❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
Registration
How do I register?
Open the
Register page, fill in your details and your idea (minimum 50 words), and submit. Round 1 is free — there's no payment at registration. Your category is detected automatically from your date of birth.
Can I participate as a team?
Registration is individual (one Candidate ID per person), but the project behind your idea can be built by a team. The participant who registers is the point of contact and certificate holder. Mention your team in the idea summary.
Can I submit more than one idea?
Each participant submits one idea per round under their Candidate ID — pick the project you're most excited about and make it count. If your idea is declined, you're welcome to submit a fresh one for review.
Round 1
Is Round 1 free?
Yes, completely free. You only pay in Round 2 after your idea is approved.
What should I submit?
A clear idea summary (minimum 50 words) describing the problem you're solving, your proposed solution, the technology you'll use, and who benefits. A specific, descriptive project title helps too.
How are ideas evaluated?
Our committee reviews each idea for innovation, feasibility, real-world relevance, and clarity. Strong problem identification and originality stand out.
How will I know if my idea is approved?
You'll receive an email decision (typically within 2–3 working days). You can also check anytime on the
Idea Status page using your Candidate ID.
Round 2
Is payment required for Round 2?
Yes — a one-time registration fee applies once your idea is approved. It confirms your place and covers expert evaluation of your project. See the
Payment section for fees by category.
What do I need to do in Round 2?
After payment, submit your project before the deadline — your GitHub repository, a demo video, and project screenshots. Validated projects advance to Round 3 evaluation and earn an Online Verifiable Achievement Certificate.
What if I can't submit my project in time?
If you don't submit before the deadline, submit invalid content, or your project doesn't meet the criteria, you'll still receive a verifiable Participation Certificate in the same premium format. Validated projects instead receive the higher Achievement Certificate in Round 3.
Round 3
What project materials need to be submitted?
Your project, prototype, presentation, or proof of concept — submitted through your personal portal. You can build on GitHub (recommended) or share a presentation/PoC link.
Is a prototype mandatory?
No. A working prototype is great, but a presentation or proof of concept is also accepted. The goal is to demonstrate your idea clearly.
What certificate do I get in Round 3?
A validated project earns an Online Verifiable Achievement Certificate showing your evaluated level — Top 10, Top 20, Top 30, Top 50, Category Excellence or Special Recognition. It links to a public e-Verify page with your project, demo video, screenshots and GitHub repo.
How are finalists and final winners selected?
Validated projects are scored and ranked into levels (Top 50 → Top 30 → Top 20 → the Top 10 per category, who become Category Finalists). From each category's finalists, the judging panel selects the Top 3 winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd) on innovation, technical implementation, impact, and presentation.
Payment
What are the participation fees for each category?
School
— · College
— · Professionals/Startups/Researchers
— (Round 2 only). Round 1 is free. Full table in the
Payment section.
Are refunds available?
The Round 2 evaluation fee is one-time and non-refundable, as it covers expert evaluation and feedback. Round 1 costs nothing.
What payment methods are accepted?
Razorpay (cards, UPI, net banking, wallets) or scan-to-pay via UPI QR — all secured and PCI-DSS compliant.
Certificates
Who receives certificates?
Round 2 participants who don't submit a valid project receive a Participation Certificate. Participants whose project is validated receive an Online Verifiable Achievement Certificate showing their level (Top 10/20/30/50, Category Excellence or Special Recognition). The Top 3 winners per category also receive an Award Certificate.
How can I verify my certificate?
Every certificate has a unique ID and QR code. Scan or enter the ID on our verification portal to confirm authenticity instantly — internationally valid.
Will certificates be available in the participant portal?
Yes. Your certificates and status are accessible through the Participant Portal using your Candidate ID on the
Idea Status page.
Awards
How many winners are selected?
Each category has 3 winners — 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place — selected from that category's Top 10 Finalists.
What are the prizes and benefits?
The Top 10 per category are Finalists with a recognition badge on their certificate and e-Verify page. From them, the Top 3 winners per category receive a Winner Trophy, an Award Certificate, surprise gifts, and special recognition from the Innovation Awards Program. Additional prizes or sponsorship rewards may be announced at the ceremony.
When will winners be announced?
Winners are announced at the official results ceremony after Round 3 evaluation concludes. Finalists are notified by email beforehand.