Public Speaking & Debate Competitions for Kids in India
Debate and public-speaking competitions build the confidence to think on one's feet: debates, elocution, Model UN and oratory, from school level upward. WiWit lists 147 verified public speaking & debate in India from 117 organizations. They include options spanning Grade 1 to 12, 55 available online, 65 free to enter. Last reviewed September 2026.
Few skills serve a child for life like the ability to speak clearly and argue well under pressure. The listings here gather formal debates, elocution and public-speaking contests, Model United Nations conferences and other oratory events, for students across middle and senior school with some entry points for younger speakers. These competitions teach research, structure, listening and composure, and they look strong on any application. Formats vary from individual speeches to team debates and multi-day MUN simulations. WiWit verifies each listing against its official source and shows the format, mode and fee, so you can find a speaking opportunity that matches your child's confidence and grade.
Last reviewed:
Public Speaking & Debate Competitions for Kids in India at a glance
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Opportunity | Organizer | Eligibility | Mode | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GSB Scholarship for Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Students | The G.S.B Scholarship League | Grade 5 to 12 | Online | Free |
| Tata Trusts Badminton Grassroots Programme | Tata Trusts | Ages 8 to 14 | In-Person | ₹300 |
| TED-Ed Student Talks Program | TED-Ed (TED) | Ages 6 to 18 | Hybrid | Free |
| The Diana Award | The Diana Award | Ages 16 to 24 | Online | Free |
| British Council Summer Camp - Confidence Series | British Council India | Grade 1 to 12 | In-Person | ₹17,490 |
| Tide Turners Plastic Challenge India | United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) | Ages 11 to 35 | Hybrid | Free |
| Veerashaiva Mahasabha Pratibha Puraskar Scholarship | Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha | Grade 10 to 12 | Online | Free |
| Youreka Student Leader Program | Youreka | Grade 9 to 12 | In-Person | Paid |
| IIMUN Youth Leadership Program | India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN) | Grade 1 to 12 | Hybrid | ₹5,999 |
| International Award for Young People (IAYP) | The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation | Grade 9 to 12 | Hybrid | ₹1,500 |
| Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan Scholarship | Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. | Grade 11 to 12 | Online | Free |
| Mahindra EmpowerHer Scholarship Program | Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. | Grade 9 to 12 | Online | Free |
| Indian Sign Language Classes for Hearing Learners - Beginner and Intermediate | Deaf Enabled Foundation (DEF) | Not listed | Online | ₹9,440 |
| Basic Indian Sign Language (ISL) Course on PM e-Vidya DTH Channel 31 | National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) | Ages 0 to 100 | Online | Free |
| STEMxplore | STEMonsters Education Pvt. Ltd | Grade 4 to 12 | Hybrid | Free |
GSB Scholarship for Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Students
by The G.S.B Scholarship League
Annual scholarship for Gaud Saraswat Brahman students from Classes 5 through undergraduate, providing ₹2,500 per year with interest-free study loans for higher education.
Tata Trusts Badminton Grassroots Programme
by Tata Trusts
Tata Trusts' three-tier badminton development programme for children aged 8 to 14 across Mizoram, with a pathway to elite national-level coaching.
What your child could gain:
TED-Ed Student Talks Program
by TED-Ed (TED)
Free TED-Ed program guiding students ages 6 to 18 through developing and delivering a personal TED-style talk.
What your child could gain:
The Diana Award
by The Diana Award
Nomination-based global honour for young people aged 16 to 24 leading sustained social action or humanitarian work.
British Council Summer Camp - Confidence Series
by British Council India
A 20-hour British Council English course for ages 6-17 building public speaking, debate, and presentation skills through activity-based classroom sessions in Delhi.
What your child could gain:
Tide Turners Plastic Challenge India
by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP youth movement guiding Indian students through a three-level challenge to tackle single-use plastic pollution.
