IIT Kharagpur Invites Applications for Young Innovators’ Programme 2025-26
The Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) has officially opened applications for the first round of its Young Innovators’ Programme (YIP) for the academic year 2025-26. This annual competition is designed to foster scientific curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills among students in classes 8 through 10, both in India and internationally.
About the Young Innovators’ Programme
The Young Innovators’ Programme aims to encourage students to engage with science and innovation, providing them with a platform to showcase their ideas and projects. The initiative has gained substantial international recognition, attracting over 3,500 entries in the previous edition, including participants from countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, Denmark, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.
Structure of the Young Innovators’ Programme
The competition consists of three rounds, each designed to evaluate the participants’ innovative capabilities and scientific understanding.
Round 1: Abstract Submission
In the first round, teams are required to submit an abstract that outlines their scientific idea based on a theme of their choice. This submission must be made through the YIP portal (yip.iitkgp.ac.in) via a coordinating teacher. The deadline for submissions is November 30, 2025. Results will be announced on the website and communicated to the selected teams via email.
Round 2: Semifinals
The second round, which serves as the semifinals, is scheduled for January 3, 2026, at the IIT Kharagpur campus. Shortlisted teams will have the opportunity to display their prototypes, models, or charts. The registration fees for this round will be disclosed after the results of Round 1 are published.
Round 3: Finals
The finals are set to take place on January 4, 2026. In this round, the finalists will present their innovations to a jury through a detailed presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. The judging criteria will focus on several aspects, including:
- Scientific merit
- Feasibility
- Innovation
- Clarity of presentation
Participation Fees
To participate in the Young Innovators’ Programme, students are required to pay a participation fee based on their geographical location:
- Indian students: Rs 400 per participant
- Schools in SAARC nations (excluding India): USD 20 (approximately Rs 1800) per member
- Schools from non-SAARC countries: USD 30 (approximately Rs 2700) per member
It is important to note that the competition will advance to the second round only if at least 10 teams qualify from Round 1.
Conclusion
The Young Innovators’ Programme at IIT Kharagpur is an excellent opportunity for students to explore their scientific interests and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. With a structured approach to competition and a focus on creativity, this initiative encourages young minds to think critically and innovatively.
Note: For more information and updates, please visit the official YIP portal at yip.iitkgp.ac.in.
