Design for Bharat 2026: Free National Design Challenge by Ministry of Youth Affairs & MYBharat | Apply by Dec 9

Design for Bharat 2026: Free National Design Challenge for Indian Youth (Apply Now)

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYAS), through MYBharat, has launched Design for Bharat 2026, a national-level design competition for young Indians. This challenge is a part of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026, which will take place in January 2026.

The competition invites youth between 18 to 29 years of age to create innovative design solutions for real-life social, cultural, and economic challenges in India. Participation is completely free, and selected finalists will get national-level exposure, expert mentorship, and the opportunity to showcase their work in New Delhi.

Interested participants can apply through the official portal here: https://mybharat.gov.in/pages/design_home

About the Organizer

Design for Bharat is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYAS) under the Department of Youth Affairs, through the national youth platform MYBharat. The initiative aims to empower Indian youth through education, innovation, leadership, and participation in nation-building activities.

MYBharat works to bridge the opportunity gap by providing young people across India with platforms that help them transform ideas into real-world impact.

About Design for Bharat 2026

Design for Bharat is a national design challenge where young people use creativity, innovation, and problem-solving to address India’s most pressing challenges. The competition focuses on practical solutions that can create real change in society.

The goal is not just to test talent but to encourage young citizens to actively participate in shaping India’s future in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

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Theme for 2026: Duality (Dwividhta)

The theme for Design for Bharat 2026 is Duality, which represents the contrasts that define India today. These could be seen in areas like urban and rural development, technology and accessibility, growth and sustainability, or health and nutrition.

Participants are encouraged to explore these contrasts and design solutions that balance progress with inclusivity and responsibility.

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Categories for Submission

Participants must submit their project under one of the following seven categories: Health and Mental Wellness, Education and Learning, Connectivity and Transport, Agriculture, Sports and Hobbies, Safety and Protection, and Sustainability.

Each category reflects a major challenge faced by India today and provides an opportunity to create meaningful and impactful solutions.

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Who Can Participate?

The competition is open to Indian citizens who are currently enrolled in any college, university, or institute in India. The age limit is 18 to 29 years at the time of application.

Participants can apply either individually or in a group of up to three members. All team members must belong to the same institution. A certification letter from the institute is mandatory for submission.

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How to Submit Your Entry

To take part in Design for Bharat 2026, participants must submit their entry digitally through the official portal. Each submission should include a concept note of up to 500 words explaining the idea, its purpose, impact, and design approach.

Participants must also upload up to seven design posters in JPG or PDF format. These posters should visually explain the concept, working process, design prototype, and additional features such as sustainability and technology use.

A declaration confirming the originality of the work and permission for public display is mandatory.

Link to register in Design for Bharat programme: https://mybharat.gov.in/pages/design_home

Selection Process

The competition will be conducted in three stages. First, entries will be evaluated at the state level, and winners from each State and Union Territory will be selected. These state winners will then receive expert mentorship to refine their projects.

In the final stage, selected finalists will be invited to New Delhi to showcase their work at the national level during VBYLD 2026. The best designs will receive national recognition.

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Important Dates

The last date for registration and submission is 09 December 2025. State-level results will be announced by 17 December 2025. National-level mentoring and final showcase will take place in January 2026.

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What Do Participants Get?

Participants get the opportunity to receive expert mentorship, national-level exposure, and recognition from top institutions. Finalists will showcase their designs at a prestigious national platform and gain a strong portfolio advantage for future academic and professional opportunities.

More than prizes, this competition offers a powerful platform for young innovators to contribute to India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat 2047.

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Is There Any Registration Fee?

No. Participation in Design for Bharat 2026 is completely free of cost.

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Official Website & Application Link

All applications must be submitted through the official MYBharat portal:
https://mybharat.gov.in/pages/design_home