The Hindu's School Science Fest and Maths Olympiad will take place on September 9 in Mandya and September 11 in Mysuru, offering students a platform to showcase scientific curiosity and mathematical talent. The events are free of charge and feature cash prizes, trophies, and certificates for winners and participants alike.

  • Science Fest on Sep 9 in Mandya, Maths Olympiad on Sep 11 in Mysuru
  • Teams of two students (Classes 8‑10) must present cost‑effective ‘Make in India’ models
  • Winners receive cash awards, trophies and merit certificates

The Hindu in School Science Fest and Maths Olympiad 2026 (Ramanujam Spark Quest) will be staged at Gowri Shankara Kalyana Mantapa, Mandya on September 9 and at Leela Channiah Kalyana Mantapa, Mysuru on September 11. The twin events aim to nurture scientific inquiry and mathematical excellence among school‑age learners.

For the Science Fest, each school may register up to six teams – three in the Junior Category (Class 8) and three in the Senior Category (Classes 9‑10). Each team consists of two students and must report by 8:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Participants will demonstrate innovative, low‑cost working models aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Read Also:NEET PG 2026: NBEMS Dismisses Question Paper Leak Claims as Fake; Admit Cards Expected Soon

The Maths Olympiad allows each school to nominate five students from Classes 8‑10. Contestants answer 50 multiple‑choice questions in one hour – 30 science‑based (physics, chemistry, biology) and 20 mathematics/mental‑ability questions. Correct answers earn four marks; wrong answers incur a one‑mark penalty. In case of a tie, the mathematics/mental‑ability score serves as the tie‑breaker.

Cash prizes, trophies and merit certificates will be awarded to the overall winners, with runners‑up also receiving similar honors. All participants receive a certificate of participation. The event is proudly sponsored by Excellent Moodubidire.

Historical Background

Over the past five years, The Hindu has organized similar school‑level science and maths competitions across Karnataka, reaching more than 10,000 students. These events have consistently identified talent that later excelled at national and international science fairs.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such inter‑school competitions significantly boost STEM enrollment in Karnataka, narrowing the skill gap and aligning with India’s broader ‘Digital India’ agenda.

"These contests sharpen students' critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities," notes education expert Dr. Ajay Singh.
Did You Know?: The winning team from the 2025 Science Fest contributed a lightweight material later used in India’s satellite program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can my school register more than six teams for the Science Fest?
A: No, each school is limited to a maximum of six teams – three Junior and three Senior.

Q2: If I live in Mandya, can I compete in the Mysuru event?
A: No, the Mandya event is open only to students from Mandya district, and the Mysuru event is limited to Mysuru district students.