Guidelines

• The short film must be between 1 to 5 minutes in length, including opening titles and end credits.
• Upload your film in the highest quality possible.
• Preferred formats:
  

  Video: H.264, MPEG-2, or MPEG-4.
  Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (letterboxed if needed)
  Resolution: Minimum 720p

• Your film must not violate copyright laws. The submitted film must be an original creation by the participant/team.
• Plagiarized or heavily borrowed content (script, video, music, narration) will lead to immediate disqualification.
• Use of open-source or royalty-free assets (e.g., music, footage, stock images) is allowed only with proper attribution.
• Content must be age-appropriate; avoid violence, inappropriate language, or sensitive topics.

AI Usage

Participants are allowed and encouraged to use AI tools in their filmmaking process. However, the following conditions must be followed:

Participants must not:

Submit unedited, fully AI-generated films (e.g., AI-generated scripts, visuals, voiceovers) without personal creative input.
Rely entirely on AI for scriptwriting, voiceovers, editing, or visual generation without understanding or artistic involvement.

Participants must:

List all AI tools used, including AI-powered features within commonly used software.
Clearly mention what content was AI-generated vs. human-made (e.g., script, narration, animation).
Be prepared to explain the creative use and role of AI during evaluations.

Category levels:

• Senior - 14-16 years (Born on or between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2011)

Requirements

- Final Film File (as per specs below).

- Duration: Minimum 1 minute (60 seconds) and maximum 5 minutes (300 seconds)
(includes titles and credits)
- Video Format: H.264, MPEG-2, or MPEG-4 preferred
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (letterboxed if necessary)
- Resolution: 720p minimum
- Script in PDF format.
- Concept Note / Director’s Note, a short write-up explaining your idea, theme, message, and creative process in script document.
- Behind-the-scenes clip or testimonial video (30–60 sec). (Optional)
-Subtitles, especially if the film uses regional languages or fast/unclear dialogue. (Optional)

Judging Criteria

Relevance of Theme (30%)
How effectively the film interprets and delivers the assigned theme.

Visual Composition / Cinematography (20%) Framing, camera movement, shot composition, and overall visual appeal.

Use of Audio Enhancements (20%)
Impactful use of sound design, music, and voice clarity.

Editing & Visual Enhancements (20%)
Pacing, transitions, use of effects, and smooth storytelling.

Meaningfulness / Replay Value (10%)
Emotional impact, depth of message, and ability to engage viewers repeatedly.

Guidelines

• Originality is key – Final designs must be your own work.
• If any copyrighted content is used, specifying credits are compulsory
• Participants must be ready to present the original software/vector/source files to the jury.
• Theme Compliance – Designs must follow the given theme or topic. Off-topic submissions will be disqualified.
• Plagiarism is strictly prohibited – Copying designs or using stock templates without modification may lead to disqualification.
• Respectful Content – Designs must not include offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content.
• Participants may use any of the following tools to create their design:
  a) Graphic Design Software (e.g., Corel Draw, GIMP, Krita, Canva, etc.)
  b) Drawing/Painting Software (e.g., Tux Paint, MS Paint, etc.)
  c) AI-generated Tools (must follow the AI usage policy below)
• 30-sec to 60-sec video of your final project/Explanation.
• Optional Submission 30-sec to 60-sec video of your learning/testimonial during Design Championship

AI Usage Policy

Participants are allowed and encouraged to use AI tools (like ChatGPT, Gemini, DALL·E, etc.) during Graphic Design. However, to ensure fairness and originality, the following rules must be followed:

Participants must NOT:

- Submit fully AI-generated artwork without your own edits.
- Use AI to write/create everything without understanding it.

Participants MUST:

- Use AI tools for idea generation only; fully AI-generated graphics are not allowed as final submissions.
- Clearly list all AI tools used during the design process.
- Explain which elements were AI-generated and which were designed by them.
- Be ready to explain how you used AI in your work.

Category levels:

• Beginner - 6-7 years (Born on or between August 1st, 2017 and July 31st, 2019)
• Junior - 8-10 years (Born on or between August 1, 2014 and July 31, 2017)
• Middle: 11–13 years (Born on or between August 1, 2011, and July 31, 2014)
• Senior - 14-16 years (Born on or between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2011)

Requirements

• Rendered Image: 1280×720, max. 2048×1080.
• Presentation: .PDF Format.
• Analysis of the theme.
• Concept sketches/Drawings (Mandatory).
• Proposed design (multiple angles – focus on details).
• Justification of how your design meets the problem/requirement.
• Implementation/Marketing Plan (how will you make your design reach the users).
• 30-sec to 60-sec video of your final project/Explanation.
• Optional Submission 30-sec to 60-sec video of your learning/testimonial during Design Championship

Judging Criteria:

- Design (15%)
- Idea (15%)
- Relevance to Theme (20%)
- Content (20%)
- Overall Visual Appeal(Colour Combination + Placement of Icons/Images/Text) (15%)
- WOW Factor (Originality & Creativity) (15%)

Requirements

• Submission must include:
  

  1. Source code files.
  2. Project documentation in PDF format .
  3. 30–60 second video explaining and demonstrating the project.

