About
The National Children’s Science Congress is a DST programme where teams of two children aged 10-17 do a small research project on a set theme. Projects are presented at district and state congresses, and the best go to the national congress.
The 2026-27 focal theme is ‘Science and Innovation for Sustainability’, with sub-themes on waste, energy, water, food and health, and Indian knowledge systems. Each team has two students and a guide teacher, and works on a local problem using simple research methods.
It is open to school students, school drop-outs and children in informal education, in junior (10-14) and senior (above 14 up to 17) groups. State coordinating agencies run district and state rounds and send winning teams to the national congress.
Dates
| Edition | Registration opens | Deadline | Event | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCSC 2026-27 | — | — | — | Closed |
This runs every year. The next edition is expected around the same time; we will update the dates when they are announced.
Who can take part
Ages 10-17 (junior and senior groups), teams of two, all of India
You qualify if you match any one of these:
Junior group
- Age 10–14 years (on 2026-12-31)
- school students, school drop-outs and children in informal education
- teams of two with a guide teacher
Senior group
- above 14 and up to 17 years on 2026-12-31
- school students, school drop-outs and children in informal education
- teams of two with a guide teacher
Take part as: a team
Rounds
- RegistrationTeams register online on the NCSC portal through their district
- District levelTeams present projects
- best are selected
- State levelSelected district teams compete
- National levelWinning state teams present at the national congress run by DST
Prizes and recognition
Selection to represent the state at the National Children's Science Congress
How to apply
Form a team of two with a guide teacher, choose a sub-theme project and register online through your district on the NCSC portal
What you need
- Project proposal
How winners are chosen
Expert committees shortlist teams on the project proposal; then district and state evaluation
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Frequently asked questions
What is the NCSC 2026 theme?
'Science and Innovation for Sustainability', with five sub-themes.
Who can take part?
Children aged 10-17 (age as on 31 December 2026), including school students, drop-outs and children in informal education.
How big is a team?
Two students and one guide teacher.
Sources
Information verified on 10 Oct 2026
- NCSC 2026-27 Information (KSCST) · Official notice, accessed 10 Oct 2026
- National Children's Science Congress 2026 - GUJCOST · Government portal, accessed 10 Oct 2026
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