Why in the news?

  • Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the Viksit Bharat Buildathon.

Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025

  • What is it?:
    • It is a nationwide innovation movement / school-level hackathon / challenge launched by the Government of India to promote creativity, problem solving and grassroots innovation among school students.
    • It aims to nurture innovation and problem-solving skills among school students in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
  • Organised by: Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog and AICTE.
  • Objectives:
    • Provide a national platform for showcasing young talent in line with NEP 2020 goals.
    • To inculcate a culture of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship among school children.
    • Encourage students to build prototypes and solutions around themes of self-reliance and inclusive growth.
    • Develop critical thinking and teamwork skills through structured competitions.
  • Features:
    • Student teams: Usually 5–7 students per team from grades/classes 6 to 12.
    • No limit on number of teams per school.
    • Mentorship and support: Schools will receive toolkits, videos, handbooks, resource materials via the official portal.
    • Special spotlight will be given to schools in aspirational districts, remote/tribal areas, ensuring inclusive participation.
  • Themes of the Buildathon:
    • Vocal for Local: Promoting indigenous ideas/products.
    • Atmanirbhar Bharat: Fostering self-reliance through innovation.
    • Swadeshi: Emphasis on traditional wisdom, sustainable practices.
    • Samriddhi: Solutions for holistic prosperity and well-being.
  • Significance:
    • Education & Skills: Advances the NEP 2020 vision of experiential learning.
      • Encourages hands-on, experiential learning- moving beyond rote knowledge to doing, tinkering, building.
    • Nation-building: Aligns student creativity with Viksit Bharat @ 2047 roadmap.
      • Aligns school-level innovation with national priorities like self-reliance, indigenous growth, local prosperity.
    • Innovation Ecosystem: Links schools with AIM, NITI Aayog and AICTE innovation frameworks.
      • Promotes student engagement & motivation in STEM / non-STEM fields, creativity, critical thinking.
      • Provides recognition & encouragement for young innovators, possibly fostering start-ups or further innovation pathways.
    • Social Impact: Encourages young minds to address real-world challenges in local communities.