What your child could gain:
Veerashaiva Mahasabha Pratibha Puraskar Scholarship
by Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasabha
Merit-based scholarship for Lingayat students scoring 90% or above in SSLC or PUC examinations, offering up to ₹10,000 towards educational expenses.
Youreka Student Leader Program
by Youreka
In-school or outdoor leadership program for prefects and student council members, building communication, decision-making and conflict-handling skills over two to four days.
What your child could gain:
IIMUN Youth Leadership Program
by India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN)
IIMUN Youth Leadership Program cultivates diplomacy, public speaking, and leadership skills through immersive UN simulations and global networking, fostering confident and purpose-driven future leaders in India.
What your child could gain:
International Award for Young People (IAYP)
by The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation
The International Award for Young People (IAYP) India is a non-formal education program for youth aged 14-24, focusing on self-development, skill-building, and community engagement through various activities.
What your child could gain:
Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan Scholarship
by Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
A scholarship by Mahindra & Mahindra for daughters of truck and bus drivers, providing INR 10,000 financial assistance to support their education from Class 11 through post-graduation.
Mahindra EmpowerHer Scholarship Program
by Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
Financial support up to ₹5,500 for meritorious Indian girl students in Classes 9-12 and undergraduate courses nationwide.
Indian Sign Language Classes for Hearing Learners - Beginner and Intermediate
by Deaf Enabled Foundation (DEF)
Indian Sign Language course from Deaf Enabled Foundation, taught by Deaf instructors at Beginner and Intermediate levels.
What your child could gain:
Basic Indian Sign Language (ISL) Course on PM e-Vidya DTH Channel 31
by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
A five-session NCERT course that teaches basic conversation in Indian Sign Language, telecast on PM e-Vidya DTH ISL Channel 31 and streamed online.
What your child could gain:
STEMxplore
by STEMonsters Education Pvt. Ltd
STEMonsters Education's annual National Science Day symposium: coding, talk, and innovation contests for grades 4-12, ending at IISc Bangalore.
What your child could gain:
IPMUN Regional Model United Nations Conference
by International Peace MUN (IPMUN)
Two-day in-person Model UN conference held in multiple Indian cities, featuring UN committee simulations for school and college students
What your child could gain:
Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program for Indian High School Students
by U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
The YES Program offers Indian high school students a fully funded scholarship to live and study in the U.S. for an academic year, fostering cross-cultural understanding and leadership skills.
What your child could gain:
Greenheart Travel School-to-School Exchange Program
by Greenheart Travel
Reciprocal group exchange program where schools partner internationally for academic enrichment and cultural immersion
What your child could gain:
Young Indians Parliament
by CII Young Indians (Yi)
National civic leadership program where Class 9 to 12 students simulate parliamentary roles, debate national issues, and progress through chapter, regional, and national rounds.
What your child could gain:
Shastrarth National Youth Parliament & MUN
by E-Justice India
National Youth Parliament and MUN conference with cash prizes, gold medals, and committees for Classes 6-12 and college students
What your child could gain:
Columbia Undergraduate Law Review High School Essay Contest
by Columbia University Pre-College Programs
International essay contest by the Columbia Undergraduate Law Review for high school students, with the 2026 prompt focused on due process and immigration law.
What your child could gain:
The Big Chess Camp (Teach Chess India)
by ChessBase India
A free, walk-in chess camp for all ages and levels under the Teach Chess India mission, with self-paced worksheets and guided play.
What your child could gain:
ISDS Masterclass Series
by Indian Schools Debating Society (ISDS)
Expert-led sessions on global affairs topics for Grades 8-12, combining subject-matter knowledge with debate and critical thinking skills. Conducted online by ISDS trainers.
What your child could gain:
ISDS Debate Certification Course I
by Indian Schools Debating Society (ISDS)
A 12-module online WSDC debate training programme for Grades 9-12, with graded certification and a pathway to national team selections for top performers.
