The 2025 School Youth Ideathon (SYI) has opened for students nationwide. The program invites students from Classes 4 to 12 to submit entrepreneurial ideas. The Grand Finale is scheduled for December 19-20, 2025, at IIT Delhi.
Organized jointly by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council (MEPSC), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, SYI collaborates with the ThinkStartup Foundation. This year’s theme is “Nayi Soch Naya Bharat,” encouraging ideas reflecting a bold, self-reliant, and innovative India.
Key Dates and Participation
- Eligibility: Students from Classes 4 to 12.
- Reach: Open to students across India and Indian schools abroad.
- Submission Deadline: Idea submissions close on November 20, 2025 .
- Grand Finale: The top 125 teams will showcase their innovations at IIT Delhi on December 19-20, 2025 .
- Submission Platform: Ideas can be submitted atwww.YouthIdeathon.in.
Program Enhancements
This fifth edition introduces several new features designed to enhance the entrepreneurial experience for students:
CBSE Studio Pitch
Selected student teams will participate in a televised CBSE Studio Pitch. Here, they will present their ideas live to angel investors. Dr. Biswajit Saha, Director (Skill Education), CBSE, stated, “Youth Ideathon aims to encourage real-life entrepreneurial action. The Studio Pitch will bring students’ entrepreneurial journeys closer to the real world, inspiring them to scale their ideas.”
Entrepreneurial Quotient (EQ) Test
The program includes an Entrepreneurial Quotient (EQ) Test. This test assesses entrepreneurial dynamism among students at the school level. Col. Anil Pokhriyal, CEO, MEPSC, explained, “Insights from the EQ Test will help policymakers identify gaps and develop strategies to strengthen entrepreneurial education, preparing students for an AI-driven society.”
Mentoring and Faculty Development
The Top 500 teams will receive structured mentoring. This mentorship is provided by IIT alumni, coordinated through PanIIT Alumni India. Shivani Singh Kapoor, Founder of ThinkStartup Foundation, emphasized, “Youth Ideathon builds the nation through innovation. Every child should feel inspired to innovate for India’s future.”
Faculty Development Programs are also a core part of the Ideathon. Sanjeeva Shivesh, Program Director of SYI 2025, noted, “These programs equip teachers to become entrepreneurial mentors, fostering school environments where innovation and creativity thrive.”