The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the CBSE Science Challenge 2026–27 for students studying in Classes VIII, IX and X at CBSE-affiliated schools. The initiative aims to develop scientific curiosity, critical thinking, inquiry skills and problem-solving abilities among school students.
According to the notification described by the board, the competition will be conducted in two stages: an intra-school challenge (Round 1) and an inter-school challenge (Round 2). Participation in both rounds is free of cost.
Schools will conduct the first round in November 2026 and select six students for the next stage. Round 2 registration is scheduled from November 17 to November 25, 2026. The computer-based challenge is tentatively scheduled for November 30 to December 4, 2026.
Students and parents should check the official CBSE instructions through their schools for the latest updates and registration requirements.
CBSE Science Challenge 2026–27: Important Dates
The following schedule is reported in the supplied notification details.
| Event | Important dates |
|---|---|
| School registration for Round 1 | October 14–30, 2026 |
| Round 1: School-level challenge | November 2–13, 2026 |
| Round 2 registration | November 17–25, 2026 |
| Round 2: Computer-based challenge | November 30–December 4, 2026 (tentative) |
The notification details provided do not specify a separate opening date for Round 1 registration. Schools should follow the official instructions for completing registration and nominating students.
Who Can Participate in the CBSE Science Challenge?
The challenge is intended for students of:
- Class 8
- Class 9
- Class 10
Students must participate through their CBSE-affiliated schools. Schools are responsible for conducting the first round and selecting eligible participants for the second stage.
The competition is designed to encourage students to apply scientific knowledge, analyse information and develop logical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
CBSE Science Challenge Round 1: Assessment Process
Round 1 will be conducted at the school level in classrooms using the question paper supplied by CBSE. Schools must arrange appropriate invigilation to ensure that the assessment takes place fairly.
Students will receive a maximum of 60 minutes to complete the task. The assessment will include different prompts followed by multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Teachers will evaluate the students’ responses using the scoring key provided by the board.
How Will Students Be Selected for Round 2?
The selection process will consider both accuracy and the time taken to complete the challenge.
The reported selection rules are:
- Students who answer the maximum number of questions correctly will receive priority.
- If two or more students obtain equal marks, the student who completes the task in less time will be preferred.
- Schools must conduct the assessment fairly and record the starting time and the time taken by students who finish early.
- Each participating school can nominate six students for Round 2, with two students each from Classes 8, 9 and 10.
Students should prepare by strengthening their scientific understanding, reading questions carefully and practising logical reasoning.
CBSE Science Challenge Round 2 Registration 2026
Round 2 registration is scheduled to take place from November 17 to November 25, 2026.
Each school registered for Round 1 can nominate six students for the second stage. The selection must include two students from each of Classes VIII, IX and X, according to the reported instructions.
The supplied article lists the following registration portal:
Schools should verify the portal address against the original CBSE notification before entering student details. They should also follow the prescribed instructions for completing the nomination process.
The Round 2 computer-based challenge is tentatively scheduled for November 30 to December 4, 2026. Students should confirm the final schedule with their schools because tentative dates may change.
Certificates for CBSE Science Challenge Participants
According to the notification details supplied, all students participating in Round 2 will receive online participation certificates from CBSE.
Appreciation certificates will also be awarded to the best-performing students.
The initiative provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their scientific understanding, improve their analytical abilities and participate in an academic competition beyond their regular classroom activities.
Contact Details for Queries
Schools seeking clarification about the challenge can use the following contact details provided in the notification:
- Email: cbsesciencechallenge@cbseshiksha.in
- Telephone: 011-43354916
Schools should refer to the original CBSE communication when seeking clarification about registration, student nominations or the conduct of the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the CBSE Science Challenge 2026–27?
It is a two-stage science competition announced for students of Classes VIII, IX and X in CBSE-affiliated schools. It aims to encourage scientific curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving.
2. When will Round 1 take place?
The school-level challenge is scheduled for November 2 to November 13, 2026.
3. When will CBSE Science Challenge Round 2 registration begin?
Round 2 registration is scheduled to begin on November 17, 2026, and close on November 25, 2026.
4. How many students can a school nominate for Round 2?
Each school can nominate six students: two from Class 8, two from Class 9 and two from Class 10.
5. How will students be selected for Round 2?
Students with the highest number of correct answers will receive priority. If marks are equal, the student completing the challenge in less time will be preferred.
6. Is participation in the CBSE Science Challenge free?
According to the supplied notification details, participation in both rounds is free of cost.
7. Will students receive certificates?
Round 2 participants will receive online participation certificates, while appreciation certificates will be awarded to the best-performing students, according to the reported notification.
8. Where can schools check official updates?
Schools should consult the official CBSE academic website and the original notification issued to affiliated schools. The Round 2 registration portal should be verified against that notification before use.
Conclusion
The CBSE Science Challenge 2026–27 offers students in Classes 8, 9 and 10 an opportunity to develop scientific thinking and demonstrate their problem-solving abilities. Schools should pay particular attention to the October registration window, the November school-level assessment and the Round 2 registration period scheduled for November 17–25.
Students and parents should stay in contact with their schools and check official CBSE announcements for confirmed dates, registration instructions and any subsequent changes.
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