Students to Receive ₹5.4 Crore Through 'Seva First Innovation Challenge': How to Apply

Applications are now open for the 'Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026'. The initiative aims to encourage students to find solutions to problems faced by society and the general public.

The Ministry of Education has invited applications for the 'Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026' (SFIC 2026). The objective is to motivate students to identify and address challenges affecting society and the common people. A total prize pool of ₹5.4 crore has been allocated for this competition. According to the Ministry of Education, the registration and application process for SFIC 2026 began on September 25 and will remain open until October 24.

The 'Seva First Innovation Challenge' seeks to connect India's youth with real-world problems, providing them with a platform to develop practical and scalable solutions. This initiative is part of the broader 'Viksit Bharat 2047' (Developed India 2047) vision, which emphasizes the use of innovation and technology to resolve issues impacting citizens and communities.

The Ministry of Education describes this initiative as an effort to integrate the spirit of service with innovation, encouraging young people to identify local challenges and develop solutions that can create a meaningful social impact.

A key feature of SFIC 2026 is its total prize pool of ₹5.4 crore. The initiative aims to recognize innovative ideas and empower young participants to advance concepts that can benefit society.

The challenge is divided into three categories: Junior, Technical, and Open. Registration is currently open for all three. The Junior category is for school students in classes 6 to 12, while the Technical category is designed for students from ITI and polytechnic institutions. The 'Open' category is available to graduates and those pursuing higher education, including postgraduate and PhD students.

Furthermore, this competition will be held across five states and three union territories. The participating states are Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, while the participating union territories are Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Under this competition, the first prize for the first category is ₹10 lakh, while the second and third prizes in the second category are ₹5 lakh and ₹3 lakh, respectively. Candidates can apply to participate in this government challenge by visiting the website sevafirst.mic.gov.in.