• Executable file/Browser application link (Offline/Online).
• Source code files.
• Presentation: .PDF Format.
• Analysis of the theme.
• Concept sketches and flowcharts.
• User Interface (if applicable) must be simple and easy to navigate.
• Projects must not violate copyright laws or contain plagiarized content.
• Code must be clean, well-structured, and commented where necessary.
• If any libraries, datasets, or external assets are used, proper credits must be mentioned.
• Proposed problem solution.
• Justification of how your solution meets the problem/requirement.
• Implementation (how will you make your solution reach the users).
• 30-sec to 60-sec video of your final Project/Explanation.
• Optional Submission 30-sec to 60-sec video of your learning/testimonial during Design Championship

AI Usage

Participants are allowed and encouraged to use AI tools (like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Gemini, etc.) during coding. However the following rules must be followed.

Participants must not -

- Submit unedited AI-generated content (e.g., code, logic, documentation, etc.) without personal modification or understanding.
- Rely entirely on AI for code, project pitch, or documentation without understanding or personal input.

Participants must -

- List all AI tools used (e.g., ChatGPT, Github Copilot, Gemini etc.)
- Clearly state what was AI-generated vs. self created.
- Be ready to explain the role of AI in their project during evaluations.

Category levels

• Beginner - 6-7 years (Born on or between August 1st, 2017 and July 31st, 2019)
• Junior - 8-10 years (Born on or between August 1, 2014 and July 31, 2017)
• Middle: 11–13 years (Born on or between August 1, 2011, and July 31, 2014)
• Senior - 14-16 years (Born on or between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2011)

Judging Criteria:

Creativity (20%):
Originality of the idea, Effective use of technology and tools.

Technical Quality (20%):
Correctness of syntax and code, Proper indentation and commenting, skill, Optimization.

Functionality (20%):
Successful working, flowchart, Code efficiency, Clarity of Logic.

Uniqueness (20%):
Unique coding techniques, Uniqueness of solution.

Relevance (20%):
Relevance to the problem statement, Relevance to latest trend and technologies in Coding.

---

New Guidelines

- App should solve a clear problem or enhance user experience.
- You must use platform features properly—working buttons, logical screen transitions, inputs/outputs, etc.
- The app must be built entirely by the students.
- If using a no-code or template-based tool, ensure customization and not just drag-and-drop visuals.
- If using block or text code, ensure your logic is clearly explained during your demo
- Apps should run properly on mobile devices ( or emulator).
- Avoid plagiarizing templates. Originality is important.
- Minimum 4–5 screens per app with working navigation.
- Must include:
- Landing Screen (Home/Welcome)
- Information or Action Screen.
- Interactive Element (like button, form, search, etc.).

AI Usage:

Participants are allowed and encouraged to use AI tools (like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Gemini, DALL·E, etc.) during app development. However, the following rules must be followed:
- Clarity & Disclosure : Clearly mention where and how AI was used (e.g., code suggestions, UI content, design ideas).
- Understanding is Mandatory : Participants must be able to explain the logic, purpose, and process behind any AI-generated component—whether it's code, text, or design.
- No Blind Copy-Paste : AI-generated output should be edited, customized, and integrated meaningfully.
- Ownership & Concept Mastery: Participants are expected to take full ownership of their projects. They must demonstrate clear understanding of all components, including those assisted by AI, and be able to explain how these elements contribute to the overall solution.

New Judging Criteria:

Problem-Solving & Theme Relevance : 20%
Does the app address a real-world problem and align with the given theme?

User Interface & Visual Design : 20%
Aesthetic appeal, design consistency, clarity of icons/text, and layout.

Technical Functionality & Execution : 20%
Proper working features, logical flow, and use of chosen platform capabilities.

User Experience (UX) : 20%
Ease of navigation, interaction design, responsiveness

Presentation & Communication: 20%
Clarity, confidence, structure, and storytelling in video/demo/documentation

Requirements

• For any tool-based app: Students must submit a document (Annexure - A) along with the .apk of their app.
• 30-sec to 60-sec video of your final Project/Explanation.
• Optional Submission 30-sec to 60-sec video of your learning/testimonial during Design Championship

Category levels

• Middle: 11–13 years (Born on or between August 1, 2011, and July 31, 2014)
• Senior - 14-16 years (Born on or between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2011)

(Team Size – Individual Participant or Max. 5 Members)

---

General Guidelines

- Entries must be submitted before the official submission deadline; late entries will not be accepted.
- Your project must be an original design created specifically for this competition. If you reference or use any third-party content (models, textures, music, AI prompts, etc.), full attribution and source links must be clearly mentioned.
- Your project must not violate any copyright laws or terms of use of any digital or creative content used.
- 30-sec to 60-sec video of your final project/Explanation.

