Criteria
- Institutions must choose one of the following three groups that best reflects their current stage of operation. This grouping helps ensure fair and relevant evaluation by the jury:
- Group A: Institutions & organisations that have completed at least 1 year and up to 5 years of educational or training operations in India (as of March 31, 2026) and have plans for further growth.
- Group B: Institutions & organisations that have completed more than 5 years and up to 10 years of educational or training operations in India (as of March 31, 2026). This includes individual institutions or groups under a parent organisation.
- Group C: Institutions & organisations that have completed over 10 years of educational or training operations in India (as of March 31, 2026). This includes large education groups under a parent brand.
- Group A: Institutions & organisations that have completed at least 1 year and up to 5 years of educational or training operations in India (as of March 31, 2026) and have plans for further growth.
- If applying in multiple segments (Foundational Years/K-12 Education/Higher Education & Skills) or different sub-categories, please submit separate forms with the relevant documents for each.
- Only institutions primarily engaged in education and/or training are eligible to apply.
- Employees and immediate family members of the Awards team, sponsors or partners are not eligible to participate. The Awards Organising Committee reserves the right to take appropriate measures to address any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest and to ensure a fair and impartial evaluation process.
- Institutions may apply individually or under their parent/sister organisation or group brand.
- Final eligibility will be decided by the IDA 2026 Organising Committee.
- Participation is subject to the terms and conditions available on https://awards.indiadidac.org
- Entries will only be accepted if all information provided is accurate and complete.
Judging Criteria:
The evaluation of entries takes place in three structured stages to ensure a fair and thorough selection process:
Round 1: Online Application & Shortlisting:
- Participants submit their entries through the online nomination form.
- Applications are reviewed to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria based on the information and documents provided.
- Eligible entries are then shortlisted for the next round.
Round 2: Online Jury Evaluation:
- A panel of 150+ experienced jury members review the shortlisted entries.
Each nomination is assessed by 5 to 7 jury members using the defined judging parameters. - Finalists are selected based on the weighted average scores from all jury evaluations.
Round 3: Grand Jury Selection:
- Finalists are reviewed by the Grand Jury, consisting of esteemed leaders from the global education, industry and skills sector.
- Entries are once again evaluated based on the judging criteria.
- Winners are chosen based on the final weighted average score.
This three-tiered judging process ensures a fair, transparent and high-quality evaluation to identify the most deserving winners. If the Jury determines that the evidence submitted is insufficient for evaluation, a physical campus visit may be scheduled for further assessment and validation.
The IDA Awards use 7 Judging parameters to evaluate the entries. The weightage for each parameter within an award segment/category varies according to the Award applied for:
- Documentation & Evidence: The submission should be supported by clear, credible and relevant evidence that validates the initiative, its implementation and outcomes. Documentary proof may include reports, data, policies, photographs, testimonials, MOUs, learners work, portfolios, projects, prototypes, communication material or other supporting documents.
- Intent: The submission should clearly articulate the educational need or challenge being addressed, its relevance and alignment with the chosen award category. It should demonstrate a well-defined purpose, expected outcomes and the value it creates for learners and the institution.
- Innovation: The initiative should demonstrate meaningful innovation through creative, pedagogical, technological or learner-centric approaches. Innovation should go beyond technology adoption and reflect improved learning experiences, engagement, inclusion, problem-solving and higher-order thinking, including impactful low-tech solutions.
- Implementation: The initiative should demonstrate effective planning, execution and institutional integration, with clear timelines, scale and measurable outputs. The jury will assess the extent to which the initiative is embedded into regular systems, practices and processes rather than being a one-time activity or pilot.
- Impact: The initiative should demonstrate measurable and meaningful outcomes for all relevant stakeholders, including learners, educators, parents, staff, institutions and the wider community, where applicable. Both qualitative and quantitative evidence of impact should be clearly presented.
- Sustainability: The initiative should demonstrate the ability to deliver long-term outcomes through continued institutional commitment, ownership and integration into regular practices, rather than relying on short-term efforts.
- Scalability & Replicability: The initiative should demonstrate the potential to be expanded, adapted or replicated across different contexts, institutions or learner groups. It should also show continuity and the ability to create long-term value beyond its original setting.