Thiruvananthapuram: As Kerala’s development narrative and social progress are set to be discussed and debated this year, the state government is launching a statewide quiz for school and college students centred on the same pet themes - Kerala’s renaissance movement and modern development achievements. The prize money is a whopping ₹16 lakh for six winners.

The ‘Vijnana Yathra -- Chief Minister’s Mega Quiz’ is set to begin on January 12, starting from the school level to the state level. According to a press statement, around 5 lakh students are expected to take part in the competitions. “The competition centres on Kerala’s vibrant history of social progress, the renaissance movement, and its modern developmental achievements,” it said.

Organised by the Information Public Relations Department (IPRD) in association with the departments of General Education and Higher Education, the initiative aims to instil social awareness and historical knowledge in the younger generation, it said.

Cash prize

The quiz carries substantial prize money across two categories. In the school category (Classes 8 to 12), the first prize is ₹5 lakh, followed by ₹3 lakh for second place and ₹2 lakh for third.

In the college and university category, the winner will receive ₹3 lakh, with ₹2 lakh and ₹1 lakh awarded for second and third places, respectively. All winners will also receive mementoes and certificates of merit.

Multi-tier competition
Designed to reach students across the state, the quiz will follow a multi-level format.

In the school category, rounds will be held at the school, educational district, revenue district and State levels. While the initial rounds will be individual-based, participants will compete in teams from the educational district level onwards.

In the college category, competitions will be conducted at the college, district and State levels, again moving from individual participation to team-based rounds culminating in the grand finale.

Every participant will receive an online participation certificate, while district-level winners will be recognised with mementoes and certificates.

From the district stage onward, the quiz will also open up to audience participation, with spot prizes for correct answers from spectators, making it a public-facing event rather than a closed competition.

More details and registration information are available at www.prd.kerala.gov.in.