The SEVA Innovation Challenge 2026 is offering students an opportunity to win prizes of up to Rs 10 lakh by developing solutions to problems in their communities. The Ministry of Education has extended the registration deadline for the SEVA First Innovation Challenge (SFIC) 2026 to November 6, giving educational institutions additional time to nominate participants and submit proposals.
The challenge was launched on September 25 at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, by Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi. It aims to encourage young innovators to identify local challenges and develop practical solutions that can be tested and implemented.
The South Zone edition covers Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
Who Can Apply? Three Participation Categories
The competition has three categories based on participants' educational backgrounds:
- Junior: Students from 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 innovations.
- Open: Undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with research scholars, can present demonstrated prototypes or pilot projects supported by an implementation plan.
Registration is institution-led. Individual students cannot register directly and must participate through their educational institutions.
How to Register for SEVA Innovation Challenge 2026
Institutions must complete the registration process through the official challenge portal.
- Visit https://sevafirst.mic.gov.in/.
- Select the institution registration option.
- Enter institutional details, including the UDISE or AISHE identification number, name and location.
- Provide the nominated coordinator's information.
- Verify the account using the eight-digit code sent to the institution's official email address.
- Once activated, the coordinator can nominate students and submit their entries.
Innovation Themes and Prize Money
Participants must submit ideas under one of five themes:
- Clean and Sustainable Bharat
- Prosperous Farmers, Prosperous Bharat
- Healthy and Inclusive Bharat
- Educated and Skilled Bharat
- Secure Bharat
Entries can follow either the Product and Technology track, covering devices, software and engineering solutions, or the Business Model and Governance track, focusing on service delivery, institutional processes and governance innovations.
The official portal lists the following prizes under each theme:
| First Prize | Rs 10 lakh |
| Second Prize | Rs 5 lakh |
| Third Prize | Rs 3 lakh |
Selected participants may also receive expert mentorship, laboratory access, incubation, pilot support and opportunities to connect with government bodies and industry.
How Will Entries Be Evaluated?
Submissions will be assessed on problem identification, originality, feasibility, cost, impact and scalability.
NITs and designated experts will conduct the initial screening and technical evaluation, followed by final selection at IISc Bengaluru.
The registration window closes on November 6, 2026. Institutions seeking clarification can also attend daily online orientation sessions scheduled from noon to 1 pm through the official portal.
Official Link: SEVA First Innovation Challenge Portal
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