Frank Anthony Memorial All-India Inter-School Debate Competition
by Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE)
National Recognition from CISCE
Frank Anthony Memorial All-India Inter-School Debate Competition is a competition by Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) for students in Class 9–12, open to students across India. It is free to take part.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Class 9–12
Fee
Free
Duration
Participants receive 1 hour for topic preparation before the debate. Each speaker has 4 minutes to present, followed by 2 minutes for rebuttal.
Format
Individual · Teams of 2
Time needed
Annual event with regional, zonal, and national rounds over several months.
About This Opportunity
The Frank Anthony Memorial All-India Inter-School Debate Competition is an annual and highly prestigious event organized by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). It honors the legacy of Frank Anthony, a renowned educationist, by providing a platform for students to engage in intellectual discourse and develop their oratory skills. Over 1,600 schools participate each year, making it one of the largest debate tournaments in India.
This competition is open to students from CISCE-accredited schools across India. Participants are divided into two categories: Category I for students of Standards XI and XII, and Category II for students of Standards IX and X. Each school typically sends two students per category to represent them in the debate.
Participants gain invaluable experience in public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation. They learn to articulate their viewpoints effectively, engage in constructive rebuttals, and think on their feet. The competition also fosters a spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie among young minds, providing national-level recognition for top debaters and schools.
Topics are revealed to students an hour before the debate, ensuring spontaneous and original arguments. Participants are allowed to use library resources for preparation but are strictly prohibited from using internet or electronic devices. The competition progresses through regional, zonal, and national levels, culminating in national finals.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 9–12
- Age Range
- 14 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Students must be enrolled in a CISCE-accredited school.
Prerequisites
- Strong command of English language
- Ability to articulate thoughts clearly and persuasively
- Basic understanding of current events and general knowledge
Open to students in Standards IX-XII (typically ages 14-18) from CISCE-accredited schools across India. Participants should demonstrate strong English language and debating skills.
Does your child qualify?
WiWit checks eligibility against your child's class, age, and location, and finds more opportunities like this one.
Academic Details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The competition aligns with the English language and communication skills curriculum of CISCE, encouraging students to apply their knowledge in a competitive setting. It also draws upon general knowledge and current affairs.
Rewards & Recognition
Certificate
CISCE Participation & Winner Certificates
Certificates of participation are awarded to all students, with special certificates for winners and best speakers at regional, zonal, and national levels.
Opens doors to
Demonstrates strong academic and extracurricular engagement, enhancing college applications for prestigious universities in India and abroad. It showcases intellectual curiosity and advanced communication abilities.
Career pathways
Participation enhances communication and analytical skills, which are highly valued in various professional fields, including law, journalism, public relations, and management. It builds a strong foundation for leadership roles.
Recognition
National Recognition from CISCE
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Topics revealed one hour before the debate to ensure spontaneity.
- Strict prohibition of internet and electronic devices during preparation.
- Focus on impromptu speaking and rebuttal skills.
- Multi-stage competition (Regional, Zonal, National) for comprehensive evaluation.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 100
- Duration
- 6 minutes
- Format
- Given Subject/Topic
- Language
- English
Rounds & format
The competition is spread over three levels: Regional, Zonal, and National. Each round involves prepared and impromptu speaking, followed by rebuttal sessions. Topics are announced one hour prior to the debate.
How entries are judged
Participants are judged on content, argument construction, rebuttal effectiveness, appropriateness of language, delivery, demeanor, poise, and stance. Points are awarded for questions asked during rebuttal.
Selection process
Selection is based on performance in regional and zonal rounds, evaluating debating skills, content, and presentation. Winners from each stage advance to the next level.
How to apply
- 1Schools interested in participating must confirm their entries via MS Forms by the specified deadline, typically January 31st. Students should contact their school's English department or debate club for internal selection processes.
How to prepare
- Library resources (journals, magazines, books)
- Current events and general knowledge
- Understanding of various debate topics (environment, civic issues, technology, academic curriculum)
Fees & financial support
Fee details
There is no direct participation fee for students. Schools typically manage their own registration with CISCE, and any associated costs are usually covered by the school.
Frequently asked questions
Is Frank Anthony Memorial All-India Inter-School Debate Competition free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in Frank Anthony Memorial All-India Inter-School Debate Competition?
Students in Class 9–12. children aged 14-18.
What will my child gain from Frank Anthony Memorial All-India Inter-School Debate Competition?
Develops exceptional public speaking and oratory skills.. Enhances critical thinking and analytical abilities.. Provides national-level recognition and exposure.. Fosters confidence and poise in competitive environments.. Awards certificates to all participants, with special recognition for winners.. Improves research and argumentation capabilities.. Offers a platform for intellectual exchange among bright young minds.. National-level recognition from CISCE. Certificates of participation for all, special certificates for winners. Enhances college applications for prestigious universities.
Share with other parents
Is this the right fit for your child?
WiWit matches opportunities to your child's class, interests, and skills, not a generic list. Save this and get reminders before the deadline closes.
Categories
WiWit
Don't miss what your child actually qualifies for
There are hundreds more opportunities like this one. WiWit matches them to your child's class, interests, and skills, so you find the right ones without searching through everything.
- Matched to your child's class, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related Opportunities
Ahmedabad Grand Challenges Programme
by Ahmedabad University
An eight-day residential program at Ahmedabad University for students in Classes 10-12. Participants address real-world challenges in sustainability, public health, and urban systems.
What your child could gain:
CHEMUN — Chennai Model United Nations
by American International School Chennai
THIMUN-affiliated Model United Nations conference at American International School of Chennai for high school students, spanning 13 committees and 39 debate topics over three days.
What your child could gain:
Best Delegate Model UN Conference
by BestDelegate
Best Delegate Model UN Conference offers Indian students a dynamic platform to enhance skills in diplomacy, debate, leadership, and global issue resolution through simulating UN committees.
What your child could gain: