EcoQuest 2026
Climate, Economy & the Indian Future
A national essay competition asking India's young minds to interrogate the economics of climate change, sustainable policy, and the ecological commons of the subcontinent.
Registration closes 15 Mar 2026
Overview
A national essay competition asking India's young minds to interrogate the economics of climate change, sustainable policy, and the ecological commons of the subcontinent.
Eligibility
- ◆Indian residents or students of Indian origin
- ◆Ages 14 to 21 as on 1 January 2026
- ◆Enrolled in a recognised school, college or university
Categories
14–16 years
Junior Scholar
17–18 years
Senior Scholar
19–21 years
Collegiate
Timeline
Step 01
Registration Opens
01 Oct 2025
Step 02
Early Bird Ends
31 Jan 2026
Step 03
Registration Closes
15 Mar 2026
Step 04
Submission Deadline
15 Apr 2026
Step 05
Results Announced
20 Jun 2026
Judging Criteria
Creativity
20%Originality of framing and the courage of the argument.
Relevance to Real World Issues
20%Grounding in lived Indian contexts and current policy debates.
Data Analysis
20%Use of evidence, statistics, and primary or secondary research.
Policy Conclusions
20%Quality of proposed interventions and practical viability.
Insightful Interpretation
20%Depth of synthesis across disciplines and worldviews.
Prize Structure
Rank 01
Gold Medal
₹1,00,000
Rank 02
Silver Medal
₹60,000
Rank 03
Bronze Medal
₹40,000
Rank 04
Finalists (×10)
₹10,000 each