Rulebook · Abhyuthanam

The official rulebook

Everything below is the rulebook in full — the general rules for the day, then every event with its eligibility, participants, duration and rules. Scroll and read carefully before you register.

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General rules

Reporting and identity

Arrival, uniform and identity cards

—All schools are to report at the registration desk between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. The opening ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m.
—All students must be in school uniform, with no exceptions made.
—Students of all participating schools must carry their identity cards throughout the day.
—Students must be accompanied by a teacher at the registration desk.
—Participants are to reach their respective event venues 15 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time.
—Once inside the school campus, no student will be allowed to leave the campus.

Participation and eligibility

Who can compete and how many

—Students from classes 6 and above are allowed to participate.
—Each school shall participate with only one team in each event. No additional or substitute teams will be accepted for the same event.
—Students can take part in multiple events, provided the event times do not coincide.
—There should be at least 4 schools for any event to go ahead.
—Musical instruments and other requirements are to be brought by the participating schools.
—Each participating school is responsible for its own belongings.

Conduct and discipline

Behaviour, devices and social media

—Any misconduct on the part of students or vulgarity in any item will result in disqualification of the concerned school in that event.
—Participating teams may be disqualified if they do not adhere to the rules and regulations of a particular event.
—No uploading of photos, videos, comments or similar content on any social media platform regarding the performance of any school.
—Cell phones are allowed but are to be used only outside the venue.

Stage and backstage

Rules for stage events

—For stage events, only the choreographer will be allowed to be present during the performance. No other person is allowed backstage during that school's performance.
—No one should be present backstage unless they are part of the event.
—No requests to change event slots will be accepted from teachers or students on the day of the event.
—All schools must carry a backup of audio and video files on separate pen drives for the relevant events.
—The host school will accept only pen drives marked with the name of the school.
—Entry to the Silver Jubilee Hall is restricted to those with an entry pass.

Lists and documentation

What to submit and when

—Schools must bring two copies of the participants' list on the day of the event — one event-wise list and one complete list with classes.
—The same lists must be submitted to the host school 5 days prior to the event by e-mail.
—If required, changes to the submitted list can be made only with a forwarded letter from the Principal of the respective school at the time of registration on the day of the event.
—Schools must be represented by a teacher and a student representative in the Silver Jubilee Hall for both the opening and closing ceremonies.

Judging and results

Scoring, appeals and amendments

—The decision of the judges will be binding on all participants and shall not be questioned.
—The Best Three Schools will be decided on the basis of total points amassed.
—The host school reserves the right to amend these rules as necessary to ensure the safety, fairness and success of the event. Any amendment will be communicated to all participants in a timely and transparent manner.

Event rules

Performing Arts

Fusion Song

Swarangan Fusion — group song, Indo semi-classical

Eligibility: Classes 6–12. One team per school.
Participants: Team of 1–12
Duration: 3 + 5 minutes

Rules

◆The song must be Indo semi-classical (light classical, Raag-based Bollywood, Bhajan with a classical touch, Thumri-inspired songs).
◆Live singing only — no lip-syncing allowed.
◆Karaoke or instrumental tracks are not allowed.
◆Live instruments such as harmonium, tabla, keyboard, tanpura, violin and guitar are permitted.
◆Only the school-provided sound system and drum kit may be used — no personal mics.
◆Maximum 12 participants, of which a maximum of 8 may be vocalists; musicians are included in the 12.
◆All participants must be in school uniform.
◆No distracting props or background dancers — the focus must be on music and expression.
◆Proper aalap, taan or classical variation is encouraged.
◆Song selection must be approved by the organisers prior to the event.
◆Lyrics must be clean, culturally respectful and school-appropriate.
◆A teacher or accompanist cannot prompt lyrics during the performance.
◆A medley of songs is allowed.
◆The judges' decision is final.

Judging criteria

Vocal quality and pitch
Classical treatment (aalap, taan, variation)
Coordination with live musicians
Expression and stage presence
Adherence to time and format

Performing Arts

Eastern Dance

Nirtyadhara — different styles, one stage

Eligibility: Classes 6–12. One team per school.
Participants: Team of 1–12
Duration: 6 + 2 minutes

Rules

◆Every school can send one team.
◆The team consists of 10 + 2 members.
◆The performance should be classical, folk, western or fusion (a mix of styles).
◆Originality and creativity will be given high priority.
◆Use of recycled or eco-friendly materials is encouraged for props and costumes.
◆No harmful, non-biodegradable materials will be allowed.
◆The presentation should include a proper theme, storyline or concept.
◆Costumes, makeup and props must be appropriate, respectful and school-friendly.
◆The performance should not exceed the given time limit (6 minutes + 2 minutes setup).
◆Music must be pre-approved by the organisers.
◆The performance must be original and not copied from any source.
◆All participants must be brought by the participating school.
◆The decision of the judges will be final.

