CBSE Science Challenge: Students from classes eight to ten will get an opportunity to showcase their skills..

Science is not limited to reading textbooks or achieving high marks in examinations. It enables us to learn new things, ask questions, and find solutions to problems. To foster this mindset, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a 'Science Challenge' competition for the 2026-27 academic session. Students in classes 8, 9, and 10 from CBSE-affiliated schools are eligible to participate. This competition aims to cultivate an interest in science among students, while also helping them develop skills in critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving. There is no registration fee for participation.

When and how will registration take place?
According to the CBSE circular, school registration for the first phase will be open from October 14 to October 30, 2026. Students must register through their respective schools rather than applying individually. Affiliated schools can register the number of participating students by logging into the designated portal (https://cbseacad.it.nic.in/sc/) using their school credentials. The first phase of the competition will then be conducted at the school level. Therefore, interested students should contact their science teacher or school administration to ensure their names are registered on time.

When will the first phase of the examination be held?
The first phase of the Science Challenge will be conducted in schools between November 2 and November 13, 2026. On November 2, the CBSE will provide registered schools with a question paper consisting of multiple-choice questions, along with instructions for evaluation. Students will have a maximum of 60 minutes to complete the test. Success in this competition will depend not only on providing the correct answers but also on the speed and accuracy with which the questions are solved. Schools have been instructed to conduct the examination fairly and ensure that all students are provided with an equal amount of time.

Who will be eligible to participate in the second phase?

In the first phase, based on student performance, each school will select two students each from classes VIII, IX, and X. Thus, every eligible school will be able to nominate a total of six students for the second phase. Registration for schools for the second phase will take place from November 17 to November 25, 2026. In the selection process, both the accuracy of the answers and the time taken to solve the questions will be considered. In the event of a tie in scores, the student who solved the questions in less time will be given preference. Only those schools that have completed the process for the first phase will be eligible to participate in the second phase.

When will the second-phase examination be held?
According to the CBSE, the second-phase competition will be computer-based. It is tentatively scheduled to be held on one of the days between November 30 and December 4, 2026. The exact date of the examination and detailed guidelines will be communicated to the respective schools later. All students participating in the second phase will be provided with an online participation certificate by the Board. Additionally, students who demonstrate outstanding performance will receive a certificate of appreciation. Students interested in participating in the competition may begin focusing on fundamental scientific concepts, logical reasoning, and the speed at which they solve problems. For further information, schools may refer to the official CBSE circular.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we modified it for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.