CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27 for Classes 8 to 10: schools must register students by 30 October

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced the CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27 for students of Classes 8 to 10 in a circular (Acad-67/2026) dated 13 October 2026. The board says the challenge aims to build scientific temper, curiosity and problem-solving skills. It has two rounds, one in school and one between schools, and there is no fee for either round.

Dates

Dates	What happens
14 to 30 October 2026	Schools log in to the Science Challenge portal with their LOC credentials and enter the number of students taking Round 1
2 to 13 November 2026	CBSE releases the Round 1 paper and scoring key on 2 November, and schools hold the round in class
17 to 25 November 2026	Schools register six students for Round 2: the best two from each of Classes 8, 9 and 10
30 November to 4 December 2026 (tentative)	Round 2, a computer-based test run by CBSE on one day in this window. The exact date will be announced later

How Round 1 works

• The paper has short stimulus passages followed by multiple-choice questions, and the time limit is 60 minutes.
• CBSE calls it a "power and speed" test, so both accuracy and time count. Invigilators note the time each student hands in.
• Students with the most correct answers are picked first. If two students have the same score, the one who finished faster goes through.
• Only schools that complete Round 1 and register students for Round 2 can take part in the second stage.

Certificates

Every student who takes Round 2 gets an online participation certificate from CBSE, and the best performers get an appreciation certificate.

What to do now

Students cannot sign up on their own: the school has to register, and it must do so by 30 October. If you are in Class 8, 9 or 10 at a CBSE school, ask your science teacher this week whether the school is taking part. Because speed counts as much as accuracy, practise answering questions on reading passages and data within a time limit. Schools with questions can email [email protected] or call 011-43354916.

CareerBox News Desk — reporting on the Central Board of Secondary Education’s Circular No. Acad-67/2026 of 13 October 2026 on the CBSE Science Challenge 2026-27 and its Annexure 1. Official portal: cbseacademic.nic.in. Dates and eligibility change; confirm them on the official portal before you act.