Seva First Innovation Challenge opens for school, ITI and college students in the south

The Seva First Innovation Challenge (SFIC) 2026 was launched at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru on 25 September. It is run by the Ministry of Education with AICTE and UGC, with IISc as the nodal institute, and asks young people to find a real problem around them and build a practical, affordable fix.

Who can take part

• Students from schools, ITIs, polytechnics, colleges and universities.
• This edition covers Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
• Three levels: Junior (Classes 6 to 12), Technical and Open.

The five themes

1. Clean and Sustainable Bharat
2. Prosperous Farmers, Prosperous Bharat
3. Healthy and Inclusive Bharat
4. Educated and Skilled Bharat
5. Secure Bharat

Dates

• Registration: 25 September to 24 October 2026.
• National finale: New Delhi, 10 to 17 December 2026.

Why it is worth entering

Selected teams are offered mentoring from academics and industry, access to labs and fabrication, testing support, incubation, seed and pilot funding, field trials and advice on protecting their intellectual property. For an ITI or polytechnic student, a shortlisted project with a working prototype is a stronger line on a CV than most certificates. Start with a problem you have seen yourself, such as a farm, a clinic or a bus stop, and describe who it hurts before you describe your solution.

Students outside these states cannot enter this edition; the launch announcement does not cover them.

CareerBox News Desk, reporting on the Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 launched by the Ministry of Education with IISc Bengaluru as nodal institute. Official portal: education.gov.in. Dates and eligibility change; confirm them on the official portal before you act.