CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27 registration begins for Classes 8 to 10; check dates, selection process

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the Science Challenge 2026-27 for students of Classes 8 to 10. Students can register for first round of the challenge from October 14 to October 30, 2026. On the basis of their performance, selected students will be nominated for the second round. CBSE datesheet LIVE updates.

The activity aims to foster scientific temper, curiosity, inquiry and problem-solving skills among students and board will conduct the challenge in two rounds: within-school and inter-school.

Classes 8 to 10 studying in CBSE-affiliated schools can participate in the first round. Schools will have to register students and conduct the first-stage activity.

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CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27 important dates

Check complete schedule of first and second round of the Science challenge.

The question paper for the first round will include multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Registered schools will get the same on November 2 through the Science Challenge portal. The activity must be conducted by November 13.

The second round will be conducted in computer-based mode on one day during the tentative window of November 30 to December 4. CBSE will notify the specific date and communicate the detailed instructions to schools registered for the second round.

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CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27 two-round selection process

The Science Challenge will have two stages. The first round will be conducted within schools, while the second round will involve an inter-school competition organised by CBSE.

In the first round, all eligible students of Classes 8, 9 and 10 can participate. Schools must register the students through the designated portal and organise the challenge using the question paper provided by CBSE.

After evaluating the first-round performance, each participating school can nominate six students for the second round. Two students will be selected from each of Classes 8, 9 and 10.

Only schools that complete the first stage and subsequently register their selected students will be eligible to participate in the second round. All students participating in the second round will receive an online participation certificate from CBSE. Along with this, the board will also award appreciation certificates to the best-performing students.

For the first round, schools must ensure that the question paper is presented to students in the classroom and that sufficient teachers are assigned invigilation duties to ensure fair conduct. Students will have a maximum of 60 minutes to complete the task.

Teachers conducting the activity must record the starting time, ensure that all students begin at the same time and note the students who submit their papers before the prescribed time limit.

The assessment will consider both the marks awarded and the time taken to complete the assignment. Candidates who answer all the questions correctly will be preferred. If the students have equal marks, priority will be given to the student who has completed the task in lesser time. Six students , two each from Classes 8, 9 and 10 will be selected based on their first-round performance.

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CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27: How to register

Schools affiliated with CBSE can register students for the first round through Science Challenge portal using their List of Candidates (LOC) credentials.

The registration process is as follows:

• Visit the CBSE Science Challenge portal at cbseacadit.nic.in/sc
• Log in using the school's LOC credentials.
• Enter the number of students who will participate in round 1
• Complete the registration process within the October 14 to October 30 window

After evaluating students based on the prescribed scoring criteria, schools should register the selected students on the portal between November 17 and November 25.

CBSE has advised affiliated schools to encourage students to participate in the challenge and develop scientific thinking, critical inquiry and problem-solving skills.