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About the Tournament
The Harvard World Schools Debating Championship – Indian Qualifiers 2025, organised by the Indian Debating League in collaboration with the Harvard College Debating Union, is an in-person national tournament to select Team India for the Harvard WSDC 2026. Following the World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) format, this tournament offers students the opportunity to represent India on a global stage and compete at one of the world’s most prestigious debating forums.
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The Harvard World Schools Debating Championship – Indian Qualifiers 2025
Grades
6 to 12 std
Team Size
3–5 students (only 3 speakers per debate)
Rounds :
5 in rounds, 2 prepared and 3 impromptu
Speech time :
8 mins constructive speech and 4 mins of reply speech
Preparation time for Impromptu Rounds :
1 hour without access to any resources
Breaking Categories :
Open and Novice*
*Novice Criterion Has broken at fewer than two (ie. one or zero) World Schools or Parliamentary (British, American, Canadian, etc.) debate tournaments.
Breaking is defined as advancing to elimination rounds. Please reach out if you would like further clarification on this.
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What documents are required for registration?It's a self check in which means teams need to come on campus
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Can debaters from different institutions form cross-institutional teams?Yes, cross-institutional teams are permitted.
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Are independent teams allowed to register?Yes. Independent or open teams (not representing a specific institution) are welcome, provided they follow the required rules of participation
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What should I do if my teammate drops out after registration?Notify the organizing team immediately. They will attempt to replace the teammate or reassign you to another open team if possible.
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What are the eligibility criteria to register for the tournament?Participants must be high school students, typically in grades 7–12. Schools or independent teams must verify student status.
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Will registered participants receive a confirmation email or kit?Yes, upon registration and payment confirmation, participants will receive a welcome email, preparation resources, and an official tournament pack.
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Are there any training workshops prior to the tournament?Yes. There will be optional workshops and modules shared in advance on debate formats, POIs, and preparation techniques. (optional) Kindly refer to the details on Bootcamp tab.
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What is the last date for registration and payment?The final deadline is typically two weeks before the event. Exact dates will be communicated via official channels.
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What is the age or grade-level requirement for participants?Participants should be between the ages of 13 and 18 and enrolled in a secondary or senior secondary school.
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How do I register if I don’t have a complete team?You can register as an individual. The organizers will attempt to pair individual debaters into teams prior to the tournament.
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Can participants choose their roommates or request specific accommodations?Yes. Teams can request preferred roommates during registration. The organizing committee will try to honor requests.
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How will participants be allocated rooms if they opt for JPIS School stay?Participants will be allotted rooms on separate wings basis Gender with appropriate supervision and guidance on norms.
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Is transportation arranged from the hotel to the venue daily?Participants will be expected to cater to their own travel if they are not staying at JPIS Hostels.
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Are meals included in the accommodation package?Yes. Breakfast, Lunch and dinner at the JPIS venue are included in the participant package. These are included in the Room Charges of Rs. 2,000 per day.
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Are parents or guardians allowed to stay with participants in the same hotel?Yes, but they must make separate bookings at the Hotels. Guardian presence must be informed in advance for logistical reasons. Parents or Guardians are not allowed to stay at the JPIS School facility owing to prioritization of Outstation students.
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Are there medical facilities or emergency protocols in place at the accommodation?Yes. First-aid kits and emergency medical contacts will be available on-site and at hotels. A designated staff member will assist in emergencies.
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Is shared accommodation provided or are individual rooms available?Standard accommodation is quadruple sharing. Individual rooms may be requested at an additional cost and subject to availability.
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Where will participants be accommodated during the tournament?Participants will have the option to stay in JPIS provided they book early as there are limited rooms. They can also stay in 3- or 4-star hotels located within 20 to 35 minutes of the Jayshree Periwal International School.
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What time is check-in/check-out for the hotel stay?Check-in is typically after 2:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Early check-ins or late check-outs can be arranged by directly requesting the Hotels by the participant themselves.
