Participate in National Competition
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) S.H.I.N.E. National-Level Competition invites students of Grades 9 to 12, studying in government, government-aided and private schools across India, to apply scientific thinking to real-world public health challenges. Aligned with India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the competition encourages scientific curiosity for public health solutions through the use of scientific literature, peer discussion, and observation.
“Igniting Scientific Curiosity Among Youth for a Viksit Bharat 2047”
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is encouraged to support research and ideation, but students are expected to develop and articulate their own arguments in the final submission.
Submission Steps
Step-by Step Guide to Participate in the National Competition 2026.
Eligibility
Grade Levels
School-going students enrolled in Grades 9 to 12.
School Types
Government, semi-government/government-aided, and private schools across India.
Entry Fee
There is no entry fee or charge for participation.
Submission Requirements
Each participant must identify one relevant public health challenge and propose solutions in line with existing evidence.
Students are encouraged to arrive at their research question through classroom or peer discussion and reading of digital and printed literature. They may also use AI tools to support this process, including developing or refining their research question and exploring potential solutions. Any use of AI must be transparently acknowledged in the submission.
The research question, challenge, and solutions must be presented in a two-page document containing the following sections:
Background
The identified problem – context-specific causes, root cause, health behaviours around the problem, past and present government and non-profit/for-profit efforts to address it, and reasons for its persistence.
Problem Identification
Why this public health problem was selected, and the steps taken to arrive at the research question.
Problem Statement
A statement of the public health problem, defining the gap between the current state and the desired goal.
Suggested Solutions
Up to three solutions for the identified problem, including novel ideas and/or personal actions the student would pursue or wants to see accomplished.
Pitch
A simple explanation of the problem and solutions for friends, peers, teachers, and parents, with minimal jargon.
Key Dates
Official National Launch
Closure of nominations & submissions at the portal
Announcement of results
Submission Guidelines
Format
A two-page document in PDF format. Illustrations, graphics, graphs, or flow charts may be included.
Language
Submissions may be made in English or any of the 22 Scheduled Languages of India.
How to Submit
A designated nodal person at each school will upload students' submissions, using the provided link on the ICMR S.H.I.N.E. web portal only.
The 22 Scheduled Languages of India:
Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu.
Evaluation
Submissions will first be screened and evaluated by an expert panel of scientists at ICMR institutes, who will assess compliance, core thinking, relevance of the research question, and critical thinking. ICMR Headquarters will then shortlist the top 100 entries, to be announced in November 2026.
| Evaluation Parameter | What Evaluators Look For |
|---|---|
| Scientific Thinking | Did you observe carefully and think through the problem logically? |
| Problem Identification | Why did you pick this problem, and how does it help your community improve its health? |
| Problem-Solution Narrative | Does your submission link the problem to the solution? |
| Simplicity of Pitch | Could anyone – not just an expert – understand your idea? |
Recognition of Efforts
Certificate of Participation
Every student who successfully submits an entry will receive a certificate of participation issued by ICMR.
Recognition of Winners
The top 100 winners will each receive a cash prize of ₹1,000 and a certificate from ICMR.
Bring your school to National stage
Submissions are made through a designated nodal officer at each school. Principals and science teachers can register now with their school’s UDISE code.
