- CBSE-affiliated schools can register students until October 30; the first round will be conducted from November 2 to 13
New Delhi, October 16, 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27 for students of Classes VIII, IX and X studying in CBSE-affiliated schools. The initiative aims to foster scientific temper, curiosity, inquiry, critical thinking and problem-solving skills among school students.
According to CBSE Circular No. Acad-67/2026, dated October 13, 2026, the competition will be conducted in two stages: a school-level round followed by an inter-school round. Participation is free for students in both rounds.
Schools can register students for the first round from October 14 to October 30, 2026, through the official Science Challenge portal.
CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27: Important Dates
The official schedule is as follows:
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School registration for Round 1: October 14–30, 2026
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Round 1 at school level: November 2–13, 2026
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Registration for Round 2: November 17–25, 2026
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Tentative Round 2 examination window: November 30–December 4, 2026
CBSE will communicate the detailed arrangements for the second round to schools that register shortlisted students.
Who Can Participate in the CBSE Science Challenge?
All students studying in Classes VIII, IX and X at CBSE-affiliated schools are eligible to participate in Round 1.
Schools are responsible for registering students for the first stage. Individual students do not register independently under the process described in the circular.
For Round 2, each participating school can nominate six students in total: the two best-performing students from each of Classes VIII, IX and X.
How Will the Science Challenge Be Conducted?
The competition will consist of two rounds.
Round 1: School-Level Assessment
The first round will be organised by participating schools between November 2 and November 13, 2026.
CBSE will make the Science Challenge question paper, consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and the scoring criteria available on the portal on November 2.
The assessment will have a maximum time limit of 60 minutes. Students will be evaluated on both accuracy and the time taken to complete the task.
Schools must ensure that the assessment is conducted fairly, with adequate invigilation and uniform instructions for participating students.
Round 2: Inter-School Computer-Based Challenge
Schools will identify six students based on their Round 1 performance and register them for the second stage between November 17 and November 25, 2026.
The second round will be a computer-based assessment conducted by CBSE. It is tentatively scheduled for one day between November 30 and December 4, 2026. The exact date will be notified separately.
Only schools that complete the first stage and register their selected students for Round 2 will be eligible for the second stage.
How Will Students Be Selected for Round 2?
CBSE has specified that selection should consider both accuracy and speed.
The selection guidelines include:
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Students who answer all questions accurately should be considered first.
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If multiple students obtain the same marks, those who complete the assessment in less time should receive preference.
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Each school must select six students, comprising two students each from Classes VIII, IX and X.
Schools must complete the Round 2 registration through the official portal within the specified dates.
How Can Schools Register for CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27?
CBSE-affiliated schools can follow these steps:
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Visit the official Science Challenge portal: https://cbseacadit.nic.in/sc/
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Log in using the school's List of Candidates (LOC) credentials.
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Enter the number of students participating in Round 1.
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Complete the registration process within the deadline.
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Conduct the school-level assessment during the prescribed window.
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Register the six shortlisted students for Round 2 between November 17 and November 25, 2026.
Schools should ensure that registrations are completed by October 30, 2026.
Certificates and Recognition
CBSE will issue online participation certificates to all students who participate in Round 2. Students who perform particularly well will receive appreciation certificates.
The challenge is intended to encourage students to question creatively, think critically and apply scientific reasoning to problem-solving.
No Participation Fee
CBSE has confirmed that there is no participation fee for either round of the Science Challenge.
The Board has encouraged all affiliated schools to motivate eligible students to participate and benefit from this enrichment activity.
Schools are advised to refer to the official circular for the complete schedule and instructions before registering students.
FAQs
1. What is the CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27?
It is a two-round student enrichment activity organised by CBSE to promote scientific thinking, curiosity, inquiry and problem-solving skills.
2. Which classes are eligible?
Students of Classes VIII, IX and X studying in CBSE-affiliated schools are eligible for Round 1.
3. What is the last date for school registration?
Schools can register students for Round 1 until October 30, 2026.
4. When will Round 1 be conducted?
The school-level assessment will take place from November 2 to November 13, 2026.
5. Is there any participation fee?
No. Participation is free for both rounds.
6. How many students can each school nominate for Round 2?
Each participating school can nominate six students: two each from Classes VIII, IX and X.
7. What is the duration of the first-round assessment?
The maximum time allowed is 60 minutes.
8. How will students be evaluated?
Students will be assessed on both accuracy and speed. In the event of a tie in marks, students completing the task in less time will receive preference.
9. When will Round 2 take place?
The computer-based second round is tentatively scheduled between November 30 and December 4, 2026, with the exact date to be announced separately.
10. Will participants receive certificates?
All Round 2 participants will receive online participation certificates. Best-performing students will receive appreciation certificates.
11. How can schools register?
Schools must log in to the official Science Challenge portal using their LOC credentials and register the participating students.
12. Where can schools seek clarification?
Schools can email cbsesciencechallenge@cbseshiksha.in or call 011-43354916.
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