Viksit Bharat Buildathon: 12 Crore Students to Compete for ₹1 Crore Prize, Registration Open Till October 6

The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with NITI Aayog and Atal Innovation Mission, has announced one of the biggest nationwide competitions for school students—the Viksit Bharat Buildathon Scheme. This ambitious initiative is designed for students from Class 6 to Class 12, aiming to nurture innovation, problem-solving, and creativity among the younger generation.

According to officials, nearly 12 crore schoolchildren across India will get an opportunity to participate in this mega event, with prize money worth ₹1 crore reserved for the winners. Registration for the program began on September 23, 2025, and will continue until October 6, 2025.

A Nationwide Hackathon to Shape Young Innovators

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan described the Buildathon as the largest-ever school hackathon to be held in the country. Organized across 1.5 lakh schools, it is expected to see participation from over 1 crore students.

Pradhan emphasized that this is not just a competition but a transformational platform for students. It offers them a chance to design, develop, and present prototypes under key national themes. He added that the program would not only hone students’ creativity but also contribute directly to India’s journey toward becoming a self-reliant and developed nation by 2047.

Four Key Themes to Guide Participation

Students will be required to submit their prototype ideas based on four important themes:

• Vocal for Local

• Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)

• Swadeshi (Indigenous Innovation)

• Samriddh Bharat (Prosperous India)

Through these themes, the government aims to inspire students to think locally while contributing to the broader vision of building a stronger, self-sufficient India.

The competition is open to students from nearly 6 lakh schools nationwide, ensuring inclusivity across urban and rural regions. Whether a student’s idea is small or large, the Buildathon offers a stage to showcase talent, design prototypes, and explore innovative solutions.

Key Dates and Participation Guidelines

The main event will be conducted on October 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, simultaneously across all participating schools. Students will then have from October 13 to October 31, 2025, to submit their entries.

Winners at the district, state, and national levels will be announced in January 2026. The recognition will be given across three tiers:

• 1,000 winners at the district level

• 100 winners at the state level

• 10 winners at the national level

In addition to awards and certificates, the winners will collectively share a ₹1 crore prize fund.

A Step Toward Viksit Bharat 2047

The Viksit Bharat Buildathon is closely aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which places emphasis on creativity, skill development, and practical learning. By encouraging students to engage in hands-on problem-solving, the initiative aims to equip them with the tools needed for future innovation.

More importantly, this program serves as a step forward in realizing the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”—a roadmap that envisions India as a fully developed nation by the country’s 100th year of independence.

Why This Matters for Students

For millions of schoolchildren, the Buildathon is more than just a contest. It represents:

• A chance to showcase creativity and innovation

• An opportunity to learn new skills relevant for the 21st century

• A platform to gain national recognition

• A contribution toward shaping India’s future

With massive participation expected, the initiative is being hailed as one of the largest student-driven innovation movements in India.