The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with leading IT industry bodies, has officially announced the launch of the “National Schools ICT Champions” competition series for the year 2026. First established in 2009, this prestigious national event consolidates several flagship IT competitions under one major umbrella to foster technological innovation among both students and educators across Sri Lanka.
If you are a student eager to showcase your coding and tech skills, or a teacher developing creative digital solutions, this is your platform to shine.
Key Deadlines to Remember
- Registration Deadline: On or before June 30, 2026.
- Project Submission Deadline: On or before August 31, 2026.
⚠️ Important Note: Registration for all competitions must be completed strictly online via the official Ministry of Education website (www.moe.gov.lk). Late applications or submissions will be strictly rejected.
Overview of Competition Categories
The national tournament is divided into three main segments tailored for different groups:
1. National School Software Competition (NSSC)
Organized in partnership with the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL), this is an online, computer-based competitive programming tournament.
- Eligibility: * Group 1: Grades 6–11 (Ages 10–16).
- Group 2: Grades 12–13 (Ages 16–19).
- The Challenge: Competitors will face real-time problem-solving challenges using programming languages such as C, C++, Java, or C#. Basic knowledge of these languages is required.
- Structure: Preliminary rounds will be held at Zonal/Provincial levels. Top scorers will advance to the grand finale hosted at the University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC).
- How to Apply: Download the NSSC registration form online, get it certified by your School Principal, and upload the scanned copy while filling out your online application.
- Note: Multi-student group registrations on a single form are not permitted; every student from a school must register individually.
2. Young Computer Scientists (YCS) Competition
Organized alongside the Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS), this segment focuses on product creation and prototyping. Submissions can be done individually or in teams of up to 3 members.
- Categories: * Junior Division (Grades 6–9): Focuses on IoT, AI/Machine Learning, Robotics, Mobile/Computer Apps, and Interactive Websites.
- Senior Division (Grades 10–11 & 12–13): Explores advanced domains like Low-code/No-code platforms, Data Analytics, Immersive Reality (AR/VR/MR), and Web3 Tech.
- Open Category (Ages 13–19): Focuses on global challenges such as Clean Energy Solutions, Sustainable Consumption, and Next-Gen Software Development.
- How to Apply: Complete the online application form. Details regarding project links and uploading instructions will be sent directly to your registered email address.
3. “Creative Teachers” Competition
This unique category targets educators, recognizing that innovative teaching stems from innovative teachers. It is open to teachers in all government and government-approved private schools, as well as teacher-students currently pursuing Diplomas at National Colleges of Education (Vidyapeetha).
- Eligibility: * School Teachers (Category T)
- Vidyapeetha Teacher-Students (Category T/T)
- Submission Fields: Open category creations spanning IoT, AI, Robotics, Web Applications, Mobile Apps, or Desktop Applications.
- Submission Rules: Projects must be individual, original, and positive additions to the school ecosystem.
- How to Apply: Download the respective registration form (T or T/T), obtain the signature/certification of your Principal or College President, and upload the scan to the online portal.
- Project Submission: Completed software packages, user guides, and a detailed video demonstration of hardware/software operations must be emailed to
ict2026competition@gmail.comalong with the certified Entry Submission Form.
Evaluation and Recognition
All submitted projects across every category will undergo rigorous, independent evaluation by the expert panel at the University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC), whose decision remains final. Projects will be judged based on:
- Uniqueness and Originality
- Conceptual Presentation
- Functionality and Features
- Quality and Creative Presentation
Winners will be awarded National-Level Certificates and accolades at an official ceremony later in the year.
Need More Information?
For further clarifications, application downloads, and portal links, check out the official channels:
- Ministry of Education (ICT Branch): Visit www.moe.gov.lk or contact 011-2785821 /
ict2026competition@gmail.com. - CSSL (For NSSC): Visit www.cssl.lk or contact 011-2592762.
- FITIS (For YCS): Visit www.ycs.lk or contact 011-2577103 /
ycs@fitis.lk.
Don’t miss this massive opportunity to benchmark your IT skills at a national level. Head over to the MoE portal, download your forms, and start building today!
