📌 Important Dates – Science Quest 2026
Last Date for Online Application Submission
Selected Students List Published on IIT Website
Science Camp – 10-Day Residential Programme
IIT Palakkad (Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad) is organising the 6th edition of its annual residential science camp — "Continuing the Journey with Valsa" — in memory of Late Prof. M. C. Valsakumar, former Professor of Physics and Dean of Students at IIT Palakkad. The camp is designed for Class XI Science students from Kerala and Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu. It aims to instil a spirit of inquiry, critical thinking, and love for science and mathematics in young students. Apply online before April 10, 2026 at squest.iitpkd.ac.in.
🏫
10 Days
Residential Science Camp
👨🎓
30
Students Selected
📅
May 18
Camp Start Date 2026
🆓
FREE
Food & Accommodation
💰
Stipend
+ Travel Allowance Provided
📝
Apr 10
Application Deadline
🔬 About the Camp – "Continuing the Journey with Valsa"
In Memory of Prof. M. C. Valsakumar (1952–2018)
Prof. M. C. Valsakumar — affectionately called "Valsa" — was born in Pinarayi, Kannur district, Kerala. An alumnus of Government Brennen College, Thalassery and the Department of Physics, University of Calicut, he completed his M.Sc. in 1975 with a gold medal. He then joined BARC Training School, Mumbai, and worked at IGCAR, Kalpakkam, retiring as an Outstanding Scientist and Head of Materials Physics Division in 2012.
He later joined IIT Palakkad in June 2015 as a Professor, where he served as Dean of Student Affairs until March 2018. Prof. Valsakumar published more than 160 research articles and guided numerous PhD students. His work on open quantum systems and statistical mechanics became landmarks in their respective fields.
Spreading his passion for science is IIT Palakkad's way of continuing the journey with him.
📋 Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Class | Must be currently studying in Class XI (Eleven) – at the time of applying |
| Stream | Must be enrolled in a Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Maths) |
| School Location | School must be in Kerala OR Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu |
| Application | Online application at squest.iitpkd.ac.in Must include scanned copy of 10th Standard mark list |
| Selection Document | Selected students must submit a Bonafide Certificate from their Principal (downloadable form from the portal) |
| No. of Seats | 30 students will be selected from across eligible schools |
⚠️ Note: Incomplete applications will NOT be considered. Ensure the scanned 10th mark list is attached before final submission. The last date is April 10, 2026 — no extensions expected.
🎁 Benefits & What Students Get
Free Food & Accommodation
Provided in IIT Palakkad's residential hostels (separate for boys and girls) inside the campus throughout the 10-day camp.
Stipend & Travel Allowance
Students will be awarded a small stipend and some travel allowance to cover journey expenses to and from the campus.
IIT Campus Experience
Live and learn at the beautiful IIT Palakkad campus at Kanjikode with full residential facilities and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Hands-on Lab Sessions
Scientific experiments and hands-on workshops in IIT laboratories — real exposure to university-level science.
Interactions with Researchers
Direct interaction with IIT Palakkad faculty and researchers across science, engineering, and mathematics.
Peer Network
Platform to interact with bright students from various parts of Kerala and Coimbatore — build lasting connections.
🔭 Camp Activities & Programme
The 10-day Science Quest camp is packed with diverse academic and interactive activities:
🧪 Lab Experiments
📐 Maths Workshops
⚛️ Physics Sessions
🔬 Science Lectures
💡 Demonstrations
🧩 Puzzles & Quizzes
🤖 Engineering Talks
👨🏫 Expert Sessions
🏕️ Campus Life
🧲 Interactive Exhibits
🌟 Researcher Interactions
📊 Science Projects
📍 Venue: IIT Palakkad Campus, Kanjikode, Palakkad, Kerala – 678 623
The campus is fully residential with separate hostels for boys and girls. Students must stay on campus for the entire duration of the camp (May 18–27, 2026).
The campus is fully residential with separate hostels for boys and girls. Students must stay on campus for the entire duration of the camp (May 18–27, 2026).
🖥️ How to Apply – Step by Step
1
Visit the official Science Quest portal: https://squest.iitpkd.ac.in/
2
Register / create a new account on the portal using a valid email address.
3
Fill in your personal details, school information, current class (XI), stream, and location (Kerala / Coimbatore).
4
Upload a scanned copy of your 10th Standard mark list as required. Ensure the scan is clear and legible.
5
Review and submit the application before the deadline: April 10, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
6
Check the IIT Palakkad website by April 21, 2026 for the list of selected students.
7
If selected, download the Bonafide Certificate form from the portal, get it signed and stamped by your School Principal, and submit it as instructed.
✅ Selection Process
| Stage | Details | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Application Review | Applications reviewed by IIT Palakkad faculty based on academic record, 10th marks, and science aptitude | After Apr 10 |
| 2. Selection List | 30 students shortlisted and list published on the IIT Palakkad official website | By Apr 21, 2026 |
| 3. Document Submission | Selected students submit Bonafide Certificate from Principal using the downloadable form | After Apr 21 |
| 4. Camp Participation | Selected 30 students attend the 10-day residential science camp at IIT Palakkad, Kanjikode | May 18–27, 2026 |
📞 Contact Information
Science Quest 2026 – Contact
📧 Email: sciencequest@iitpkd.ac.in
📞 Phone: 0491 – 2091410
🌐 Application Portal: squest.iitpkd.ac.in
🏫 Official Website: iitpkd.ac.in
📍 Address: IIT Palakkad, Kanjikode, Palakkad, Kerala – 678 623
⚠️ Important: This camp is completely FREE for selected students — no application fee, no tuition fee. Food, accommodation, stipend, and travel allowance are all provided by IIT Palakkad. Only 30 seats available — apply early and ensure your application is complete with 10th mark list attached.
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