IRIS National Fair 2025 Eligibility Criteria, Registration Dates & Project Subjects
The IRIS National Fair 2025 (Initiative for Research and Innovation in Science) is India’s leading research-based science Olympiad, designed to encourage original STEM research, innovation, and problem-solving skills in students. Organized by the EXSTEMPLAR Education Linkers Foundation, the competition provides a platform for students to present their projects at national level and, for top winners, represent India at the prestigious Regeneron ISEF (USA). This guide covers IRIS registration deadlines, eligibility, categories, submission steps, and expert tips for aspiring participants.
IRIS National Fair Important Dates 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | Early September 2025 (Tentative) |
| Project Submission Deadline | Mid-November 2025 (Tentative) |
| Shortlisting Announcement | December 2025 (Tentative) |
| IRIS National Fair Finals | To be Announced (2025) |
IRIS National Fair Eligibility Criteria
- Students of Indian origin currently enrolled in schools in India
- Open to students from Class 5 to Class 12 (for academic year 2025–26)
- Projects may be submitted individually or as a team of two members maximum
- Entries must be original, STEM research or innovation projects, with distinct novelty or data-backed findings
IRIS National Fair Syllabus & Subjects
IRIS accepts research projects in 21 STEM categories. Choose a subject area matching your interest and current trends. Examples include Animal Sciences, Plant Sciences, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Robotics), Physics, Astronomy, Earth & Environmental Sciences, and Behavioral & Social Sciences.
- Animal Sciences
- Plant Sciences
- Chemistry (Pure & Applied)
- Computational Biology & Bioinformatics
- Engineering (Electrical/Civil/Robotics/Environmental)
- Physics and Astronomy
- Earth & Environmental Sciences
- Behavioral and Social Sciences
- And more (full list on the IRIS National Fair website)
For the most relevant and updated IRIS National Fair project categories and syllabus guidelines, see the official syllabus details published each cycle.
IRIS National Fair Exam Pattern
The IRIS National Fair differs from exam-based Olympiads by focusing on original STEM project submission and presentation. The entire process ensures objective, confidential, and expert-led evaluation of innovation and research skills.
IRIS National Fair Stage 1: Online Submission & Review
- Students (individually or in pairs) register online and submit a detailed project synopsis, with supporting evidence or experimental data.
- An expert panel (field scientists, educationists) reviews and scores each project on novelty, methodology, and impact.
- Shortlisted candidates are notified for the next stage (National Fair).
IRIS National Fair Stage 2: National-level Fair & Presentation
- Shortlisted students present their work (in person or virtually, as announced) before a scientific jury panel.
- Live Q&A and project demonstrations are evaluated for rigor, originality, and application.
- Top winners are selected for national awards and to represent India at Regeneron ISEF.
IRIS National Fair Registration Process
- Go to the IRIS National Fair portal when registration opens.
- Create a student/team account and fill the online application form with all required details.
- Upload your project synopsis, supporting data/visuals, and team details as per IRIS guidelines.
- Submit and note your registration confirmation for future reference.
IRIS National Fair Preparation Tips
- Start with a real-world problem or research idea and check its alignment with IRIS project categories.
- Review previous year winning projects for clarity of innovation, methodology, and presentation style.
- Attend IRIS online mentoring sessions, webinars, and take feedback from field experts.
- Practice explaining your project during Q&A, emphasizing novelty and data validation.
- Use sample project resources and solution PDFs available on the official IRIS portal for practice.
- Explore Olympiad research workshops from Vedantu for advanced support.
IRIS National Fair Details Mentioned in the Admit Card
- Participant’s name and unique registration ID
- Project title and subject category
- Fair venue details or virtual access links (as applicable)
- Presentation schedule/date and reporting instructions
- Contact helpdesk information for event queries
IRIS National Fair Results & Cut-Off Announcement
IRIS National Fair results (including the list of shortlisted and winning projects) are published officially on the IRIS National Fair website and social media channels after the judging rounds. Only the top national projects receive the Regeneron ISEF nomination; all finalists get certificates and national recognition.
