Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition 2026-27: Dates, Eligibility, Pattern and Registration
Are you ready to explore a world of unique experiments, exciting theories and incredible discoveries? The Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Spardha gives students the chance to discover the wonders of science and find their inner scientist. Since 1981, the Mumbai Science Teachers' Association (MSTA) has organised this competition to encourage students to take an interest in science, develop a scientific attitude and identify young scientific talent.
The exam is a good way to clear scientific concepts and build a strong foundation for future learning. Its wide syllabus tests your knowledge and pushes you further, and the early practice also supports later exams such as NEET and JEE. For the 2026-27 cycle, the written round is on 28 November 2026, and registration for this cycle has closed. This guide covers the schedule, syllabus, eligibility, registration steps, exam pattern, fees and results.
1.0About the Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition
The Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Spardha is a well-known competition conducted by MSTA since 1981. It aims to promote scientific thinking and knowledge among students of Std VI and Std IX in English and Marathi medium schools. The competition is open to students from all boards. Around 40,000 students from Maharashtra take the exam each year.
2.0Exam Schedule for the Dr. Homi Bhabha Competition 2026-27
Stay updated with the latest Dr Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition exam schedule. Mark your calendars and ensure you are fully prepared for the upcoming events.
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3.0Dr. Homi Bhabha Syllabus 2026-27
To maximise your chances of success in the DHBBC 2025-26, familiarise yourself with the syllabus thoroughly. Focus your study and preparation primarily on the Maharashtra State Board science textbooks, as most questions will be derived from these sources. Additionally, supplement your studies with content from ICSE, IB, and CBSE books to cover any extra material that may be included.
Questions will also cover general science knowledge and everyday scientific concepts. The table given below details the topics and subjects included in the competition.
4.0Eligibility Criteria for the Dr. Homi Bhabha Exam
The Dr Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition is organised exclusively for students in the 6th and 9th grades. Regardless of the educational board they belong to (SSC / CBSE / ICSE / IB, and more), students are invited to showcase their scientific prowess through a series of evaluations.
The competition evaluates participants based on their performance in three key components:
- A Written Test
- A Practical Test
- An interview
5.0Dr. Homi Bhabha Competition Registration
Students can register online, either through their school or individually. Semi-English section students can choose English or Marathi as their preferred medium, and the chosen medium stays the same for all later stages.
Note: Registration through private classes or academies is not allowed.
Registration for 2026-27 closed on 31 July (school) and 18 August 2026 (late school and individual). For the next cycle, expect registration to open around the same time, but confirm on msta.in.
Registration Through an Already Registered School
- Go to msta.in and click on the link to apply online for the Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition.
- Log in with your school login ID and password from the previous year.
- Update the school profile and select three preferred centres from the dropdown list. Click "Agree and Submit".
- Click "Pay Students Fees", enter the number of students and pay through the payment gateway.
- Order the official competition book if needed, specifying the number of books by standard and medium.
- After payment, log out and log back in after about half an hour.
- Click "Add Students" and add each student one by one, checking all details.
New School Registration
- Go to msta.in and open the application link.
- If your school was not registered last year, click "New School Registration".
- Fill in the school details accurately, without abbreviations or symbols, including the full postal address with pincode. Certificates are sent to this address.
- Select three preferred centres.
- Your login ID and password will appear on screen, and will be sent by SMS and email. Save them for later.
- Pay the fees and add the students one by one.
For each student, keep ready a passport-size photo (maximum 2 MB, in jpg, png or jpeg), the student's email address and the student's mobile number (WhatsApp). After adding the students, print the list and confirm the details. Editing is allowed until the last date of registration.
Individual Student Registration
- Go to msta.in and click "New Individual Registration".
- Enter your mobile number and verify it with the OTP.
- Fill in the student's details.
- Upload the student's passport-size photo and school bonafide certificate. The registration is incomplete without them.
- Order the official book if you want one. Courier charges apply for individual orders.
- Pay through the payment gateway.
- Look for the confirmation on screen, and by SMS and email. You can later log in with your mobile number and OTP to see your data and results.
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6.0The Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition Exam Pattern
Understand the exam pattern of the Homi Bhabha Competition to prepare effectively. Familiarize yourself with the exam's structure, duration, and marking scheme. This knowledge will help you strategize your approach and perform your best on competition day.
Find the latest exam pattern for the DHBBC competition below, and start preparing accordingly.
The competition is held in three phases.
Phase 1: Written Test (MCQ Round)
A 100-mark paper with multiple-choice questions on Physics, Chemistry and Biology, along with general science questions. Around 7.5% of students are selected for the practical round.
Phase 2: Practical Round
A test based on science experiments that students need to perform. According to the official about page, 30% of the written marks are considered, and the top 10% of students go to the next phase.
Phase 3: Interview and Action Research Report
A general interview and an evaluation of the student's action research report.
Understanding the structure helps you plan: build concepts for the MCQ round, practise real experiments for the practical round, and start your report early.
7.0Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Fee Structure 2026-27
The registration fees listed on the 2026-27 schedule are:
- English medium: Rs. 520 per student
- Marathi medium: Rs. 420 per student
- Late fee: Rs. 25 per student
Check msta.in for the fee that applies to individual registration and for the price of the official book, since these can change between cycles.
8.0Dr. Homi Bhabha Competition Result and Rewards
After the effort you put in, the results show how well you did. Keep checking the official website for updates. Key result dates for 2026-27 are 20 December 2026 for the MCQ round and 15 February 2027 for the practical round.
Rewards listed on the official about page for the final stage:
Schools can also win trophies, such as the Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Trophy for the maximum medals and the Vidnyan Jattha Trophy for maximum participation.
9.0How to Prepare Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition
- Read the school science textbooks carefully, including activities and diagrams
- Try simple experiments at home or school for the practical round
- Solve MCQs chapter by chapter, then take full 100-mark practice papers on a timer
- Read about everyday science and general science topics
- Practise explaining concepts aloud for the interview
- Choose a simple, observable topic for the action research report and begin early
