NCERT has extended the application deadline for PRAYAAS (Promotion of Research Attitude in Young And Aspiring Students) 2026-27 to August 10, 2026, giving Class 9, 10, and 11 students more time to submit research project proposals. According to a notice published on the official PRAYAAS page under NCERT’s Department of Education in Science and Mathematics (DESM), it applies to students who want to carry out a mentored STEAM research project this academic year. Students who are still working on their project ideas now have more time to finish and submit their proposals before the new deadline.
Key Facts: PRAYAAS 2026-27 Deadline Extension
- Scheme name: PRAYAAS — Promotion of Research Attitude in Young and Aspiring Students, 2026-27 cycle.
- Run by: NCERT’s Department of Education in Science and Mathematics (DESM).
- New deadline: applications now accepted till August 10, 2026, per the official extension notice on ncert.nic.in.
- Eligible students: students studying in Class 9, 10, or 11.
- Team structure: a maximum of two students plus one guide teacher, working with a mentor from a Higher Educational Institution (HEI).
- Focus area: research projects in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
- Where to check: the PRAYAAS Guidelines 2026-27 and the extension notice are both posted at ncert.nic.in/desm/prayaas.php.
What This Means for Students
PRAYAAS is not a one-day exam. It is a research programme where a small group of students works on a real-life problem with the guidance of a school teacher and an expert mentor. The team must prepare and submit a research project proposal. The extended deadline for the 2026–27 programme gives students more time to improve their project ideas, finalise their research topic, and find a guide teacher if they have not done so already.
Since every project also requires a mentor from a higher education institution (HEI), such as a college, university, or research institute, students should start reaching out to nearby institutions as soon as possible. Waiting until the last few days of the extended window leaves very little room to secure that mentorship.
Who Can Apply and What’s Required
Only students currently enrolled in Class 9, 10, or 11 are eligible to apply under PRAYAAS 2026-27. Each application represents a team, not an individual: up to two students working together, guided by one teacher from their school who is qualified to mentor a STEAM project, plus a supporting expert or faculty member from a Higher Educational Institution.
The project must be related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, or Mathematics (STEAM) and should focus on solving a real-world problem through research. It should involve original investigation and a research-based approach, rather than being a regular school assignment presented as a project.
How to Apply for PRAYAAS 2026-27
- Visit NCERT DESM PRAYAAS page at ncert.nic.in to download the PRAYAAS Guidelines 2026–27.
- Read the guidelines carefully, as they explain the application format, proposal requirements, and submission process.
- Prepare your research proposal according to the instructions given in the official document.
- Submit the proposal using the method and address mentioned in the current year’s guidelines.
- Always download the latest guidelines from the official NCERT website, as the application process may change slightly each year.
- Avoid using guideline documents shared on other websites or social media, as they may be outdated or incorrect.
PRAYAAS 2026-27 Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the new deadline for PRAYAAS 2026-27?
Ans. NCERT has extended the last date for submitting PRAYAAS 2026-27 applications to August 10, 2026, according to the official notice on ncert.nic.in.
Question: Who is eligible to apply for PRAYAAS 2026-27?
Ans. Students studying in Class 9, 10, or 11 are eligible, applying as a team of up to two students with one guide teacher and a mentor from a Higher Educational Institution.
Question: What kind of projects does PRAYAAS support?
Ans. PRAYAAS supports student research projects in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), focused on investigating a real problem and working toward a research-based solution.
Question: Where can I find the official PRAYAAS 2026-27 guidelines?
Ans. The Guidelines 2026-27 document and the deadline extension notice are both published on NCERT’s official DESM page at ncert.nic.in/desm/prayaas.php.
Question: Is PRAYAAS open to individual students or only teams?
Ans. PRAYAAS applications are submitted as a team — a maximum of two students working with one school guide teacher and one HEI mentor, not as individual entries.
What to Do Next
If you’re a Class 9, 10, or 11 student interested in a STEAM research project, download the PRAYAAS 2026-27 guidelines from ncert.nic.in now and start lining up a guide teacher and HEI mentor before the extended August 10 deadline. Don’t wait until the last few days — mentor availability is often the real bottleneck, not the paperwork. Check back here for updates if NCERT announces results or a further extension.