Indian Science And Engineering Fair (INSEF) By SSI
by Science Society of India (SSI)
₹3,000 Cash Prize
Indian Science And Engineering Fair (INSEF) By SSI is a competition by Science Society of India (SSI) for students in Class 5–12, open to students across India. It is free to take part.
Mode
Hybrid
Eligibility
Class 5–12
Fee
Free
Duration
Regional fairs are typically 1-2 days; National Fair 1 day
Format
Both · Teams of 2
Time needed
Requires significant time for project research, development, and preparation for presentation and judging, typically spanning several weeks to months.
About This Opportunity
The Indian Science & Engineering Fair (INSEF), meticulously organized by the Science Society of India (SSI), stands as a premier national-level science fair dedicated to nurturing scientific aptitude and innovation among young minds across India. Since its inception in 2010, INSEF has championed hands-on projects and experimental learning, encouraging students to transcend conventional textbook knowledge.
The fair unfolds in two distinct stages: the INSEF Regional Fair and the INSEF National Fair. Regional Fairs are strategically conducted across various locations in India, often in collaboration with local educational institutions, serving as crucial feeders for the National Fair.
Students from Class 5 to 12 (or equivalent, including diploma students who have completed 10th grade) are eligible to participate by submitting original research-based or engineering projects. A core requirement is that projects must be substantiated by experimental data or, for engineering projects, a basic working prototype; mere essays or presentations compiled from internet sources are strictly not accepted.
Winners from the Regional Fairs earn direct qualification to the prestigious INSEF National Fair. The top-performing projects at the National Fair are then meticulously selected to proudly represent India at esteemed international science competitions, such as the Genius Olympiad, held in the USA.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 5–12
- Age Range
- 10 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Open to Indian students in classes 5 to 12 (ages 10-18) and diploma students. 2 Categories are there to participate. Classes 5th to 8th are Junior, and 9th to 12th are Senior Category.
Prerequisites
- Ability to conduct independent research or engineering projects.
- Strong interest in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
- Basic understanding of scientific methods or engineering design principles.
Additional requirements
- Must be a resident of India.
- For international representation, participants must be an Indian citizen, Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card holder, or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holder.
- Non-Indian citizens must inform the chair about their country of citizenship in advance to avoid disqualification.
- Projects can be individual or a team of two students.
- Team members can be from the same or different schools.
- Students pursuing diploma courses after 10th grade are also eligible.
Open to Indian students in classes 5 to 12 (ages 10-18) with 2 categories, class 5th to 8th junior and class 9th to 12th Senior category. Participants must submit original research-based or engineering projects, which can be individual or team-based (max 2 students). Indian residency is mandatory, with specific citizenship requirements for international representation. Diploma students are also eligible.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
Focuses on project-based learning, encouraging students to apply existing knowledge and extend it beyond textbooks through hands-on experiments and innovative projects. Emphasizes practical application and original thought.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
₹3,000 Cash Prize
Cash awards are recommended for top projects at Regional Fairs (e.g., ₹3000 for 1st, ₹2000 for 2nd, ₹1000 for 3rd), with the hosting institution bearing the cost. Specific amounts for National Fair winners may vary and are announced by SSI.
Prizes
Medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze)
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals are awarded to top projects at both Regional and National Fairs.
Certificate
Participation & Merit Certificates
Certificates of participation are provided to all participants. Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal winners receive specific merit certificates. Certificates are also awarded to project guides.
Opens doors to
Participation and awards at INSEF, particularly international representation, provide a competitive edge in university applications for top engineering and science colleges in India and abroad, demonstrating strong aptitude for research and innovation.
Career pathways
Opens doors to research internships and early career opportunities in STEM fields.
Recognition
International Representation
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Direct pathway from regional to national to international science fairs.
- Focus on hands-on, research-based projects rather than mere theoretical knowledge.
- No registration fee for Regional Fairs, promoting wider participation.
- Emphasis on fostering scientific acumen and innovation from a young age.
Rounds & format
The competition has two main levels: INSEF Regional Fair and INSEF National Fair. Winners from Regional Fairs qualify for the National Fair. Top projects from the National Fair are selected for international competitions.
How entries are judged
Projects are evaluated based on criteria such as novelty of ideas, scientific methods used, engineering ideas and designs, application of the project, data maintenance, creativity, and potential impact. Significant emphasis is placed on creativity and presentation during the interview. Judges also assess the student's understanding of the project and their independence in conducting the research.
Selection process
Projects are shortlisted based on the submitted abstract. Gold medal winners from Regional Fairs automatically qualify for the National Fair. SSI holds the final decision on projects selected for the National Fair and international representation.
How to apply
- 1Open the application form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJP7eG3DfWQP5gpco0JDfvn1ryqmfuirLn-K_nfs7w4hbKeQ/viewform) which is available on the official site.
- 2Fill all the required information and submit an abstract of the project online. All the entries must be submitted at http://sciencesociety.in/insef.
- 3Once submitted, you will get a submission ID. Please make a note of the submission ID.
- 4Note that participants can verify the submission by using the “View Submission” link. Even if you do not receive the email, it is perfectly fine. Once you have a submission ID it is registered in the official database. So, just make sure that you have a submission id and able to view the submission.
- 5Once the submission done, participants will be allowed to upload a pdf file that may contain any additional reference material, photographs etc.
- 6Shortlisted projects are invited to participate in the Regional Fair.
- 7Present and demonstrate the project to judges at the Regional Fair.
- 8Winners from Regional Fairs qualify for the INSEF National Fair.
- 9For the National Fair, upload project presentation in PDF format (max 15 slides) and a short video.
- 10If there is no INSEF Regional Fair in your State / Region, you can mark your submission as "Online" category and it would be reviewed. The top projects from "Online" category will be directly qualified for INSEF National Fair.
How to prepare
- Official INSEF website for rules and guidelines (sciencesociety.in/insef).
- SSI provides online infrastructure and support for the fair.
- Students are encouraged to download and read the SSI_INSEF.pdf presentation for detailed information.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
There is no entry or registration fee charged to students for participation in INSEF Regional Fairs. Travel and accommodation costs for the National Fair, especially for outstation participants, are typically borne by the participants, though some assistance might be available depending on the host institution.
Financial support
While no direct scholarships are offered by INSEF, international travel sponsorship for selected participants representing India at global fairs may be provided based on need and fund availability.
Refund policy
Not applicable as there are no participation fees.
Frequently asked questions
Is Indian Science And Engineering Fair (INSEF) By SSI free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in Indian Science And Engineering Fair (INSEF) By SSI?
Students in Class 5–12. children aged 10-18.
What will my child gain from Indian Science And Engineering Fair (INSEF) By SSI?
Opportunity to represent India at prestigious international science fairs like Genius Olympiad.. Cash prizes and medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) for top projects at regional and national levels.. Certificates of participation and recognition for project guides.. Platform to showcase innovative science and engineering projects to a panel of expert judges.. Cash prizes up to ₹3,000 for top projects at the regional levels.. Enhances profiles for admissions to top engineering and science colleges.. Develops critical research, problem-solving, and presentation skills..
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