SciAstra Foundation, in association with the IISc Biology Club (Naturalist), is offering students in Classes 9 to 12 an exciting opportunity to appear for the IISc Young Scientist Challenge 2026. This examination aims to identify talented students and provide them with expert guidance to build successful careers in science and research.
The exam will be held on August 23, 2026 in a home-based, proctored mode (online). Toppers will receive medals, certificates of excellence, and SciAstra mentorship to prepare for science entrance exams and careers. Learn all about the IISc Young Scientist Challenge 2026, including the exam date, schedule, mode, registration process, and other important details in this blog.
Note: If we receive a large number of registrations for the IISc Young Scientist Challenge 2026 exam, we will also conduct the exam on August 30, 2026.
IISc Young Scientist Challenge 2026
The IISc Young Scientist Challenge 2026, is a great opportunity for students to receive a structured roadmap and preparation materials for building careers in science, research and other relevant fields. It is trusted by the top research institute of the nation, IISc Bengaluru.
Therefore, students must register for this exam and leverage the benefits it offers them. Before registering for the exam, candidates must check all the important details about it as mentioned below.
IISc Young Scientist Challenge 2026: Overview
All the important details about the exam are mentioned below:
IISc Young Scientist Challenge 2026: Overview | |
Exam Conducting Bodies/Organisers |
|
Key Objectives |
|
Exam Date |
|
Exam Timings | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
Exam Mode | Online — Computer-Based Test (CBT), Proctored (Candidates will be able to take the exam from home using a laptop or desktop computer.) |
Registration Deadline | August 18, 2026 |
Registration Fee | INR 150 |
Registration Link | |
Eligibility | Students from Class 9 to 12 are eligible for the exam. |
Question Format | Single Correct (SCQ) + Multiple Correct (MCQ) + Numerical Type Marking scheme: No negative |
Categories | 6 independent categories: Class 9, 10, 11-PCM, 11-PCB, 12-PCM, 12-PCB |
IISc Young Scientist Challenge 2026: Eligibility for Participation
Students from Class 9 to Class 12 can register for the IISc Young Scientist Challenge 2026. Class 11 and Class 12 students must be from the science stream.
All the participants will be divided into the following categories:
Category | Class |
Category 1 | Class 9 |
Category 2 | Class 10 |
Category 3 | Class 11 PCM |
Category 4 | Class 11 PCB |
Category 5 | Class 12 PCM |
Category 6 | Class 12 PCB |
How to Register for the Exam?
To register for the IISc Young Scientist Challenge 2026, click on the link mentioned above, enter the required details and pay the registration fee of INR 150 online.
For the convenience of the aspirants, the registration link has also been provided below:
IISc Young Scientist Challenge 2026 (Direct Registration Link): Click Here
IISc Young Scientist Challenge 2026: Prizes
The top three performing students in each of the six categories mentioned above will receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.
Students who achieve a rank between 4 and 100 in each category will receive SciAstra Mentorship Level 1, which provides access to SciAstra’s mentor network and guidance for science entrance exam preparation.
Students who achieve a rank between 101 and 300 in each category will receive SciAstra Mentorship Level 2, which provides curated science career guidance.
The complete prize details are available below:
Rank Band | Benefit | Details |
Top 3 per category | Gold / Silver / Bronze Medal | Medal + Certificate of Excellence + Mentorship Level 1 |
Rank 4–100 per category | Mentorship — Level 1 | Certificate of Excellence + Priority access to SciAstra's mentor network (IISc, IIT, IISER researchers & faculty) |
Rank 101–300 per category | Mentorship — Level 2 | Certificate of Excellence + Curated science career guidance resources |
Top 10% per category | Merit Certificate | Issued jointly by SciAstra Foundation × IISc Biology Club |
All Participants | Certificate of Participation | Issued jointly by SciAstra Foundation × IISc Biology Club |
Note: All 18 medal winners will be felicitated at the IISc Campus, Bengaluru (tentatively the second week of September 2026), including a guided tour of the campus.
Why should students participate in the IISc Young Scientist Challenge 2026?
The IISc Young Scientist Challenge 2026 can be a useful pathway for students aiming to build a fulfilling career in science and research. It can provide them with the following benefits in pursuit of this goal:
Identify and evaluate your scientific aptitude.
Receive career guidance for science and research.
Get mentored by expert mentors from IISc, IITs, and IISERs.
Strengthen preparation for IAT, NEST, JEE, NEET, and Olympiads.
Earn national recognition through medals and certificates.
Build a strong academic profile for future opportunities.
Develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Compete with talented students from across India.
Explore diverse career opportunities in science and research.
Gain early exposure to the research ecosystem.
Visit the IISc Bengaluru campus (for medal winners).
Receive a structured roadmap for a career in science.
Learn from experienced mentors and researchers.
Boost confidence through healthy academic competition.
Take the exam conveniently from home.
Conclusion
The IISc Young Scientist Challenge 2026 is an excellent opportunity for Class 9–12 students to assess their scientific potential and receive expert mentorship and national recognition. Beyond awards, it will provide participants with the valuable guidance and exposure that can help students confidently pursue higher education and careers in science, research, and innovation.
