IRIS National Fair - STEM Research & Innovation Competition
by EXSTEMPLAR Education Linkers Foundation
Funded Travel to ISEF, USA
IRIS National Fair - STEM Research & Innovation Competition is a competition by EXSTEMPLAR Education Linkers Foundation 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
The national fair typically spans 3-4 days for judging and exhibitions, usually held in January. The overall competition cycle, from abstract submission to international fair, spans several months.
Format
Both · Teams of 2
Time needed
Significant time commitment is required for thorough research, project development, data collection, analysis, and preparation of presentation materials. This can range from several weeks to a few months, depending on the project complexity.
About This Opportunity
The Initiative for Research and Innovation in STEM (IRIS) National Fair is a highly prestigious national-level science competition designed for young Indian innovators. This public-private partnership program is proudly funded and supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and Broadcom, and meticulously organized by EXSTEMPLAR Education Linkers Foundation.
IRIS aims to significantly promote and nurture original STEM research and novel engineering designs among school students across India. The fair serves as a crucial platform for students to present their groundbreaking research projects or innovative engineering solutions.
Winners of the IRIS National Fair earn the unparalleled opportunity to represent India as 'Team India' at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world's largest pre-college science competition held annually in the USA. This experience provides invaluable exposure, mentorship, and a pathway to global recognition in the STEM fields.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 5–12
- Age Range
- 10 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Students must be currently enrolled in Class 5 to Class 12 in any recognized school across India. Projects must be original, research-based, or present a novel engineering design, demonstrating significant improvements over existing solutions. Projects should be supported by experimental data where applicable. Students who have previously participated in IRIS as a Class 12 student are ineligible to submit project synopses for evaluation.
Prerequisites
- Students can directly apply for the IRIS National Fair or they can apply by participating IRIS-affiliated school-level science fairs. Fairs are given below
- Jawaharlal Nehru National Science Exhibition for Children
- National Children’s Science Congress
- National Council of Science Museums
- CBSE Science Exhibition
- INSPIRE - Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research
The IRIS National Fair is open to all Indian students enrolled in Class 5 to Class 12 in schools across India. Participants can submit original, research-based projects or novel engineering designs, supported by relevant data.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The competition focuses on independent research and project development in diverse STEM fields, aligning with rigorous international science fair standards. It encourages students to explore topics beyond their regular school curriculum and engage in authentic scientific inquiry.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
Funded Travel to ISEF, USA
Winners selected to represent India as 'Team India' at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) receive comprehensive funding for their travel and accommodation to the USA. Special awards from sponsoring organizations may also include monetary components or scholarships.
Certificate
IRIS Participation & Achievement Certificates
All national finalists receive a Certificate of Participation. Grand Award winners receive certificates of achievement and national recognition from the IRIS National Fair, supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Participation in IRIS and qualification for ISEF significantly enhances a student's profile for admissions to premier STEM programs at top universities in India and globally. It demonstrates advanced research capabilities and intellectual curiosity, making applications more competitive.
Career pathways
Participation provides early exposure to research, networking opportunities with professionals, and develops advanced skills crucial for successful careers in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. Many ISEF alumni pursue successful careers in STEM fields.
Recognition
International & National Recognition
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Serves as the exclusive feeder program for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) for Indian students, offering a direct pathway to global competition.
- A unique public-private partnership program, strongly supported by the Government of India's Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Broadcom.
- Aligns with other major national science fairs in India (e.g., NCSC, NCSM, NCERT, CBSE, INSPIRE) to identify and nurture top scientific talent from across the country.
- Strong emphasis on fostering original, research-based projects and novel engineering designs, promoting genuine scientific inquiry and innovation.
- Provides comprehensive mentorship and evaluation from a panel of distinguished scientists and experts.
Exam format
- Format
- Project-based evaluation through interactive discussions with judges, where students explain their research, methodology, findings, and conclusions. There are no written exams.
- Language
- English
Rounds & format
Round 1: Online Abstract and Project Submission (September/October). Students submit their research synopsis and a short video. Round 2: National Finalist Selection and Exhibition at the IRIS National Fair (January). Shortlisted projects are showcased and judged in India.
How entries are judged
Projects are evaluated based on: Scientific Merit (originality, hypothesis, experimental design, data analysis), Creativity and Innovation, Clarity of Presentation (both written and oral), Depth of Understanding of Scientific Principles, Potential Real-World Impact and Relevance, Technical Proficiency and Accuracy, and Innovative Approaches to Problem-Solving. Judges also assess the student's understanding and ability to defend their research.
Selection process
Approximately 100 students are selected to exhibit at the national fair annually. Selection is based on the scientific merit, originality, innovation, and adherence to research guidelines of the submitted projects. Students can be selected through direct applications via the IRIS website or through affiliated school-level science fairs (e.g., Jawaharlal Nehru National Science Exhibition for Children, National Children's Science Congress, CBSE Science Exhibition, INSPIRE Awards).
How to apply
- 1Online Registration (September/October): Register on the official IRIS website (irisnationalfair.org/registration).
- 2Project Abstract and Video Submission (September/October): Submit a detailed project abstract (ideally not exceeding 250 words) and a short video (max 2 minutes) explaining your project online. Ensure all mandatory questions related to project details are answered. Multiple projects can be submitted in one or multiple subject categories. Team projects (max 2 participants) require both partners to be registered with IRIS.
- 3Screening and Shortlisting (November): Projects undergo a thorough screening process by the IRIS Scientific Review Committee. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the national fair (around 100 students are selected).
- 4National Fair Exhibition ( In January): Shortlisted participants will exhibit their projects at the IRIS National Fair in India. No physical display boards/posters are allowed; presentations are to be made using laptops/tablets/mobiles. Participants must bring all prototypes/materials related to their projects.
- 5Mentoring Camp (Jan to April ): Selected students may participate in mentorship camps and instructional webinars to refine their projects and enhance their scientific acumen.
- 6International Selection (Post-National Fair): Top winners from the National Fair are selected to represent India at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in May
Frequently asked questions
Is IRIS National Fair - STEM Research & Innovation Competition free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in IRIS National Fair - STEM Research & Innovation Competition?
Students in Class 5–12. children aged 10-18.
What will my child gain from IRIS National Fair - STEM Research & Innovation Competition?
Showcase original research and innovative engineering designs on a national platform.. Receive invaluable mentorship and constructive feedback from a panel of expert judges, including leading scientists and industry professionals.. Develop and refine essential 21st-century STEM skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, and scientific communication.. Expand your network by connecting with talented peers and established experts from across India and around the world.. Significantly enhance your profile for admissions to top-tier universities and future career opportunities in STEM fields.. Compete for special awards and recognition from various sponsoring organizations.. Gain the prestigious opportunity to represent India at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Full funding for travel and accommodation to represent India at Regeneron ISEF in the USA.. National recognition as a top STEM innovator in India.. Opportunity to showcase original research and innovative engineering designs on an international platform..
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