CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27 Registration Opens for Classes 8 to 10: Check Dates, Eligibility

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the Science Challenge 2026-27 for students of Classes VIII, IX and X studying in affiliated schools. The initiative aims to strengthen scientific reasoning, encourage critical thinking and develop higher-order thinking skills among learners through a competitive, problem-solving activity. The challenge will be organised in two stages, comprising a school-level round followed by an inter-school round, and students will not be required to pay any participation fee for either stage.

All students of Classes VIII to X enrolled in CBSE-affiliated schools are eligible to participate in the first round. Schools must register their students for the school-level challenge by October 30, 2026. The first round will be conducted between November 2 and November 13, 2026, within the respective schools. Following the completion of this stage, schools that have registered for Round 1 can nominate six students for the second round, selecting the two best-performing participants from each of Classes VIII, IX and X.

The second round will require separate registration, which will remain open from November 17 to November 25, 2026. The computer-based challenge is tentatively scheduled to take place between November 30 and December 4, 2026. The question paper will feature a range of stimuli followed by multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The assessment will test students on both speed and accuracy, requiring them to answer questions correctly while managing their time effectively.

For Round 1, schools must administer the Science Challenge question paper supplied by CBSE to students in a classroom setting. Schools have been instructed to arrange sufficient teachers for invigilation to ensure that the activity is conducted fairly. Participants will have a maximum of 60 minutes to complete the task. Since the challenge assesses both accuracy and the time taken to finish, invigilating teachers must record the start time, communicate the instructions before the activity begins, ensure that all students start simultaneously and note the names of those who submit their papers before the allotted time expires.

Once the first-round assessment is complete, teachers must evaluate the responses using the scoring key provided by CBSE. Selection for the next stage will prioritise students who answer the maximum number of questions correctly. If multiple participants secure identical marks, preference will be given to those who achieve their scores in less time. Based on these criteria, each participating school must select six students, with two representatives each from Classes VIII, IX and X, and register them for Round 2 through the CBSE portal at cbseacadit.nic.in.

CBSE has stated that all students participating in the second round will receive online participation certificates issued by the Board, while appreciation certificates will be awarded to the best-performing participants. For queries or further clarification regarding the CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27, schools can email cbsesciencechallenge@cbseshiksha.in or contact the Board at 011-43354916.