11th India International Science Festival to Be Held in Chandigarh

The India International Science Festival (IISF) is India’s flagship science outreach initiative that brings together scientists, students, innovators, and the public. The 11th edition of IISF is scheduled from 6 to 9 December 2025 in Chandigarh, with the theme “Vigyan se Samruddhi: For Atma Nirbhar Bharat”. This festival aims not only to celebrate scientific achievements across the country but also to underscore India’s journey toward self‑reliance (Atma Nirbhar Bharat) through science and technology.

Background: The IISF Journey

• The IISF was first held in 2015 by Vijnana Bharati (Vibha) in collaboration with central government agencies.
• Since then, it has become an annual event (except for online modes during the pandemic) to foster scientific temper, promote innovation, and engage citizens with science.
• Over the years, IISF has expanded in scale and outreach, involving multiple ministries (Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, DBT, CSIR etc.) and attracting participation from schools, colleges, research institutes, startups, and the general public.
• This evolution illustrates the central government’s intention to make science not an exclusive domain but a collective national asset.

IISF‑2025: Key Details

Date, Venue & Theme

• Dates: 6–9 December 2025
• Venue: Chandigarh (to host the four‑day event)
• Theme: Vigyan se Samruddhi: For Atma Nirbhar Bharat — symbolizing science as a driver of prosperity and self‑reliance.

Focus Areas (Themes)

At the curtain‐raiser event, Minister of Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh said that IISF‑2025 will concentrate on five main themes, including,

• Science, Technology and Ecology of North‑West India & Himalayan Region
• Science for Society and Education
• Atmanirbhar Bharat through Science & Technology

Other thematic strands would integrate traditional knowledge systems with modern science to create unique strategies suited to India’s context.

Key Takeaways

• Dates & venue: 6–9 December 2025, Chandigarh
• Theme: Vigyan se Samruddhi: For Atma Nirbhar Bharat
• Key persons / bodies: Dr Jitendra Singh, ANRF
• Core ideas: democratization of research funding; integration of traditional and modern science