What your child could gain:
Browse all 147 public speaking & debate
Competitions (71)
- AICEeCC - Audio
- AICEeCC - Video & Animation
- Astronomy Photographer of the Year - Skyscapes Category
- Best Delegate Model UN Conference
- BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition
- BITS Pilani International Model United Nations (BITSMUN) Conference
- Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Poetry & Spoken Word Contest
- Breakthrough Junior Challenge - Science & Math Video Competition
- Cambridge Asia Schools British Parliamentary Championship (CASBPC) (Online)
- Cambridge Asia Schools British Parliamentary Championship (CASBPC) Offline
- Chegg.org Global Student Prize for Social Impact
- Columbia Undergraduate Law Review High School Essay Contest
- Community Projects Competition by FPSPI
- Conrad Challenge
- CREST English Olympiad (CEO)
- Dhai Akhar Letter Writing Competition – Inland Letter Card Category (ILC)
- Dhai Akhar National Level Letter Writing Competition – Envelope Category
- Dhirubhai Ambani International Model United Nations (DAIMUN) Conference
- FPSPI Storytelling Competition
- Frank Anthony Memorial All-India Inter-School Debate Competition
- Future Blue Youth Council By Bow Seat
- GEMA World Storytelling Competition for School Students
- Global Future Space Scholars Meet (GFSSM)
- Global Student Speaker Competition by GEMA
- Humming Bird Spelling Competition
- I CAN School Challenge by Design for Change
- Indian Debating League (IDL)
- Indian National Young Physicists' Tournament (INYPT)
- Indian Nationals Space Settlement Design Competition (INSSDC)
- Indian Schools Debating Championship (ISDC)
- IndiaSkills Junior - Graphic Design Competition
- Innopreneurs Junior Idea Innovation Olympiad
- International Competition for Young Debaters (ICYD) India Selection
- International Diplomatic Forum Model United Nations (IDFMUN) Online Conference
- International GENIUS Speech Olympiad by Terra Science and Education
- International Mock Trial (IMT) Online League
- International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC) by ESU
- International Research Olympiad (IRO)
- International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) - Physics World Cup
- Jhankriti Theatre Competition
- John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize - International Relations
- Kruu Play Innovation Challenge
- National AI Speech & Debate Championship for Indian Students
- National Cyber Security Reels/Shorts Competition by MeitY
- National Science Drama Festival (Competition) by NCSM
- National Student Innovation Challenge (NSIC)
- National Students' Science Seminar by NCSM
- NSS spUN Debate Program
- Ocean Awareness Digital Art Contest by Bow Seat
- Ocean Awareness Interactive & Multimedia Contest By Bow Seat
- School Innovation Marathon (SIM) - India's Largest Innovation Challenge
- Science In Focus (SIF) by FAST India
- Speech Debate India x Harvard Debate Council Championship Series
- Spin Your Science (SYS) - National Science Fiction Writing Competition
- STEMxplore
- TCS iON IntelliGem - National Contest for 21st Century Skills
- Technovation Girls Competition - Tech & Entrepreneurship for Girls
- The Diana Award
- The IEOM High School STEM Competition
- The Sanctuary Wildlife Awards - Young Naturalist Category
- The World Scholar's Cup - Team Debate Competition
- The World Scholar's Cup - Tournament of Champions at Yale University
- TSL International Student Competition - Sustainability
- Verbattle Kannada Debate Championship
- VIT Mathematical Poster Presentation Competition
- Wiz national Spell Bee by Extraschool
- Word Power Championship India
- World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) Team India Selection
- YJI Photography - Photo Illustration
- YMUN South Asia
- Young Reporters for Environment (YRE) India Competition
Scholarships (7)
- Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship Scheme
- GSB Scholarship for Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Students
- KC Pullaiah Vidvatta Scholarship for Underprivileged Students
- Mahindra EmpowerHer Scholarship Program
- Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan Scholarship
- NFCH Project Assist Scholarship for Child Victims of Violence
- Veerashaiva Mahasabha Pratibha Puraskar Scholarship
Programs (54)
- AFS Cultural Exchange Programs for Indian Students: Study Abroad & Global Immersion
