track, for students whose schools cannot send a team to the regional rounds. Applications open in November 2026. Selected students pay ₹1,000 and submit an independent assignment by 5 December.
What happens in the regional round?
A one-day online tournament on Zoom with four debates in the WSDC format, two prepared and two impromptu. Each student should speak in at least three rounds to be considered for the next stage.
When is the National Selection Camp?
From 26 to 30 December 2026 in Chennai, for students selected through the Intermediate Selection Round. Students selected at the end of the camp join the Indian squad.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Never miss the right opportunities for your child
The WiWit app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
Indian Debating League (IDL)
by Augmented Learning Private Limited
India's largest hybrid debating tournament for Grades 3-12, offering national recognition and a chance to qualify for international competitions.
What your child could gain:
Best Delegate Model UN Conference
by BestDelegate
Best Delegate Model UN Conference offers Indian students a dynamic platform to enhance skills in diplomacy, debate, leadership, and global issue resolution through simulating UN committees.
What your child could gain:
BITS Pilani International Model United Nations (BITSMUN) Conference
by Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani
BITS Pilani International Model United Nations (BITSMUN) offers a dynamic platform for students to engage in global diplomacy, debate, and leadership development at the prestigious BITS Pilani, Goa Campus.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Download app