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 156 verified public speaking & debate in India from 125 organizations. They include options spanning Grade 1 to 12, 59 available online, 66 free to enter.
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.
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Public Speaking & Debate Competitions for Kids in India at a glance
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Opportunity | Organizer | Eligibility | Mode | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Mock Trial (IMT) Online League | International Mock Trial (IMT) | Grade 8 to 12 | Online | Free |
| TED-Ed Student Talks Program | TED-Ed (TED) | Ages 6 to 18 | Hybrid | Free |
| FLEX Global Program | U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) | Grade 8 to 11 | In-Person | Free |
| Kishore Sabha | Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India | Grade 6 to 12 | Hybrid | Not listed |
| SPARC (Summer Program for Applied Rationality and Cognition) | Summer Program for Applied Rationality and Cognition (SPARC) | Grade 9 to 12 | In-Person | Free |
| Columbia Undergraduate Law Review High School Essay Contest | Columbia Undergraduate Law Review (CULR) | Grade 9 to 12 | Online | Not listed |
| Dhirubhai Ambani International Model United Nations (DAIMUN) Conference | Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS), Mumbai | Not listed | In-Person | Paid |
| THIMUN The Hague International Model United Nations Conference | THIMUN Foundation | Grade 6 to 12 | In-Person | €340 per participant |
| International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) - Physics World Cup | International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) Association | Grade 9 to 12 | In-Person | Paid |
| The World Scholar's Cup - Tournament of Champions at Yale University | World Scholar's Cup Foundation | Ages 11 and above | In-Person | $1,367 early, $1,467 regular, $1,567 last-minute |
| World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) Team India Selection | Indian Schools Debating Society (ISDS) | Grade 7 to 12 | Hybrid | ₹1,000 on the Open Access Track, ₹2,000 per student in a team |
| Blue Planet Awareness Contest: Interactive and Multimedia | Bow Seat: Creative Action for Conservation, Inc. | Grade 6 to 12 | Online | Free |
| Blue Planet Awareness Contest: Digital Art | Bow Seat: Creative Action for Conservation, Inc. | Grade 6 to 12 | Online | Free |
| Blue Planet Awareness Contest: Poetry and Spoken Word | Bow Seat: Creative Action for Conservation, Inc. | Grade 6 to 12 | Online | Free |
| Breakthrough Junior Challenge - Science & Math Video Competition | Breakthrough Prize Foundation | Ages 13 to 18 | Online | Free |
International Mock Trial (IMT) Online League
by International Mock Trial (IMT)
Free online mock trial tournaments for students in Grades 8 to 12, run by International Mock Trial (IMT). Each team plays four preliminary rounds.
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:
FLEX Global Program
by U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
A U.S. Department of State exchange in which students from India in Grades 8 to 11 spend an academic year in the United States, living with a host family and attending a U.S. high school. It builds on the FLEX and Kennedy-Lugar YES programs.
What your child could gain:
Kishore Sabha
by Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India
Kishore Sabha is the Youth Parliament for school students under the National Youth Parliament Scheme of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. A school registers on the scheme's portal and holds a sitting with its students in Grades 6 to 12.
What your child could gain:
SPARC (Summer Program for Applied Rationality and Cognition)
by Summer Program for Applied Rationality and Cognition (SPARC)
SPARC is a free summer camp for high school students, run by a nonprofit of the same name. Students build quantitative skills and apply them to the world.
What your child could gain:
Columbia Undergraduate Law Review High School Essay Contest
by Columbia Undergraduate Law Review (CULR)
An annual essay contest on a legal question for high school students, run by the Columbia Undergraduate Law Review at Columbia University. The 2025 and 2026 contests were open internationally.
Dhirubhai Ambani International Model United Nations (DAIMUN) Conference
by Dhirubhai Ambani International School (DAIS), Mumbai
DAIMUN is a student-run Model United Nations conference of Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai, for students from India and abroad. It is affiliated with THIMUN.
What your child could gain:
THIMUN The Hague International Model United Nations Conference
by THIMUN Foundation
THIMUN The Hague is a four-day simulation of the United Nations for secondary school students, run by the THIMUN Foundation at the end of January each year. Students attend through their school.
What your child could gain:
International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) - Physics World Cup
by International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) Association
The International Young Physicists’ Tournament, sometimes called the Physics World Cup, is a team physics competition for secondary school students, held each year. India’s team is selected by Bombay Scottish School, Mahim.
What your child could gain:
The World Scholar's Cup - Tournament of Champions at Yale University
by World Scholar's Cup Foundation
The Tournament of Champions is the final event of the World Scholar's Cup season, held at Yale University. Teams of students aged 11 and older who qualified at a Global Round compete in debate, writing, a test and a quiz bowl.
What your child could gain:
World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) Team India Selection
by Indian Schools Debating Society (ISDS)
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.
What your child could gain:
Blue Planet Awareness Contest: Interactive and Multimedia
by Bow Seat: Creative Action for Conservation, Inc.
