Now students may give some novel and utilitarian solution for any existing societal problem, it may be new method, device or utility and for this they would be awarded. Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has announced Innovation Awards for School Children (CIASC) to support their scientific temperament and to encourage innovative spirit among them.

Students may send their original creative technological and design ideas in the form of proposal for the competition. Proposals can be submitted by a student or a group of students of any Indian school. Students of up to Class XII and below 18 years of age as on January 31, 2020 are eligible to apply. They can apply through the Principal or Head of the School.

The proposal would be categorized in groups such as Biotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, Electronics and Engineering device or design. However, design-based applications would be encouraged. The concept of the innovation should have been proved through a model, a prototype or an experimental data.

The proposal for CIASC Award 2020 should relate to innovations developed or published or exhibited during the period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. The applications for the award not exceeding 5000 words in English or Hindi with requisite drawings or photographs will be considered.

The write-up sent by the student must describe the subject matter in a problem-solution mode, highlighting the novel features of the innovation and its advantages. The awardees will be selected by a high level Award Selection Committee of CSIR. The decision of the Committee will be final. Award would be announced on or before September 26, 2020.

There are fifteen awards for the winners. Besides certificates, there are cash prizes also to be won. The first prize carries a cash award of Rs. 1,00,000 for one, two second prizes of Rs. 50,000 each, three third prizes of Rs. 30,000 each, four prizes for fourth rankers of Rs. 20,000 each, and five fifth prizes of Rs. 10,000 each.

CIASC award was initiated in the year 2002 on the occasion of the World Intellectual Property Day, which is celebrated throughout the world on April 26. CIASC is an annual national competition to harness the creative and innovative spirit of school children.

Composed by Jyoti Singh