DEBATE

Eligibility

• The competition is open to all recognized colleges and universities.
• Each participant must be a bona fide student of the institution he/she represents.
• Participants will be  required to produce a valid institutional identity card during registration.

Participants

• Each college or university may nominate only two (2) participants for the competition.
• Individual entries only will be accepted.
• Participants shall compete as individuals and not as representatives of a debating team.

Debate Format

• The competition shall follow the Affirmative vs. Negative Team Format.
• Teams will be formed by the organizing committee on the day of the competition.
• Participants will be assigned to either the Affirmative or Negative side through a draw of lots.
• The motion for the debate will be announced by the organizers.
• The decision of the organizers regarding team allocation and speaking order shall be final.

Speaking Order

Each debate shall consist of:

• First Affirmative Speaker
• First Negative Speaker
• Second Affirmative Speaker
• Second Negative Speaker
• Third Affirmative Speaker
• Third Negative Speaker

Time Allocation

• Each speaker will be allotted 10 minutes.
• A warning bell will be rung 30 seconds before the allotted time expires.
• Two bells will indicate the end of the allotted time.
• Speakers will be allowed a maximum grace period of 30 seconds to conclude.
• A continuous bell will indicate that the speaker has exceeded the permitted time and may incur penalties.

Language

• The medium of debate shall be English.
• Participants are expected to use clear, respectful, and appropriate language.

Judging Criteria
Participants will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Argument and Content - 50 Marks
• Presentation and Delivery - 30 Marks
• Structure and Organization - 20 Marks

Judges will consider:

• Quality and relevance of arguments
• Use of evidence and examples
• Rebuttal and refutation skills
• Clarity of expression
• Confidence and delivery
• Team coherence and consistency
• Time management

Competition Rules

• The first speaker on the Affirmative side shall define and interpret the motion.
• The first speaker on the Negative side may accept, challenge, or modify the definition provided by the Affirmative side.
• Teams shall be constituted by the organizing committee based on the number of registered participants.
• Participants are expected to cooperate effectively with their assigned teammates.
• Rebuttals are encouraged and form an essential part of the debate.
• The final speaker from each side shall focus primarily on rebuttal and summary of the team's case and shall not introduce substantial new arguments.
• Participants may use cue cards or brief notes during their speeches.
• Reading directly from a prepared script is discouraged.

Code of Conduct

• Participants shall maintain professionalism, courtesy, and respect throughout the event.
• Personal attacks, offensive remarks, discriminatory language, or disruptive behaviour will result in penalties or disqualification.
• Participants shall not interrupt speakers, adjudicators, or organizers.
• Any attempt to influence judges or disrupt proceedings will lead to immediate disqualification.

Registration

• Registration must be completed within the prescribed deadline.
• Each participating college or university may register only two (2) participants.
• Individual registration through the participant's institution is mandatory.
• Participants arriving after the reporting time may be disqualified at the discretion of the organizing committee.
• The organizing committee reserves the right to verify participant credentials.

Decision of the Judges

• The decision of the judges shall be final and binding.
• No appeal or protest regarding results shall be entertained.

Awards

Certificates and awards will be presented in the following categories:

1. Winner (individual): Cash Prize of 3k and Certificate
2. Runner-Up (individual): Cash Prize of 2k and Certificate
3. Participation Certificates

Faculty Incharge:

Tovika K Sumi (tovikasumi@tetsocollege.edu.in)
Haipenlo Magh (haipenlo@tetsocollege.edu.in)

For Enquiries:

9362705471/8974809392/8798570921