CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Seva First Innovation Challenge Offers Rs 5.4 Crore in Prizes; Know the Application Process
New Delhi. The Ministry of Education has launched the Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 (SFIC) to give students and young innovators an opportunity to turn their new ideas into real solutions. The initiative aims to encourage young people to develop practical, effective and scalable solutions to problems faced by society and ordinary citizens. A total prize amount of Rs 5.4 crore has been announced for the competition. Selected participants may also receive mentoring, technical support and opportunities to take their ideas forward.
Opportunity to participate in three categories: The competition allows participation at three levels. The junior category is for students from Classes 6 to 12. Students from ITIs and polytechnics can participate in the technical category. The open category is for participants pursuing higher education, including undergraduate, postgraduate and research scholars. Participants are expected to identify a real problem around them and present a solution. Useful ideas may be submitted in areas such as agriculture, health, environment, education, skill development, safety and sustainable development.
How much prize money will be given? In each category of the competition, the first prize has been fixed at Rs 10 lakh, the second prize at Rs 5 lakh and the third prize at Rs 3 lakh. Selected ideas may also get guidance from experts, support in developing laboratories or prototypes, and opportunities to connect with relevant institutions.
How to apply: Interested participants must first visit the official Seva First Innovation Challenge portal, sevafirst.mic.gov.in, and read the guidelines. The application process is conducted through institutions. Students should therefore contact the designated coordinator at their school, ITI, polytechnic or college. The institutional coordinator can register and forward the ideas of eligible students.
Before applying, it is important to check eligibility, project presentation requirements, necessary documents and the deadline. According to the official schedule, the prescribed period for registration and project submission is until October 24, 2026. To avoid last-minute technical problems, candidates should contact their institution in time.
A platform to turn innovation into solutions: The objective of the Seva First Innovation Challenge is not only to reward new ideas, but also to move useful solutions towards implementation in real life. Through this initiative, students will get an opportunity to understand society’s needs, develop creative thinking and give practical shape to their ideas.
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