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What type of hotels are provided and how far are they from the venue (JPIS)?Mid-range business hotels or boutique properties with reliable facilities will be used. Distance is typically under 10 to 20 kms from the venue.
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How long is each substantive speech and reply speech?Substantive speeches: 8 minutes each Reply speeches: 4 minutes each
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Will there be motion releases beforehand or are motions impromptu?A mix of prepared and impromptu motions will be used. Prepared motions will be released at least a week in advance.
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How many preliminary rounds will be conducted?There will be 5–6 preliminary rounds depending on final team registrations, followed by elimination rounds.
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Will feedback be given after each round?3.9 Will feedback be given after each round? Yes. Oral adjudication will be provided after every round unless time constraints apply (especially in elimination rounds).
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Can teams receive coaching or prep help during the rounds?Teams may be coached before rounds, but no external help is allowed during prep time for impromptu motions or during the round.
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Are Points of Information (POIs) allowed? If so, when?Yes. POIs can be offered between the 1st and 7th minute of substantive speeches only. Not allowed during reply speeches.
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How are teams seeded for elimination rounds?Teams are seeded based on win-loss ratio, speaker points, and strength of opposition.
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What is the debating format used in this tournament?The tournament follows the World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) format.
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Are there any penalties for exceeding time limits?Yes. Judges may deduct marks for speeches that significantly exceed the grace period after the timer ends.
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How many speakers per team are required in WSDC format?Each team must consist of 3 members, with 3 speaking per round
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Are there any scholarships or further debate opportunities available post-tournament?Yes. Top performers may be invited to international circuits, mentorships, or scholarships supported by partnering institutions.
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Will there be Harvard College World School Masterclasses or Workshops during the Mid August time frame at JPIS?Detailed Harvard College World School Masterclasses or Workshops are planned inperson from Mid Jun to Mid July across NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Jaipur. Refer to BootCamp Tab on Nav Bar.
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Is this tournament a prerequisite for participating in the Harvard Harvard College Worlds Schools Invitationals in the U.S.?Yes. This is a prerequisite to participating in the Harvard College Worlds Schools Invitationals at the Global tournament.
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Is this tournament an official qualifier or affiliated with Harvard Debate Council?This tournament is collaborative with Harvard-associated mentors and is direct qualifier for Harvard.
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Can students apply for letters of recommendation through this collaboration?Selected students may request recommendations from faculty/trainers based on merit and tournament conduct.
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Is there a follow-up visit to the U.S. as part of this tournament?Yes. The top 5 teams will be participating in the Harvard College Worlds Schools Invitationals at the Global tournament, representing Team India.
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Will any U.S.-based coaches or judges attend the tournament?Yes. Select international adjudicators, including Harvard alumni and trainers, will adjudicate and offer feedback. XXX
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Do students need to apply for a U.S. visa to attend this specific event?No. The Harvard College Worlds Schools Indian Invitational event takes place in Jayshree Periwal International School (Jaipur). A U.S. Visa is required for the Top 5 Teams that qualify for the So Harvard College Worlds Schools Invitationals.
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What are the benefits of the Harvard collaboration for students?Workshops, masterclasses, and exposure to Harvard alumni and faculty-style judging. It boosts global recognition of participant credentials.
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Is there a dress code for the tournament?Formal Western or Indian wear is encouraged for ceremonies; business casual or Western formals during debates.
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Will the event be live streamed or covered on social media?Yes. Select debates and ceremonies will be livestreamed and shared on official social media channels.
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Who can I contact for urgent help or clarification?Each team will be assigned a liaison officer (volunteer), and a helpline number will be shared prior to arrival.
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Are there awards for individual speakers?Yes. Best speaker, top 10 speakers, and reply speaker awards will be given along with team trophies.
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Will there be an opening and closing ceremony?Yes. A formal opening ceremony and prize distribution closing ceremony will be held with dignitaries and guest speakers.
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