IRIS National Fair 2026
Register your research project
India's premier pre-collegiate science competition. Present original research, get mentored by scientists, and compete for a place on Team India at Regeneron ISEF 2027.
Registration is closed.
The 2026 registration window has ended. Please watch this space for the next cycle.
Frequently asked questions
Everything students usually ask before submitting a project.
What is the difference between a research synopsis and a research paper?
A research synopsis is a concise blueprint or plan submitted before starting a study, whereas a research paper is the complete, final document detailing the executed study and its findings.
| Feature | Research Synopsis | Research Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Stage | Written before or at the start of the research. | Written after the research and analysis are finished. |
| Purpose | Show what you plan to do and how, to secure approval or mentorship. | Share methods, results, and conclusions with the wider community. |
| Length | Short — ~650 to 1,250 words across six sections (abstract ~250 with a 300-word hard cap, intro 100–150, innovation 50–100, methodology 150–250, results 100–150, acknowledgement & references 50–100). | No strict word limit — aim for roughly 10 to 15 pages. |
| Core content | Objectives, research gap, proposed methodology, expected outcomes. | Introduction, literature review, detailed methodology, actual results, discussion, conclusion. |
Example — a project on low-cost water purification
Synopsis (before the study):“We aim to test whether adding a layer of activated charcoal to a UV-based low-cost water filter improves E. coli removal. We will build three filter variants, run each on contaminated water for 30 days, and compare colony counts. Expected outcome: the charcoal + UV variant reduces E. coliby more than 90%.”
Research paper (after the study): a full write-up including a literature review on point-of-use filtration, the exact build for each variant, 30 days of colony-count data with statistical tests, a discussion of an unexpected failure on day 12, and a conclusion recommending a two-stage charcoal + UV design for rural households.
Can I participate individually, or with a partner?
Both are allowed. When you create your project you can choose individual or team. A team may have one partner in addition to yourself; you will be asked for the partner's name, email, and school.
Which research categories can I enter?
We accept projects across 22 categories aligned with Regeneron ISEF — including Physics & Astronomy, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biomedical & Health Sciences, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Robotics & Intelligent Machines, Systems Software, Materials Science, and more. You will pick your category on the project form.
What do I need to submit for my project?
- Project title, category, and an abstract of roughly 250 words (300-word hard cap).
- A research synopsis (PDF).
- A research paper (PDF) — your full write-up.
- A YouTube video link (max 90 seconds, unlisted or public) presenting your project.
- Team details, if you are submitting with a partner.
Can I save my progress and finish the submission later?
Yes. The project form autosaves as you go, and you can come back to it any time before the deadline. Nothing is submitted for review until you click Submit.
Is the registration fee refundable?
No. The registration fee is non-refundable once payment is completed, including if a project is later withdrawn or not submitted before the deadline.
I still have a question — how do I get help?
Tap the green Need help? button at the bottom-right of any page to reach us on WhatsApp, or write to us at contact@exstemplar.com.