Judging criteria

Choreography and technique
Synchronisation
Theme and storytelling
Costume and presentation
Overall impact

Performing Arts

Western Dance

Velocity Vogue — walk with your own style

Eligibility: Classes 6–12. One team per school.
Participants: Team of 1–12
Duration: 5 + 2 minutes

Rules

◆Every school can send one team.
◆The team consists of 10 + 2 students.
◆The theme will be given on the spot.
◆The outfit must be original and not copied. Participants should bring their own costumes, makeup and props if required.
◆No harmful, non-biodegradable materials will be allowed.
◆The presentation should include a proper theme, storyline or concept.
◆The performance must be within the given time limit (5 minutes + 2 minutes setup).
◆Music must be pre-approved by the organisers.
◆The performance must be original and not copied from any source.
◆All participants must be brought by the participating school.
◆The decision of the judges will be final.

Judging criteria

Choreography and energy
Synchronisation
Interpretation of the on-the-spot theme
Styling and presentation
Overall impact

Technology

Coding

Codex Genesis — think, code, build, create

Eligibility: Classes 9–12. One team per school.
Participants: Team of 2–2
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Rules

◆Every school can send one team.
◆Every team must have two participants and compete as a team. Both members may discuss while solving.
◆Each team will be allotted one computer.
◆All problems must be attempted within the given time limit.
◆No use of AI tools or online compilers will be allowed.
◆No use of the internet, mobile phones or internet-enabled devices will be allowed.
◆Only the Java programming language is allowed.
◆The IDE to be used is BlueJ.

Judging criteria

Correctness of output
Logic and algorithm efficiency
Code readability and structure
Problems solved within time

Culinary

No Flame Cooking

Feast of Fantasy — cook, create, conquer

Eligibility: Classes 8–12. One team per school.
Participants: Team of 2–2
Duration: 45 minutes

Rules

◆Participants must prepare one vegetarian dish. Onions and garlic may be used.
◆Table cloth, cutlery, utensils and necessary ingredients must be brought by the participating school.
◆Pre-cooked items, intoxicating ingredients and ready mixes are not allowed.
◆Participants must wear gloves, cap, apron and mask.
◆Use of mobile phones is not permitted.
◆Electric appliances such as hand mixers, grinders, microwaves and blenders are not allowed.
◆No storage or refrigeration will be provided.
◆Processed ingredients are not allowed; boiled ingredients are permitted.
◆Cutting and peeling of fruits or vegetables must be done on the spot.
◆All types of chocolates and sauces are allowed.
◆All marination must be done on the spot.
◆Heating in any form is not permitted.
◆Any form of plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.
◆The dish must be original and related to the theme.

Judging criteria

Taste and flavour balance
Creativity and originality
Presentation and plating
Hygiene and discipline
Time management

Literary

Debate

Eloquentia — ideas, logic, impact

Eligibility: Classes 8–10. One team per school.
Participants: Team of 2–2
Duration: 4 + 3 minutes

Rules

◆Debate topics are announced sharp one hour prior to the commencement.
◆Each team has two participants: one for the motion and one against the motion.
◆Teams have a total of 4 minutes for speaking, with each speaker allocated 2 minutes.
◆Participants cannot use any written or printed material during their speeches.
◆Mobile phones, internet-enabled devices, books and any other reference material are strictly prohibited.
◆Participants must rely on general knowledge, reasoning, real-life examples and thought-provoking analysis.
◆A separate rebuttal round of a maximum of 3 minutes per team is included.
◆The moderator decides the number of questions per team; cross-questioning and follow-ups are not permitted.
◆The moderator's decision is final and binding.
◆Penalties, including disqualification, may be imposed for exceeding time limits, offensive language, personal attacks, irrelevant arguments or any behaviour that undermines the spirit of the debate.
◆The debate format follows the Oxford style.
◆Participants must maintain a respectful and professional attitude throughout.
◆The judges' decision is final and binding.

Judging criteria

Strength of argument
Evidence and reasoning
Rebuttal quality
Delivery and language
Time discipline

Environment

Green Project

Greenovate — small ideas, big impact

Eligibility: Classes 6–12. One team per school.
Participants: Team of 2–4
Duration: 2 hours

Rules

◆Every school can send one team.
◆Participants must have 2–4 members and work as a team.
◆The project should focus on an environmental issue and propose a creative, practical and sustainable solution.
◆Originality and innovation will be given high priority.
◆Use of recycled or eco-friendly materials is encouraged.
◆No harmful, non-biodegradable materials will be allowed.
◆The presentation should include a working model, demonstration or a well-prepared poster as instructed by the organisers.
◆The project must be original and not copied from any source.
◆All materials must be brought by the participating school.
◆The decision of the judges will be final.

