1. INTRODUCTION

The Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre (RGSC) is mandated to promote Science and Technology among the population and to supplement school education using a non-formal approach. In this context, RGSC is launching the 11th edition of the Science Quest. The Science Quest 2026 is a project-based science competition that requires students to use Science and Technology in a systematic and innovative manner to address a problem that they face at school, at home or in the community.

2. AIMS & OBJECTIVES

The aim of the competition is to raise scientific awareness among students and encourage them to apply Science and Technology to make our life better.
– Encourage students to use Science and Technology and the scientific method in a constructive and innovative manner.
– Enable students to devise strategies to deal with a specific problem by working in a team.
– Give students an opportunity to develop their research, communication and problem solving skills.
– Develop creativity and innovation among young people.

3. TOPICS

Participants are free to choose any topic or theme for their projects as long as they use Science and Technology to improve their life at school, at home or in their locality. Students are encouraged to conduct scientific investigations, experiments, awareness campaigns, surveys and to construct models and prototypes.

4. WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

Students pursuing diverse academic paths are cordially invited to participate. The contest is open to secondary school students of Mauritius as follows:

•Category 1: Grade 7, 8 and 9
•Category 2: Grade 10 and 11
•Category 3: Grade 12 and 13

Participants should work in a team of FOUR students under the guidance of ONE Supervising Teacher/Mentor. Each school may submit a maximum of FOUR projects per category. Finalists should submit a project report to the RGSC, participate in an exhibition and make an oral presentation of not more than 5 minutes in front of the Jury members during the finals.

5. HOW TO PARTICIPATE?

STEP 1:  Deadline of Online Registration 16 February 2026.

Interested teams of four students have to register online:
Register: https://form.jotform.com/253062279430555

STEP 2: SCREENING AND NOMINATIONS (Mid – March 2026)
All entries will be screened by the jury and the best project proposals will be retained for the next stage. The nominees will be required to go ahead with the project to be presented during the finals. By 16 March 2026 RGSC will inform finalists of their selection.

STEP 3: WORK ON THE PROJECT (March- May 2026)
Participants of selected projects have to work on their project, write their project report and prepare for the exhibition.

STEP 4: DEADLINE FOR ONLINE SUBMISSION OF PROJECT REPORT (11 May 2026)

The project report is a brief of the project, maximum 10 pages A4 format, written in English or French. It should clearly state the problem under investigation, the purpose of the project, interpretation and conclusion.

STEP 5: FINAL AND PRIZE GIVING (26-28 May 2026)
Finalists will present their projects to the Jury and to the public through an exhibition. Participants should make an oral presentation of a maximum of 5 minutes and answer to queries from the judges. Each team will be provided with a display board of 1.2m x 1.2m and a table.

6. ASSESSMENT

The project report, the oral presentation and the display will be assessed by a panel of judges.
Project should be:
• Creative and Innovative
• Make appropriate use of Science & Technology
• Implemented or have the potential to be implemented at School/Community
• The decision of the Jury will be FINAL

7. PRIZES

All prizes are sponsored by Mauritius Commercial Bank:

8. ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE

Director
Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre,

Old Moka Road, Bell Village

Tel: 2132773, Fax: 2132726

Email: education@rgsctf.org       Website: rgsc.govmu.org

9. Downloadables:

Information Pack

Flyer

Poster

   Project Proposal Form