The Interactive and Multimedia category of the Blue Planet Awareness Contest, a free contest by Bow Seat for students aged 11 to 18 worldwide. Students make websites, apps, games, podcasts and other interactive or multimedia work on an environmental theme that changes every year.
What your child could gain:
Blue Planet Awareness Contest: Digital Art
by Bow Seat: Creative Action for Conservation, Inc.
The Visual Art: Digital category of the Blue Planet Awareness Contest, a free contest by Bow Seat for students aged 11 to 18 worldwide. Students make digital art on an environmental theme that changes every year.
What your child could gain:
Blue Planet Awareness Contest: Poetry and Spoken Word
by Bow Seat: Creative Action for Conservation, Inc.
The Poetry and Spoken Word category of the Blue Planet Awareness Contest, a free contest by Bow Seat for students aged 11 to 18 worldwide. Students write a poem, and may perform it as spoken word, on an environmental theme that changes every year.
What your child could gain:
Breakthrough Junior Challenge - Science & Math Video Competition
by Breakthrough Prize Foundation
An annual global science video competition for students aged 13 to 18, organized by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation. Each student explains a concept or theory in physics, life sciences or mathematics in a video of 2 minutes or less.
What your child could gain:
Global Citizen Year Fellowship
by Tilting Futures
An eight-month immersive gap year fellowship placing high school graduates with host families and local apprenticeships in Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, India, or Senegal.
What your child could gain:
Frank Anthony Memorial All-India Inter-School Debate Competition
by Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)
A prestigious national-level debate competition organized by CISCE for ICSE and ISC students across India, fostering critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation skills.
What your child could gain:
Bow Seat's True Blue Fellowship
by Bow Seat: Creative Action for Conservation, Inc.
Bow Seat’s True Blue Fellowship empowers young leaders globally to drive water justice through art, science, and storytelling. It offers mentorship, funding, and a platform to amplify youth-led environmental projects.
What your child could gain:
Future Blue Youth Council By Bow Seat
by Bow Seat: Creative Action for Conservation, Inc.
The Future Blue Youth Council is an international group of young ocean advocates collaborating with Bow Seat to drive environmental change through creative action and leadership.
What your child could gain:
YJI Photography - Photo Illustration
by Youth Journalism International (YJI)
International journalism contest category by YJI for young photographers aged 19 and under, recognizing creative visual interpretations of topics and ideas. Entry fee $7 USD.
What your child could gain:
YMUN South Asia
by Yale International Relations Association (YIRA)
YMUN South Asia is a leading virtual Model UN conference for high school students, fostering diplomacy, debate, and leadership skills.
What your child could gain:
Speech Debate India x Harvard Debate Council Championship Series
by Speech Debate India
SDI x Harvard Debate Council Championship Series brings U.S. Research-Based Debate to students in grades 4-12, with tournaments in three Indian cities, national rankings, and a certificate for all.
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:
International GENIUS Speech Olympiad by Terra Science and Education
by Terra Science and Education
The International GENIUS Speech Olympiad empowers high school students globally to advocate for environmental solutions through persuasive public speaking. Participants develop critical communication skills and gain international recognition.
What your child could gain:
Browse all 156 public speaking & debate
Competitions (74)
- 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
- Blue Planet Awareness Contest: Digital Art
- Blue Planet Awareness Contest: Interactive and Multimedia
- Blue Planet Awareness Contest: Poetry and Spoken Word
- Breakthrough Junior Challenge - Science & Math Video Competition
- Cambridge Asia Schools British Parliamentary Championship (CASBPC) (Online)
- Cambridge Asia Schools British Parliamentary Championship (CASBPC) Offline
- CBSE Storytelling Competition
- 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
- Kala Utsav - National Traditional Storytelling Competition
- Kruu Play Innovation Challenge
- Middle School Ethics Olympiad - India Regional Event
- 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
- 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 (58)
- AFS Cultural Exchange Programs for Indian Students: Study Abroad & Global Immersion
- Ahmedabad Grand Challenges Programme
- Animal Aid Unlimited Teen Volunteer Programme at Udaipur Animal Hospital and Sanctuary
- Animal Care Trust Volunteer and Foster Care Programme
- Ashoka Young Changemakers (AYC) Program India
- Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital Volunteer and Foster Care Programme
- 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
- FLEX Global Program
- 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)
- 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
- SkillSphere Public Speaking & Soft Skills Workshops
- 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 (6)
- Basic Indian Sign Language (ISL) Course on PM e-Vidya DTH Channel 31
- Certified Course for Young Tale Makers in Training
- Indian Sign Language Classes for Hearing Learners - Beginner and Intermediate
- ISDS Debate Certification Course I
- ISDS Young Learners' Academy
- Plaksha Academic Research Writing Course (ARWC)
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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This list is everything WiWit has checked. The free app narrows it to what your child is eligible for, and reminds you before the deadline of every opportunity you save.
Frequently asked questions
How many public speaking & debate are listed on WiWit?
WiWit currently lists 156 verified public speaking & debate in India from 125 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: 59 run online, 60 are in person, 37 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, 66 of the 156 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.
See what fits your child
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