Judging criteria

Environmental relevance
Originality and innovation
Feasibility of the solution
Use of sustainable materials
Presentation and clarity

Art

Kulo Painting

Heritage Hues — tradition in every stroke

Eligibility: Classes 6–12. One team per school.
Participants: Team of 2–2
Duration: 2 hours

Rules

◆Theme: My Bengal, My Pride.
◆Every school can send one team.
◆Participants must have 2 students and work as a team.
◆Participants must paint on the provided kulo (traditional bamboo winnowing tray).
◆The sub-theme will be given on the spot.
◆Use of recycled or eco-friendly materials is encouraged.
◆Participants must bring their own colours, brushes and other necessary materials.
◆No harmful, non-biodegradable materials will be allowed.
◆Originality and creativity will be given high priority.
◆The artwork must be original and not copied from any source.
◆The painting should reflect Indian heritage, culture and creativity.
◆The decision of the judges will be final.

Judging criteria

Interpretation of the theme
Originality and creativity
Use of colour and composition
Craftsmanship and finish
Cultural authenticity

Art

Calligraphy

Ink and Impulse — where words meet imagination

Eligibility: Classes 6–12. One team per school.
Participants: Team of 2–4
Duration: 2 hours

Rules

◆Every school can send one team.
◆Participants must have 2–4 members and work as a team.
◆The event is conducted in two segments: a creative writing round and an art round.
◆Originality and creativity will be given high priority.
◆Use of recycled or eco-friendly materials is encouraged.
◆No harmful, non-biodegradable materials will be allowed.
◆The presentation should include a proper theme, storyline or concept.
◆The work must be completed within the given time limit.
◆The work must be original and not copied from any source.
◆All materials must be brought by the participating school.
◆The decision of the judges will be final.

Judging criteria

Quality of writing
Letterform and stroke control
Visual composition
Originality of concept
Overall finish

Business

Brand Revival

Resurrection — dead to desired

Eligibility: Classes 11–12. One team per school.
Participants: Team of 2–3
Duration: 3–5 minutes

Rules

◆The brand is allotted to each participating school three days prior to the fest through a lottery by the host school.
◆Teams must identify the reasons for the brand's decline and develop a fresh target audience, positioning and value proposition.
◆Participants must resurrect the assigned brand for today's generation through innovative ideas.
◆The idea must clearly communicate why consumers should reconnect with the resurrected brand.
◆Participants may use PowerPoint presentations, props, posters, placards, interactive activities, mystery campaigns or other unconventional marketing techniques.
◆The idea should be creative, innovative, engaging and feasible, with emphasis on ideas rather than expensive resources.
◆The team is given a minimum of 3 minutes and a maximum of 5 minutes to present.
◆Both participants must be actively involved in the presentation.
◆The resurrected brand should retain a connection with its original identity while gaining a fresh, contemporary appeal.
◆All concepts, scripts, music and promotional material must be original. Plagiarism, use of AI or copying existing advertisements will lead to disqualification.
◆Use of hazardous materials, damage to property or any activity that may cause harm or discomfort is strictly prohibited.
◆Vulgar, offensive, discriminatory, political or religious content will lead to immediate disqualification.
◆Exceeding the allotted maximum time will result in deduction of marks.
◆Presentation files are to be submitted by all participating schools, with their school name mentioned, on the day of the event.

Judging criteria

Insight into the brand's decline
Originality of the revival idea
Feasibility and market fit
Presentation and persuasion
Team involvement and timing

Strategy

Chess

Strategic Symphony — every move matters

Eligibility: Classes 6–12. One team per school.
Participants: Team of 1–4
Duration: 5 rounds · 15 minutes per player

Rules

◆The tournament will be held in five rounds.
◆The tournament will be played as per F.I.D.E. Rapid Chess rules, with 15 minutes for each player and no increment.
◆Teams compete against each other in matches; players cannot swap or switch boards during the tournament.
◆The tournament is conducted by the appointed arbiters. Their decision on the interpretation of rules or any technical matter is final and binding.
◆Names must be submitted in board order.
◆There are no separate groups for boys and girls. All participants compete together.

Judging criteria

Match points across five rounds
Tie-break as per F.I.D.E. rapid rules
Board discipline and conduct