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Schools may nominate up to eight projects, with one to five students per team.
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Science Fair 2026
The fourth Maharashtra Level Science Fair—not an exhibition, but a four-month research journey.
Maharashtra Science Fair Academy
The actual practice of science.
From September to December 2026, every registered team moves through framing a researchable question, expert concept review, building and testing, writing a formal research paper, and defending the work before an independent jury.
Instituted in 2023 and conducted by the Maharashtra Science Fair Academy, the Fair enters its fourth edition as the flagship academic component of Education Expo 2026. It is open to recognised schools in all eight districts of the Marathwada division.
Judging: 14–15 December 2026Award ceremony: 19 December · Education Expo 2026, Aam Khas Maidan, Aurangabad–Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
How it works
The journey, stage by stage.
Three stages of independent evaluation across one guided research journey—from the first idea to a public defence.
Present the idea
Teams submit concepts for expert review. Revised ideas may be resubmitted by 28 Sept.
Learn and build
Students and mentors join workshops, then develop and test projects with guided resources.
Write the paper
Teams submit a formal research paper in English, Urdu, or Marathi.
Face the jury
Teams complete synopsis, stall, and oral or PPT evaluations before an independent jury.
Award ceremony
Results and awards are presented at Education Expo 2026.
Categories & eligibility
For students across Marathwada.
Open to recognised schools in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Beed, Dharashiv, Nanded, Latur, Parbhani, and Hingoli. Mixed-class teams are grouped by their senior-most member.
Junior Researchers
4–8 page research paperRising Minds
6–12 page research paperFuture Scientists
8–16 page research paperEvaluation
Judged at three levels.
- 50% Synopsis and research work
- 25% Stall presentation before the jury
- 25% PPT or oral presentation
Each team receives seven minutes to present, followed by three minutes of questions from the jury.
Participation
What each school can enter.
- 8 projects maximum per school
- 1–5 students per project team
- 1 mentor per team; one teacher may guide all school projects
Each project receives one 2 ft × 6 ft table with cloth cover and four chairs. Electricity requires prior intimation by 23 November.
Why participate
Capacity that stays with the school.
Experiential, enquiry-based, and competency-based learning aligned with NEP 2020.
Four months of guided work
Students practise the full research process rather than preparing a model for a single exhibition day.
Britannica access
Every team and mentor receives complimentary access to Britannica's trusted, curriculum-aligned Research Library.
University guidance
MGM University supports project evaluation, the expert jury, and academic mentorship throughout the programme.
Recognition for everyone
Every school, student, and mentor receives recognition through trophies and official certificates.
Suggested themes
Start with a challenge that matters.
Projects are not restricted to these themes. They are starting points drawn from regional concerns and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Physical, Chemical & Engineering Sciences
- Life, Health & Human Sciences
- Environment, Earth, Water & Biodiversity
- Agriculture, Food, Energy & Sustainability
- AI, Robotics, Space & Future Technology
- Community, Smart Cities & Safety Science
Awards & recognition
Research, rigour, and teamwork recognised.
Winning-team certificates are issued jointly with MGM University and Britannica Education India.
First, Second & Third Prizes
A trophy and Certificate of Excellence are presented in each of the three groups.
Best Research Paper
Publication of outstanding work in the Academy's annual research compendium.
Britannica STEM Excellence Award
For rigorous research methodology and effective use of authoritative sources.
School Excellence Trophy
For the strongest overall institutional performance across all three groups.
Best Mentor Teacher
A Certificate of Honour presented during the official Award Ceremony.
Distinction & Merit
Certificates for every team achieving the prescribed scoring threshold.
Every participating school receives a Memorabilia Trophy, every student a Certificate of Participation, and every mentor teacher a Certificate of Appreciation.
Academic partner
Knowledge partner
Initiative by
Organiser
Knowledge partner
Trusted knowledge, made practical.
For more than 250 years, Britannica Education has been a trusted name in authoritative, expertly curated knowledge. Britannica Education India brings this legacy to the Fair, transforming trusted knowledge into accessible, practical tools that students and educators can use throughout their journey.
Every registered team and mentor teacher receives complimentary access, for the duration of the Fair, to the Britannica Research Library—trusted, fact-checked, curriculum-aligned reference content with adjustable reading levels and translation into more than 100 languages.
Britannica resource persons will also conduct engaging sessions for students and mentor teachers on effective research methodology, evaluating information, and the responsible use of authoritative sources.
Registration closes 14 September
Ready to begin the journey?
Registration is ₹500 per project and non-refundable. Read the official brochure for complete rules, dates, awards, and participation information.