CBSE Science Challenge 2026–27: Check eligibility, registration dates, Round 1 and Round 2 details for Classes VIII–X.
CBSE Science Challenge 2026–27
Important dates, eligibility, school registration, examination pattern and selection process for students of Classes VIII, IX and X.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the CBSE Science Challenge 2026–27 for students studying in Classes VIII to X in CBSE-affiliated schools. The initiative aims to encourage scientific curiosity, inquiry, critical thinking and problem-solving skills among learners.
According to the official circular, the activity will be conducted in two stages: a school-level Round 1 followed by an inter-school Round 2 conducted by the Board. Students will be assessed on both accuracy and speed.
What Is the CBSE Science Challenge 2026–27?
The CBSE Science Challenge is a student enrichment activity designed to develop scientific temper and encourage learners to explore concepts, interpret information and solve problems scientifically.
The key objectives include:
- Developing curiosity and scientific inquiry.
- Strengthening critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Encouraging scientific reasoning and higher-order thinking.
- Improving speed and accuracy while answering questions.
- Providing opportunities for students to demonstrate their abilities.
Eligibility for the CBSE Science Challenge
- Students of Classes VIII, IX and X are eligible for Round 1.
- Students must be studying in CBSE-affiliated schools.
- The school is responsible for registering participating students for Round 1.
- There is no participation fee for either round.
- Only schools that complete Round 1 and register the selected students for Round 2 can participate in the second stage.
Each eligible school can nominate six students in total: two students each from Classes VIII, IX and X, selected on the basis of their Round 1 performance.
CBSE Science Challenge 2026–27: Important Dates
The following schedule is reproduced from Annexure 1 of CBSE Circular No. Acad-67/2026.
| Activity | Official schedule |
|---|---|
| School registration for Round 1 | 14 October – 30 October 2026 |
| Conduct of Round 1 at school level | 2 November – 13 November 2026 |
| Registration of selected students for Round 2 | 17 November – 25 November 2026 |
| Round 2 computer-based challenge | 30 November – 4 December 2026 (tentative window) |
Note: The Board states that the specific day for Round 2 will be notified later. Schools should check official CBSE communications for subsequent instructions.
Schools log in to the portal using their LOC credentials and enter the number of students participating.
Registered students take the CBSE-provided Science Challenge paper at their schools.
Schools identify and register the six selected students, with two students from each eligible class.
The Board plans to conduct the second round on one day within this tentative window.
CBSE Science Challenge Examination Pattern
Round 1: School-Level Challenge
- Mode: School-level activity using the paper provided by CBSE.
- Question format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) following a variety of stimuli.
- Maximum time: 60 minutes.
- Evaluation: Both accuracy and time taken to complete the task.
- Conduct: Schools must arrange adequate invigilation and ensure that students begin at the same time.
Round 2: Inter-School Challenge
- Mode: Computer-based challenge conducted by CBSE.
- Eligible participants: Six students nominated by each eligible school.
- Class-wise representation: Two students each from Classes VIII, IX and X.
- Proposed period: 30 November to 4 December 2026.
- Exact date: To be notified by the Board.
How Are Students Selected for Round 2?
According to the official instructions on page 4 of the circular, schools must evaluate Round 1 using the scoring key supplied by CBSE.
- Assess students using the prescribed scoring key.
- Consider students who answer all questions accurately first.
- If students have the same score, give preference to those who complete the task in less time.
- Select six students in total, with two students each from Classes VIII, IX and X.
- Register the selected students for Round 2 through the official portal.
All participants in Round 2 will receive an online participation certificate from CBSE. Appreciation certificates will be given to the best-performing students.
How to Register for the CBSE Science Challenge 2026–27
Registration is completed by the school. The official circular provides the following process.
Round 1 Registration
- The school opens the official CBSE Science Challenge portal.
- The school logs in using its LOC credentials.
- The school enters the number of students participating in Round 1.
- The school conducts the activity within the prescribed period.
Round 2 Registration
- The school evaluates Round 1 performance using the CBSE scoring key.
- The school identifies two students from each of Classes VIII, IX and X.
- The school registers the selected six students between 17 and 25 November 2026.
- The registered students follow the detailed instructions issued by CBSE.
Official registration portal
Students should contact their school if they wish to participate. Do not share school login credentials or passwords publicly.
Official CBSE Contact Details
For clarification regarding the Science Challenge, the circular provides:
- Email: cbsesciencechallenge@cbseshiksha.in
- Telephone: 011-43354916
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can participate in the CBSE Science Challenge 2026–27?
Students of Classes VIII, IX and X studying in CBSE-affiliated schools are eligible for Round 1.
Is there any registration fee?
No. The official circular states that there is no fee for students participating in either round.
What is the last date for Round 1 registration?
Schools can register students for Round 1 from 14 October to 30 October 2026, as specified in the circular.
How long is the Round 1 examination?
The maximum time allowed for Round 1 is 60 minutes. Students are assessed on accuracy and the time taken.
How many students can a school select for Round 2?
A school can nominate six students: two each from Classes VIII, IX and X, based on their Round 1 performance.
When will Round 2 take place?
The tentative period is 30 November to 4 December 2026. The exact date is to be notified by CBSE.
Can students register independently?
The circular assigns registration to schools. Students should approach their school authorities or science teachers to participate.
Will participants receive certificates?
All Round 2 participants will receive an online participation certificate from CBSE. Appreciation certificates will be awarded to the best-performing students.
Final Words
The CBSE Science Challenge 2026–27 offers students of Classes VIII to X an opportunity to demonstrate scientific thinking, problem-solving ability and accuracy under time constraints. Interested students should contact their schools early so that they can be considered for Round 1 registration.
Schools should follow the official schedule, selection criteria and subsequent instructions issued by CBSE.
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