DEBATE

Eligibility

• The competition is open to all recognized colleges and universities.
• There is no limit on the number of participants a college may send.
• 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.

Team Composition

• Each debating team shall consist of Three speakers:
  • First Speaker
  • Second Speaker
  • Third Speaker
• Teams must compete as a unit throughout the competition.
• No substitution of speakers will be allowed once the competition has commenced, except under exceptional circumstances and with prior approval of the organizing committee.

Debate Format

• The competition shall follow the Affirmative vs. Negative Team Format.
• Teams will be assigned 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

• 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 Affirmative Speaker shall define and interpret the motion.
• The First Negative Speaker may accept, challenge, or modify the definition provided by the Affirmative Team.
• Each team shall consist of three (3) speakers, and all three members must participate in the debate.
• Rebuttals are encouraged and form an essential part of the debate.
• The Third Speaker 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 must register a team of four (4) participants. Individual entries will not be accepted.
• Teams arriving after the reporting time may be disqualified at the discretion of the organizers.
• 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.

Faculty Incharge:

Tovika K Sumi (tovikasumi@tetsocollege.edu.in)

For Enquiries:

9362705471/8974809392/8798570921