- Ahmedabad Grand Challenges Programme
- Ashoka Young Changemakers (AYC) Program India
- Bala Janaagraha - Our City Our Challenge
- Best Delegate Model UN Clubs
- BeyondQuantum - Free Online Quantum Physics & Research Program
- Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG) Youth Development Program
- Bow Seat's True Blue Fellowship
- CHEMUN — Chennai Model United Nations
- Enabling Leadership Global Ambassador Program (ELGAP) for High School Students
- GenWise Pathfinders Program GSP
- GITAM Young Entrepreneurs Programme
- Global Citizen Year Fellowship
- Global Youth Leadership Academy (GYLA) Leadership Program
- Greenheart Travel School-to-School Exchange Program
- Harvard Model Congress Young Leadership Program
- Harvard Model United Nations India
- iChangeMyCity Challenge by Janaagraha
- IIM Ranchi Young Changemakers Programme
- IIMUN Youth Leadership Program
- India MUN National Conference
- Inquiry and Critical Thinking (ICT) Program for Grades 8-9
- International Award for Young People (IAYP)
- IPMUN Regional Model United Nations Conference
- Ivy League Model United Nations Conference India (ILMUNC India)
- Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program for Indian High School Students
- Kids for Tigers – The Sanctuary Tiger Programme
- Kishore Sabha
- LaunchX Online Entrepreneurship BootCamp for High School Students
- Milaan Girl Icon Fellowship Program
- Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS)
- MUNISH — Model United Nations International School of The Hague
- National Cadet Corps (NCC) Youth Development Program
- National Service Scheme (NSS) for Youth Development and Community Engagement
- NEIMUN Conference: Model UN for Youth Leaders in Northeast India
- Penn Arts and Sciences High School Programs
- RDIAS Global Summit MUN
- Rise Global Challenge for Young Leaders
- Shastrarth National Youth Parliament & MUN
- Student Police Cadet (SPC) Programme
- Summer at Doon Leadership Programme
- Tata Trusts Badminton Grassroots Programme
- TED-Ed Student Talks Program
- The Big Chess Camp (Teach Chess India)
- The Science Society by Infosys Science Foundation
- THIMUN MiniMUN: Introductory Model United Nations Conference
- THIMUN Singapore International Model United Nations Conference
- THIMUN The Hague International Model United Nations Conference
- Tide Turners Plastic Challenge India
- WFUNA International Model United Nations (WIMUN)
- Yi Thalir - Young Indians School Programme
- YLAC High School Achievers (HSA) Program
- Young Indians Parliament
- Youreka Student Leader Program
Courses (4)
Workshops (5)
Camps (5)
Every public speaking & debate listing on WiWit is checked against the organizer's official source before it is published. See how WiWit verifies listings.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many public speaking & debate are listed on WiWit?
- WiWit currently lists 147 verified public speaking & debate in India from 117 organizations. Each one is checked against the organizer's official source before it appears, and the list is kept up to date.
- Which grades can take part in public speaking & debate?
- The public speaking & debate listed here span students from Grade 1 to Grade 12. The comparison table shows the eligible grades for each listing, so you can scan for your child's grade.
- Can my child take part in public speaking & debate online?
- Public speaking & debate are available in multiple modes: 55 run online, 54 are in person, 38 offer both. The mode is shown on every listing, so children anywhere in India can find suitable options.
- Are there free public speaking & debate?
- Yes, 65 of the 147 public speaking & debate listed are free to enter. The fee for every listing is shown on its card, so you can compare cost at a glance.
- What is the difference between debate, elocution and MUN?
- Elocution and public speaking are prepared or extempore individual speeches; debate is a structured argument between sides; Model UN simulates international diplomacy over several days. All three are listed here. The type and format are shown on each card.
- Is public speaking suitable for shy children?
- Yes, it is often exactly what helps. Many events have beginner-friendly formats and age categories, and the structured nature of debate and elocution gives nervous speakers a clear framework. Start with a smaller contest and build up.