FIRST Tech Challenge India 2025-26 wraps with high energy robotics showdown in Gurugram

Soldering irons, code, and teenage engineers-FTC India 2025-26 turned robotics into a national sport. From regional battles to a global stage, student-built robots rolled into Gurugram, proving the next wave of innovators may still be in school labs

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The FIRST Tech Challenge India 2025-26 National Championship concluded at SGT University, Gurugram from February 6-8, 2026, bringing together more than 50 robotics teams, including international participants from the UAE and Sri Lanka.

Presented by Vishwakarma University, the event marked the finale of a nationwide robotics season that introduced a multi-regional qualifier format for the first time in India. The competition saw students aged 12-18 design, build, and program robots to compete in a tournament-style environment that blends engineering, strategy, and teamwork.

What FIRST Tech Challenge offers students

The competition is part of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a global nonprofit that aims to inspire young people to become science and technology leaders through mentor-based programs.

The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) focuses on students aged 12-18, who design and program industrial-style robots and compete in structured matches. Teams combine mechanical design, coding, and strategic gameplay while working under the program's core values of innovation, teamwork, and gracious professionalism.

Regional qualifiers create a national pathway

The 2025-26 season introduced multiple regional qualifier tournaments (QTs) across India, creating a clearer pathway to the national championship.