The country’s largest science talent search programme for school students has been announced for the 2025–26 academic year, offering participants an opportunity to showcase their knowledge, sharpen leadership skills, and compete for scholarships and training opportunities. The Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM) 2025–26 will be held across India, including in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, for students of classes VI to XI.
Organised jointly by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), the event will be conducted in a hybrid format using digital devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. The Science Centre at Sri Vijaya Puram, in collaboration with the state coordinator of VVM, will facilitate the examination locally.
The programme will be conducted in two levels. The first level, a school-level online examination, will be held between October 28 and November 2. For classes VI and VII, the exam will take place on October 28 and October 31; for classes VIII and IX, on October 29 and November 1; and for classes X and XI, on October 30 and November 2. Each test will run for 90 minutes and can be attempted between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the scheduled dates.
The second level, also a school-level online examination, is scheduled for November 19 and November 23, with a duration of 45 minutes. This level will involve all participating classes, from VI to XI. The flexibility in scheduling reflects the organisers’ attempt to accommodate students across diverse regions and institutions, including those in remote territories like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The talent hunt aims to promote a deeper understanding of science and technology while highlighting India’s contributions to the field. Participants will be tested not only on their knowledge of scientific concepts but also on their familiarity with the work of eminent Indian scientists. Additional components of the programme include hands-on activities designed to encourage practical learning, as well as modules intended to foster leadership qualities among students.
One of the key incentives for participants lies in the rewards on offer. National and zonal winners will be eligible for the Bhaskara Scholarship, providing financial support for their academic pursuits. In addition, they will undergo an internship-cum-training programme called SRIJAN, which will be conducted at leading research and development laboratories across the country. These opportunities are expected to provide students with exposure to advanced scientific environments, nurturing the next generation of innovators and researchers.
The programme’s emphasis on using digital platforms for examinations represents a continuation of the post-pandemic trend toward blended and technology-driven learning. For students in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, who often face limitations in access to specialised academic programmes, the online format ensures equitable participation alongside peers across the mainland.
Registration for the VVM 2025–26 is open until September 30. Students can register individually or through their schools by visiting the official website, https://vvm.org.in. The organisers have also provided helpline numbers to assist interested students and schools in completing the process.
Educationists view the VVM as more than a competition; they describe it as a national effort to encourage curiosity-driven learning and pride in India’s scientific heritage. The programme has grown steadily since its inception, drawing thousands of participants annually, and has been credited with sparking interest in science among students at an early age.
As the countdown to the October examinations begins, schools and parents in the islands are expected to encourage participation, seeing the programme as a valuable platform for academic growth and national recognition. For students, the VVM 2025–26 represents not only a test of knowledge but also a chance to gain exposure, win scholarships, and take their first steps into the world of research and innovation.
