Dharamshala: The Department of Education (DoE) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) successfully concluded the 9th CTA-Level STEM Exhibition 2026, held from 14–17 July at Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School. Over four days, 42 projects—selected from 139 submissions—were presented by students from 22 Tibetan secondary and senior secondary schools across India. The exhibition highlighted students’ scientific curiosity, creativity, environmental awareness, and practical, innovation-driven solutions using Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Held under the theme “STEM for a Developed and Self-Reliant India,” the event encouraged participants to apply scientific knowledge and engineering principles to contemporary social and environmental challenges. Exhibits were shortlisted according to National Council of Educational Research and Training evaluation guidelines. Participating institutions included five Tibetan Children’s Village schools, one Tibetan Homes Foundation school, and ten Sambhota Tibetan Schools Society schools. Each selected exhibit was presented by a student accompanied by a guide teacher.

Concurrently, students of Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School (Classes IV–VIII) displayed artworks through the Natural Science through Art (NSA) programme—an initiative of the Department of Education implemented across Tibetan schools. Inspired by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s Four Principal Commitments, the NSA programme promotes the integration of science and artistic expression while fostering responsibility, compassion, enthusiasm, and healthy living.

The exhibition was inaugurated on 14 July by Karma Choeying, Secretary of the Department of Education, CTA, as Chief Guest. Dr. Lalminthang Kipgen from NCERT attended as Guest of Honour. The inaugural ceremony was also attended by section heads from the Department of Education, the Education Director of the TCV Head Office, and the Director and Deputy Director of STSS.

To enrich the learning experience, the DoE organised an evening panel discussion on “STEM Education in Tibet before 1959,” presented by the Science Education Officer. The panel was followed by an interactive session where invited scientists and scholars shared their academic journeys, research experiences, career opportunities in STEM, and advice for aspiring young scientists—encouraging students to consider higher education and careers in scientific fields and spotlighting the growing contributions of Tibetan professionals to science.

On 15 July, the exhibition opened to the public in an official ceremony led by Tsering Dhundup, Director of STSS. Students and teachers from Upper TCV, TCV Suja, TCV Chauntra, TCV Gopalpur, Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School, and nearby monastic institutions visited the displays. Exhibitors confidently explained their projects to visitors, fostering an engaging environment that promoted scientific thinking and dialogue around practical solutions to contemporary problems.

That evening, Urgen Tenzin, Head of the Terminology Section, DoE, delivered an introductory session on Tibetan scientific and educational terminology. After the national-level evaluations were completed, the DoE hosted a dinner in honour of the judging panel and the NCERT representative. Commemorative mementoes were presented to each judge in appreciation of their guidance and contributions.

The valedictory ceremony on 17 July was graced by the Honourable Education Kalon Urgen Tenzin as Chief Guest, who was joined by the Director and Deputy Director of STSS and Jamyang Wangyal, Head of the Academic Section. Certificates were presented to all participating students and guide teachers in recognition of their dedication, creativity, and commitment to scientific learning. In his address, Education Kalon said that Tibetans have the ability to excel in STEM and urged the development of greater subject-specific expertise. He also emphasised that while pursuing modern education, students should preserve and draw on traditional knowledge.

Assisted by Urgen Choetso, Dorjee Wangdue, the Science Education Officer at the Department of Education announced that 13 outstanding exhibits will be forwarded to NCERT’s national selection committee for consideration at the upcoming national exhibition. Under Secretary Tsering Yangkeyi expressed vote of thank you to Mewoen Tsuglag Petoen School—the first STSS school to host a CTA-level STEM exhibition—for its warm hospitality, efficient organisation, and wholehearted support. She also thanked the organising committee, school staff, and the DoE team for their careful planning and collaborative effort, which ensured a smooth and successful event.

More than a display of models and experiments, the 9th CTA-Level STEM Exhibition 2026 served as a vibrant platform for nurturing creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and scientific inquiry among Tibetan students. The event strengthened partnerships among schools, educators, scientists, and institutions committed to advancing quality STEM education and reaffirmed the DoE’s dedication to promoting scientific temper, innovation, and environmental responsibility—fostering the next generation of Tibetan scientists, researchers, innovators, and leaders. The exhibition was successfully carried out with the generous funding of the U.S. Department of State (USDOS) Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) through The Tibet Fund.