Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition(DHBBVC)
by Greater Bombay Science Teachers' Association (GBSTA)
₹3,000 Scholarship
Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition(DHBBVC) is a competition by Greater Bombay Science Teachers' Association (GBSTA) for students in Class 6–9, open to students across India. Registration closes 18 Aug 2026.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Class 6–9
Fee
₹500
Duration
Multiple stages over several months (typically November to April)
Format
Individual
Time needed
Varies per stage: 90 minutes for the written exam, 30 minutes for the practical exam, and 5-10 minutes for interviews. The action research project requires approximately one month for completion.
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Jul 2026
- Registration closes
- 18 Aug 2026
Various Exam Centers
About This Opportunity
The Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition (DHBBVC) is a renowned science olympiad conducted by the Greater Bombay Science Teachers' Association (GBSTA), part of the Mumbai Science Teachers' Association (MSTA). Established in 1981, this unique four-stage competition aims to ignite scientific curiosity, develop problem-solving attitudes, and enhance observational and motor skills in young scientists. It also seeks to sensitize students towards their immediate environment and encourage rational initiatives.
This competition is open to students currently studying in the 6th and 9th standards from any board, including Maharashtra SSC, CBSE, ICSE, IB, and other state boards. The examination is conducted in both English and Marathi mediums, and the chosen medium remains consistent throughout all stages of the competition. While primarily focused on Maharashtra, students from other Indian states can also participate with specific center arrangements.
Participants will gain valuable skills in critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and practical application of concepts. The competition provides a strong foundation for future studies in science and prepares students for major competitive examinations like NEET and entrance into premier institutes like the IITs. Top performers receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, along with scholarships and certificates, offering significant recognition and networking opportunities.
The competition typically involves a written test, a practical examination, an action research project, and an interview. It emphasizes understanding, reasoning, and correlation over rote memorization, with questions primarily based on Maharashtra state board science textbooks and relevant content from ICSE, IB, and CBSE science textbooks.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 6–9
- Age Range
- 10 - 15 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Students must be currently studying in 6th or 9th standard from any recognized board (Maharashtra SSC, CBSE, ICSE, IB, or other state boards).
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with Maharashtra State Board science textbooks for 4th, 5th, and 6th standards for 6th-grade participants.
- Familiarity with Maharashtra State Board science textbooks for 7th, 8th, and 9th standards for 9th-grade participants.
- Knowledge of relevant content from ICSE, IB, and CBSE science textbooks.
Open to students in 6th and 9th standards (typically ages 10-15) from any board across India. While primarily conducted in Maharashtra, students from other states can participate if registered through a school with a minimum of 50 students, with exam centers arranged in their school. Individual registrations from outside Maharashtra will have centers in Maharashtra.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The syllabus primarily covers Maharashtra State Board science textbooks, with additional content from ICSE, IB, and CBSE science textbooks. It emphasizes understanding, reasoning, correlation, and application of scientific concepts, along with general knowledge in science and day-to-day science applications. For 6th standard, approximately 10% questions from 4th std, 20% from 5th std, 60% from 6th std, and 10% from general science knowledge. For 9th standard, approximately 10% questions from 7th std, 20% from 8th std, 60% from 9th std, and 10% from general science knowledge.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
₹3,000
Scholarships are awarded to top-ranking students: Gold Medalists receive ₹3000, Silver Medalists receive ₹2000, and Bronze Medalists receive ₹1000. These amounts are based on cumulative marks across all four stages.
Prizes
Gold, Silver, Bronze Medals
Top performers receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.
Certificate
Merit & Passing Certificates
Merit Certificates are awarded to students who qualify for Phase II. Passing Certificates are given to all other students who pass Phase I. Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalists also receive certificates.
Opens doors to
Provides a strong foundation for future studies in science and prepares students for major competitive examinations like NEET and entrance into premier institutes like the IITs. Participation and success demonstrate a strong aptitude for science, beneficial for admissions to prestigious universities and specialized science programs.
Career pathways
Develops a scientific temperament crucial for future innovation and research roles, providing a strong foundation for careers in STEM fields, including engineering, medicine, and scientific research.
Recognition
National Recognition
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Four-stage comprehensive assessment including written, practical, project, and interview rounds.
- Emphasizes understanding, reasoning, and application over rote learning.
- Encourages students to undertake an action research project, fostering independent scientific inquiry.
- Offers scholarships and medals, providing tangible recognition for scientific talent.
- Serves as a foundation for preparation for major competitive exams like NEET and IIT JEE.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 100
- Duration
- 90 minutes
- Format
- MCQ for written test, hands-on experiments for practical, oral interview for general and project discussion.
- Language
- English, Marathi
Rounds & format
Phase I: Written Competition (MCQ Round) - 100 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes duration. Top 7.5% students per region per medium are selected for Phase II. Phase II: Practical Competition - Hands-on experiments. For 6th standard, 5 experiments of 6 marks each; for 9th standard, 3 experiments of 10 marks each (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). Duration is 30 minutes. Selection for Phase III considers 30% of Phase I marks plus Phase II marks. Phase III: Action Research Project & Interview - Students complete a small research project and submit a report. Phase IV: General Interview - A 5-10 minute oral interview to assess scientific knowledge, reasoning skills, and application of concepts. This phase also includes evaluation and discussion of the action research project.
How entries are judged
Selection for medals is based on 30% marks from Phase I + marks scored in Phase II + Phase III + Phase IV. Emphasis is placed on understanding, reasoning, correlation, and application of scientific concepts, along with practical skills and research abilities.
Selection process
Phase I: Top 7.5% students per region per medium (Marathi, English Maharashtra SSC Board, English All other Boards) are selected for Phase II. Phase II: Selection for Phase III and IV considers 30% of marks obtained in Phase I plus marks obtained in Phase II. Top 10% students qualify for Phase III and IV. Final selection for medals is based on cumulative marks from all four phases.
How to apply
- 1Students can register online through their school or individually via the official website msta.in.
- 2For school registration, log in with the school ID and password, update the profile, select three preferred centers, and pay fees.
- 3For individual registration, create a new account, verify the mobile number, fill in student details, upload a passport-size photo and school bonafide certificate, and pay the fee.
- 4Registration through private classes or academies is strictly prohibited.
- 5A valid mobile number is mandatory for registration and cannot be changed once registered.
How to prepare
- Maharashtra State Board science textbooks (4th, 5th, 6th for Std 6; 7th, 8th, 9th for Std 9)
- Relevant content from ICSE, IB, and CBSE science textbooks
- Official Menaka Publication books for Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition
- Previous year question papers and sample MCQs
- Online mock tests and science olympiad programs
- Practice conceptual and practical science using everyday materials
- Stay updated on current science general knowledge
- Participate in school science fairs and similar olympiads
Fees & financial support
Fee details
The registration fee is ₹320 per student for school registrations (regular fee) and ₹500 per student for individual registrations. A late fee of ₹25 per student applies for school registrations after July 31st. Payment is online through the msta.in website.
Refund policy
Fees once paid are non-refundable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition(DHBBVC)?
The registration deadline is 18 Aug 2026.
Is Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition(DHBBVC) free?
₹500 registration
Who can participate in Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition(DHBBVC)?
Students in Class 6–9. children aged 10-15.
What will my child gain from Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition(DHBBVC)?
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals for top performers. Scholarships ranging from ₹1000 to ₹3000 for medalists. Merit and Passing Certificates for qualifying students. Enhances scientific thinking and problem-solving skills. Builds a strong foundation for competitive exams like JEE and NEET. Develops practical and observational skills through experiments and projects. Provides national-level recognition and networking opportunities.
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