NCSC – Tamil Nadu (State-Level National Children’s Science Congress)

What is NCSC?

The National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) is a science communication initiative by DST–NCSTC (launched in 1993) that encourages children aged 10–17 to undertake locally relevant science-based projects and present solutions . Tamil Nadu hosts a state-level event each year—evidenced by multiple instances, such as the 25th edition in 2017—followed by participation in the national Congress .

Eligibility & Themes

• Who Can Participate: Groups of students aged 10–17 (Class 5–12), either school-enrolled or out-of-school ncsc.co.in.

• Themes: Each biennial edition, including Tamil Nadu’s 2022–23 cycle, focuses on topics like health, biodiversity, and environmental restoration .

Structure & Process

1. Registration: Teams register online via the national portal with approval by district/state coordinators .

2. Project Work: Students identify local issues, design experiments or prototypes, gather data, and apply science to find solutions.

3. Presentation:

   • Conducted at district and state levels (e.g., 281 projects presented in 2017) .
   • State winners (Tamil Nadu selects ~150–200 finalists annually) present at the three-day state-level event, often hosted at universities like Sathyabama .

4. National Selection: Top projects advance to the National Congress (e.g., Gujarat Science City) .

Evaluation & Recognition

• Judging Focus: Innovation, scientific methodology, local relevance, presentation quality, and societal impact .

• Awards:

  • Certificates and trophies at district/state levels.
  • State winners qualify for the national event .

Preparation Cheat Sheet

Project Selection

• Choose real-life local issues (e.g., environmental cleanup, biodiversity, community health).
• Ensure the theme aligns with the current national/biennial theme.

Scientific Methodology

• Observation–Question–Hypothesis–Experiment–Data–Conclusion must be structured.
• Encourage hands-on experiments, fieldwork, and low-resource model-building.

Data & Documentation

• Use simple tools (probes, charts, local records).
• Keep detailed lab notes, photos/videos, and literature logs.

Presentation Skills

• Practice clear verbal explanations and engaging project displays.
• Prepare for interviews: judges often ask “why,” “how,” and “what next?”

Coordination

• Guide Support: Can be teachers or external mentors (not relatives) .
• Familiarize with online registration systems managed by the Chennai state office .

Rewards & Benefits

• State-level certificates, medals, and trophies, plus advancement to National NCSC .
• Networking opportunities with peers and scientists.
• Development of critical thinking, team collaboration, and scientific temperament.
• Recognition by Tamil Nadu Science Forum and Science City Chennai for top projects.

Quick Facts Table