Education Minister Pralhad Joshi to Launch Seva First Innovation Challenge at IISc Bengaluru

Key facts

• Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi will inaugurate the Seva First Innovation Challenge (SFIC) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
• Registration for the event is open from September 25 to October 24, 2026, and the National Finale will be held in New Delhi from December 10 to 17, 2026.
• The Challenge covers five states — Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Keralam, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana — and three union territories — Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and Puducherry — with participants from schools, ITIs, polytechnics, colleges and universities.
• It has three participation levels: Junior (Class 6 to 12), Technical (ITI and polytechnic students) and Open (undergraduates, postgraduates and research scholars).
• The Challenge focuses on five national themes: Clean and Sustainable Bharat, Prosperous Farmers Prosperous Bharat, Healthy and Inclusive Bharat, Educated and Skilled Bharat, and Secure Bharat.
• The initiative is organised jointly by the Union Education Ministry, AICTE and UGC, with IISc Bengaluru as the nodal institute, supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.