CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27: Registration Opens Today, Check Dates and Other Details
New Delhi: Students in Classes 8 to 10 will soon have an opportunity to test their scientific knowledge, reasoning and problem-solving skills as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) launches the Science Challenge 2026-27. In Circular No. Acad-67/2026, issued on October 13, 2026, the Board invited CBSE-affiliated schools to encourage students to participate in the annual enrichment activity. The challenge is designed to develop scientific curiosity, promote inquiry-based learning and encourage students to think beyond textbook knowledge.
The competition will take place in two stages, beginning with a school-level challenge and followed by an inter-school round for selected students. Registration for the first round opens on October 14 and closes on October 30, 2026. CBSE has also confirmed that participation is free for both rounds. Students cannot register individually. Their schools must complete the registration process through the designated CBSE portal.
CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27: Key Details
|
Particular |
Details |
|
Organising body |
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
|
Academic session |
2026-27 |
|
Eligible classes |
Classes 8, 9 and 10 |
|
Eligible institutions |
CBSE-affiliated schools |
|
Round 1 registration |
October 14–30, 2026 |
|
Round 1 activity |
November 2–13, 2026 |
|
Round 2 registration |
November 17–25, 2026 |
|
Round 2 tentative schedule |
November 30–December 4, 2026 |
|
Participation fee |
None |
|
Registration mode |
Through schools |
|
Official portal |
The schedule and eligibility criteria are based on the official CBSE circular, which schools should consult for the complete instructions.
Who Can Participate in the CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27?
Students studying in Classes 8, 9 and 10 at CBSE-affiliated schools are eligible to participate in the first round. Schools must register their participating students through the official Science Challenge portal. Individual students cannot submit registrations independently. The second round has a separate selection process. Each school that completes Round 1 can nominate six students based on their performance in the first stage.
The selection must include the two best-performing students from each of the three eligible classes:
- Two students from Class 8
- Two students from Class 9
- Two students from Class 10
This means that participation in Round 2 depends on students' performance in the school-level challenge and their subsequent registration by the school. Not every student who participates in Round 1 will advance to the next stage.
CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27: Important Dates
Students and school authorities should keep track of th
|
Activity |
Dates |
Details |
|
Round 1 Registration |
October 14–30, 2026 |
CBSE-affiliated schools must log in to the official portal using their LOC credentials and register the number of participating students. |
|
Round 1: School-Level Challenge |
November 2–13, 2026 |
CBSE will provide the question paper and scoring criteria through the portal. Schools must conduct the challenge for registered students within this period. |
|
Round 2 Registration |
November 17–25, 2026 |
Schools can select and register six students based on Round 1 performance, with two students each from Classes 8, 9 and 10. |
|
Round 2: Computer-Based Challenge |
November 30–December 4, 2026 (Tentative) |
The second round will be conducted by CBSE on one day within this window. The exact date will be notified separately. |
CBSE will announce the exact date separately. Students and schools should check the official portal for updates.
What Is the Format of the CBSE Science Challenge?
The Science Challenge will feature different types of stimuli followed by multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The assessment is designed to test both speed and accuracy, making time management an important part of the competition. For Round 1, the maximum time allowed is 60 minutes. Teachers supervising the activity must explain the instructions before the test begins and ensure that the prescribed time limit is followed.
The selection process gives priority to students who answer the highest number of questions correctly. If two or more students obtain the same score, the student who completes the task in less time receives preference.
Students preparing for the challenge can focus on the following areas:
- Strengthening their understanding of scientific concepts.
- Practising objective questions and logical reasoning.
- Improving their ability to interpret information and solve problems.
- Managing time while maintaining accuracy.
The circular does not specify a separate subject-wise syllabus. Students should therefore seek any additional preparation guidance from their schools rather than assume that the challenge follows a particular chapter-wise examination pattern.
Certificates and Recognition
CBSE will recognise students who participate in the second round. According to the circular, all Round 2 participants will receive online participation certificates, while the best-performing students will receive appreciation certificates. Beyond the certificates, the challenge aims to encourage students to approach scientific questions with curiosity, apply their knowledge and develop stronger reasoning skills.
Schools have been asked to motivate eligible students to participate in the activity and make use of the opportunity to strengthen scientific thinking beyond routine classroom learning.
How Can Schools Register for the CBSE Science Challenge?
Schools can complete registration through the official CBSE Science Challenge portal:
Visit the CBSE Science Challenge Portal
For Round 1, schools should follow these steps:
- Open the official Science Challenge portal.
- Log in using the school's LOC credentials.
- Enter the number of students participating in Round 1.
- Complete the registration process within the October 14–30, 2026 window.
- Check the portal for the question paper, scoring criteria and further instructions before conducting the school-level challenge.
Students should contact their school authorities to confirm participation and understand the arrangements for the first round.
For queries regarding the competition, the CBSE circular provides the following contact details:
- Email: cbsesciencechallenge@cbseshiksha.in
- Telephone: 011-43354916
Conclusion
The CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27 offers students in Classes 8 to 10 a chance to test their scientific reasoning and problem-solving abilities through a two-stage competition. With no participation fee, a school-level first round and a computer-based second round, the initiative aims to encourage curiosity and deeper engagement with science.
Schools must complete the first-round registration by October 30, 2026. Students should check with their school authorities for participation details and follow official CBSE announcements for the final schedule of the second round.
FAQs
1. What is the CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27?
The CBSE Science Challenge is a student enrichment activity designed to promote scientific curiosity, inquiry, problem-solving and higher-order thinking among students in Classes 8 to 10.
2. Who is eligible for the CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27?
Students studying in Classes 8, 9 and 10 at CBSE-affiliated schools can participate in Round 1.
3. What is the last date for CBSE Science Challenge Round 1 registration?
The registration window runs from October 14 to October 30, 2026. Schools must complete the process through the official Science Challenge portal.
4. When will the CBSE Science Challenge Round 1 take place?
The school-level round is scheduled for November 2 to November 13, 2026.
5. When will the CBSE Science Challenge Round 2 be held?
The computer-based second round is tentatively scheduled between November 30 and December 4, 2026. CBSE will notify the exact date separately.
6. Is there a participation fee for the CBSE Science Challenge?
No. CBSE has stated that participation is free for both rounds.
7. How many students can each school nominate for Round 2?
Each eligible school can nominate six students: the two best-performing students from each of Classes 8, 9 and 10.
8. What is the duration of the CBSE Science Challenge Round 1?
The first round has a maximum time limit of 60 minutes. Students are evaluated on both speed and accuracy.
Click Here for More Latest News