The Ministry of Education has extended the registration deadline for the Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026, allowing students more time to submit their ideas. The last date to register for the challenge is now November 6, 2026.
The initiative encourages young innovators to identify problems in their communities and develop practical solutions that can benefit society. Students can participate through their schools, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), polytechnics, colleges and universities.
The registration portal was launched on September 25, 2026. The challenge aims to promote innovation and help young people turn their ideas into solutions that can be tested and implemented. Students can submit their ideas on the official website sevafirst.mic.gov.in.
Who can participate?
The challenge has three participation levels:
- Junior: School students from Classes 6 to 12 can identify local problems and develop simple solutions or service-related ideas.
- Technical: ITI and polytechnic students can work on engineering, fabrication, electronics and process-related solutions.
- Open: Undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with research scholars, can submit prototypes or pilot projects.
Students can submit their ideas under five national themes: Swachh and Sustainable Bharat, Samriddh Annadata Samriddh Bharat, Swasth and Samavesh Bharat, Shikshit and Kaushal Bharat, and Surakshit Bharat.
How will entries be evaluated?
After registration closes, entries will be organised according to state, theme and participation level. The screening process by National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and designated technical institutions will begin on November 7.
Entries will be assessed on relevance, originality, feasibility, cost, impact, scalability and the quality of the proposed solution.
Shortlisted innovators and winners will receive expert mentorship, access to laboratories and fabrication facilities, incubation support and opportunities to test their ideas. Promising solutions may also receive support for further development and adoption by industry and government organisations.
Interested institutions can register through the official Seva First Innovation Challenge website sevafirst.mic.gov.in.
ALSO READ| UP Board Exam 2027 Window for Correction of Student Particulars Open Until Nov 12
ALSO READ| MeitY Launches DEPA Handbook To Support Safe Data Sharing For AI Training
ALSO READ| UGC NET December 2026: 9.75 Lakh Candidates Application Fees Paid, Correction Window Opens Today