AI Guidlines

AI Usage Policy:

- Idea Generation: Participants may use AI tools to brainstorm concepts, styles, narratives, or storyboards.
- Text-to-Image Tools: Allowed only for concept reference visuals.
- Scriptwriting/Planning: Use of AI for drafting project outlines, naming, documentation, or voice-over scripts is permitted.

Restricted AI Use:

- No AI-generated 3D modeling or sculpting (e.g., using tools that auto-generate or suggest 3D assets).
- No AI-enhanced renders or post-processing outputs that misrepresent manual effort.
- Use of AI to auto-generate the final design or animation content is strictly prohibited.

AI Disclosure Requirement:

- Participants must include an “AI Usage Log” in their PDF presentation detailing:The AI tools used (if any), Purpose of each tool (e.g., ideation, color scheme, reference image, etc.), Screenshots or prompts (if relevant)
- Entries without this log will be considered incomplete and may be disqualified.

Category levels:

• Middle: 11–13 years (Born on or between August 1, 2011, and July 31, 2014)
• Senior - 14-16 years (Born on or between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2011)

---

Requirements

• Rendered image with resolution: minimum 1280×720, maximum 2048×1080 (HD to Full HD), with atleast 3 images showcasing different angle of the output.
• A detailed presentation in PDF format, including: Project title & participant info, Theme analysis, Concept development, Proposed design, Design justification, Implementation / Marketing plan, AI Usage Log (if applicable), If no AI was used, state clearly: “This project was created without the use of AI tools.”
• A 30 to 60-second video showcasing and explaining the final design.
• An optional behind-the-scenes video (BTS) of the design process (max 90 seconds / 50MB), highly recommended for clarity and engagement.
• Learning/Testimonial video: Share your learning journey during the championship, Duration: 30 to 60 seconds.

Judging Criteria:

- Creativity (25%):
Original idea, smart use of technology, material innovation.

- Visual Appeal (20%):
Colors, proportions, harmony, use of lines & shapes.

- User Satisfaction (25%):
Meets the requirement, solves the problem, safe to use.

- Sustainability (20%):
Economical, reusable materials, low energy use, eco-friendly.

- Presentation (10%):
Clear process, well-structured presentation, logical flow.

Guidelines

- Projects made using CMS platforms like wordpress, wix, joomla etc. or readymade templates will not be acceptible
- You are required to submit a presentation of your solution to problem statement with a detailed design documentation, in PDF format only
- The entry submitted must be an original idea for Design Championship, provide references to prove the same.
- Although it is not mandatory, but it is advisable to showcase a video of your workflow (Thought process). Submit such videos of less than 90 sec duration or maximum 50mb in size.
- If any copyrighted content is used, specifying credits is compulsory.
- Your entry should not violate any terms and conditions of copyright issues. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
- Publishing website/webapps is not mandatory.
- 30-sec to 60-sec video of your final project/Explanation.

AI Usage

- Use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, etc.) for writing code is discouraged unless the participant can fully explain and justify the generated logic.
- Participants must be able to explain their code logic during the jury round. Failure to do so may lead to disqualification.
- Blind copying from AI tools or external sources is strictly prohibited.
- APIs can be used to fulfill certain functionalities.

- Front-end and/or back-end coding allowed using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python, MySQL, etc.
- Frameworks like React, Angular, Django, Bootstrap and JavaScript libraries like jQuery can be used.
- No template-based designs or copying existing codebases from public repositories.
- APIs can be used to fulfill certain functionalities.

Category levels:

• Middle: 11–13 years (Born on or between August 1, 2011, and July 31, 2014)
• Senior - 14-16 years (Born on or between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2011)

Requirements

• website/application project folder with source code files.
• Presentation: .PDF Format.
• Analysis of the theme.
• Concept documentaion and UI wireframes (if available).
• Implementation (how will you make your solution reach the users).
• 30-sec to 60-sec video of your final Project/Explanation.
• Optional Submission 30-sec to 60-sec video of your learning/testimonial during Design Championship

Judging Criteria:

Design and Creativity (20%):
Originality of the idea, Effective use of technology and tools, Responsive Design, Intuitive design and navigation, UI

Technical Quality (20%):
Correctness of syntax and code, Optimization, Accuracy of code structure, Adherence to copyright laws, ,Simplicity, readablity and easy maintenance of code

Functionality and content(20%):
Successful working, Browser compatibility, Effective navigation and working links, Effective use of multimedia content

Uniqueness and Innovation (20%):
Unique technologies, Uniqueness of solution, Innovative use of technology

Accessibility and Overall experience (20%):
Relevance to the problem statement, Relevance to lastest trend and technologies in Coding, UX