What to Do After the IRIS National Fair Exam
- Check official result announcements and feedback on your project.
- Winners should prepare for mentorship, workshops, and ISEF competition formalities.
- Use the experience to further refine your research and apply to other science Olympiads such as the IJSO or SOF NSO for broader exposure.
- Stay connected with IRIS alumni and mentors for future opportunities.
This comprehensive IRIS National Fair 2025 guide explains all essentials—eligibility, project syllabus, important dates, registration steps, and what comes after results. Relying on official sources and expert insights, students can confidently prepare for India’s top science Olympiad and stay updated through verified links.
FAQs on IRIS National Fair 2025: Exam Guide, Eligibility & How to Apply
1. What is the IRIS Initiative for Research and Innovation in Science?
The IRIS Initiative for Research and Innovation in Science (IRIS National Fair) is India’s premier research-based Science Olympiad for Classes 5–12, where students submit and present original STEM research projects. Key features include:
- Organized by EXSTEMPLAR Education Linkers Foundation
- Winners and top finalists represent India at Regeneron ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) held in the USA
- Focus on innovation, scientific method, data analysis, and social relevance
- 21 official STEM project categories
2. Who is eligible for IRIS National Fair 2025?
Students eligible for IRIS National Fair 2025 must:
- Be of Indian origin and attend a school in India
- Be in Classes 5 to 12 during the 2025–26 academic year
- Apply as individuals or as a team of up to two students
- Submit an original research or innovation project following IRIS guidelines
3. What are the project categories and syllabus for IRIS National Fair?
IRIS National Fair features 21 STEM project categories, allowing students to submit innovative research topics in fields such as:
- Animal Sciences
- Plant Sciences
- Chemistry (Pure & Applied)
- Engineering (Electrical, Civil, Environmental, Robotics)
- Physics and Astronomy
- Earth & Environmental Sciences
- Behavioral and Social Sciences
- And more emerging science and technology areas
4. How can I register and submit a project for IRIS National Fair 2025?
To register and submit a project for IRIS National Fair 2025, follow these steps:
- Visit the official IRIS National Fair portal during the registration window (typically early September to mid-November).
- Create an account and enter your project and personal details.
- Upload a project synopsis along with supporting documents or research data.
- Await jury review for shortlisting and next steps.
5. What is the last date to register for the IRIS National Fair 2025?
The IRIS National Fair 2025 registration and project submission closes in mid-November 2025 (exact date to be announced). Registration typically opens in early September.
- Last date: Mid-November 2025
- Check the official website for updated information each year
6. How are projects judged at IRIS National Fair?
Projects at IRIS National Fair are judged by an esteemed panel of scientists and experts using the following criteria:
- Originality and innovation
- Scientific thought and method
- Thoroughness of research
- Skill and experimental design
- Data analysis and clarity of results
- Presentation and communication
7. What are the awards and opportunities for IRIS National Fair winners?
IRIS National Fair winners receive:
- National trophies, medals, and certificates for all finalists
- Nomination to Regeneron ISEF (USA) for top projects, representing India globally
- STEM mentorship and training workshops
- Opportunities for media coverage and research publication
8. Can I see previous year IRIS National Fair winning projects?
Yes, summaries and downloadable PDFs of previous winning projects are available on the IRIS National Fair official website. Example topics include:
- Heat Recovery System for LPG Stove
- Forest Fire Prediction Using Satellite Data
- Quantum Computing in Star Classification
9. What kind of support or mentoring is provided to IRIS students?
IRIS National Fair offers mentorship camps, webinars, and skill-building workshops to help students:
- Refine project ideas and research skills
- Improve communication and data presentation
- Prepare for fair interviews and Q&A
10. Is IRIS National Fair different from exam-based Science Olympiads like SOF NSO?
Yes, IRIS National Fair is a research-based competition, not an objective written test like SOF NSO or IJSO. Key differences:
- Focuses on original science research and innovation projects
- Assesses creativity, experimentation, and data analysis
- Provides opportunities for international representation (ISEF)
- Encourages presentation and critical thinking skills
