World Skill Challenge - Mystery Makers Design & Thinking Competition
by World Skill Challenge (WSC)
₹1,00,000
An on-the-spot design challenge where teams build a functional product from surprise materials, showcasing creativity and STEAM skills.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹2,499
Participation format
Team
Teams of 3
Duration
One-day event for regional and national rounds.
Eligibility
Open to students across India in grades 6-12. Students from different schools can form a team. The competition has regional rounds leading to a national finale.
- Grade level
- Grade 6 to 12
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students must be enrolled in a recognized school in grades 6 through 12.
- Prerequisites
- Interest in design, engineering, and problem-solving.
- Ability to work effectively in a team.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹1,00,000
The overall World Skill Challenge offers cash prizes up to ₹1,00,000 for national winners.
Prizes
Trophy & Medals
National winners are awarded a special trophy, and all participants receive medals.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation
All participants receive a certificate acknowledging their participation in the competition.
Recognition
International-level recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 5 Aug 2025
- Registration closed
- 5 Nov 2025
- Competition
- 15 Nov 2025 to 15 Dec 2025
How to apply
- 1Register the team online through the official World Skill Challenge website before the specified deadline.
- 2Complete the payment of the registration fee to confirm the team's slot.
- 3Compete in regional rounds to qualify for the National Finale.
Rules and guidelines
- All materials for the challenge will be provided at the event venue.
- Teams must complete their design and build within the specified time limit.
- Mentors or teachers are not allowed to assist teams during the competition.
- The decision of the judges is final and binding.
- Students from different schools are permitted to form a team.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
A registration fee of ₹2499 is applicable per team. This fee covers participation and materials provided during the competition but does not include food, travel, or accommodation expenses.
Refund policy
Registration fees are typically non-refundable. Please refer to the official website for the latest policy.
About this opportunity
The Mystery Makers Design and Thinking Competition is a key event of the World Skill Challenge , designed to test innovation under pressure. Teams receive a set of mystery materials on the event day and are tasked with designing and building a useful product from scratch within a limited timeframe, requiring no prior preparation of materials.
This competition is open to students from grades 1 to 12, grouped into Junior (Grades 1-5) and Senior (Grades 6-12) categories. It focuses on developing crucial 21st-century skills like rapid problem-solving, design thinking, and collaboration, with winners receiving trophies and national recognition.
Rounds and format
The competition consists of multiple stages: Stage 1 is the initial registration and online submission. Stage 2 involves live presentations at Regional Rounds. Top teams from the regionals advance to Stage 3, the National Finale. Finally, national winners may get the opportunity to compete in Stage 4, the International Round.
How entries are judged
Teams are evaluated based on their problem identification, ideation process, functionality and creativity of the prototype, and the quality of their final presentation and explanation of STEAM concepts.
Selection process
Selection for the next stage is based on the scores awarded by a panel of judges during the regional and national rounds. Criteria include innovation, technical execution, teamwork, and presentation skills.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The competition is not based on a fixed curriculum but evaluates the practical application of general STEAM knowledge and creative problem-solving skills.
Frequently asked questions
How can participants best prepare for the on-the-spot design challenge?
Participants can enhance their readiness by practicing rapid prototyping with various materials, engaging in creative problem-solving exercises, and familiarizing themselves with design thinking methodologies. Team collaboration skills are also crucial for success.
What are the key judging criteria for the Mystery Makers Design & Thinking Competition?
Teams are evaluated on their ability to identify problems, the innovation and functionality of their prototype, the effectiveness of their teamwork, and the clarity of their final presentation, including the explanation of STEAM concepts applied.
How does participation in this competition benefit a student's long-term academic and career prospects?
Engaging in this competition develops critical 21st-century skills such as design thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, which are highly valued in higher education and various STEM-related career paths. It also provides national and potential international recognition.
Are there any specific strategies for effective teamwork during the intense competition period?
Effective teamwork involves clear role delegation, active listening, constructive feedback, and maintaining open communication. Teams should practice brainstorming techniques and time management to maximize their efficiency under pressure.
What kind of 'mystery materials' can participants expect to work with during the challenge?
The mystery materials are diverse and common household or craft items, designed to encourage creative repurposing. Examples might include cardboard, plastic bottles, rubber bands, paper clips, fabric scraps, and other everyday objects. The exact materials are revealed on the competition day.
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