Win up to Rs 10 lakh: Education Ministry's SEVA innovation challenge seeks young innovators

The Education Ministry is offering young innovators an opportunity to win up to Rs 10 lakh by showcasing their innovations. The challenge was announced in September by the Education Minister himself. Here are the details of the SEVA Innovation Challenge.New Delhi,Nov 2, 2026 14:57 ISTThe Ministry of Education has extended the registration deadline for the SEVA First Innovation Challenge (SFIC) 2026 to November 6, 2026. The announcement gives educational institutions additional time to nominate students and submit their innovation proposals through the official portal.The challenge was launched on September 25 at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, by Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi. It seeks to encourage young people to identify problems in their communities and develop solutions that can be tested and put into practice.The South Zone edition covers five states and three Union Territories: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.WHO CAN APPLY? THREE PARTICIPATION CATEGORIESThe competition has three levels:Junior: Students of Classes 6 to 12 can propose solutions to local problems. A working prototype is encouraged but not compulsory.Technical: Students enrolled in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics can submit engineering, fabrication, electronics and process-related solutions. Open: Undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with research scholars, can present demonstrated prototypes or pilot projects with a clear implementation plan.Importantly, registration is institution-led. Individual students cannot register directly.HOW TO REGISTERInstitutions must follow these steps:Visit the official website: https://sevafirst.mic.gov.in/.Select the institution registration option.Enter the institution's details, including its UDISE or AISHE identification number, name and location.Provide the nominated coordinator's details.Verify the account through the eight-digit code sent to the institution's official email address.Once the account is activated, the coordinator can nominate students and submit their entries.INNOVATION THEMESEntries must address one of five themes:Clean and Sustainable Bharat.Prosperous Farmers, Prosperous Bharat.Healthy and Inclusive Bharat.Educated and Skilled Bharat.Secure Bharat.The challenge also provides two tracks: Product and Technology, covering devices, software and engineering solutions; and Business Model and Governance, covering service delivery, institutional processes and governance innovations.The official portal lists the following awards under each theme:First prize: Rs 10 lakh.Second prize: Rs 5 lakh.Third prize: Rs 3 lakh.The initiative also provides selected participants with expert mentorship, laboratory facilities, incubation, pilot support and opportunities to connect with government bodies and industry.HOW WILL ENTRIES BE EVALUATED?Entries will be assessed on problem identification, originality, feasibility, cost, impact and scalability. NITs and designated experts will conduct screening, followed by technical evaluation and final selection at IISc Bengaluru.The submission window closes on November 6, 2026. Institutions seeking clarification can attend the daily online orientation sessions, scheduled from noon to 1 pm, through the official portal.- Ends