New Delhi : The Indian Debating League (IDL) 5.0 concluded its annual edition season at IIT Delhi after conducting 10 days of state selections, 9 rounds of interstate matches, and two intensive Outrounds across 116 cities. As one of India’s few structured, circuit-based debating ecosystems for school students, this edition identified finalists across all three categories- Seniors (Tamil Nadu vs Karnataka), Middle (Haryana vs Odisha), and Junior (Rajasthan vs Andhra Pradesh). With adjudication led by some of the finest judges from the college circuit – hailing from institutes like IIT Delhi, Ashoka University, St. Stephen’s College, and SRCC – as well as seasoned professionals from organizations such as Deloitte and PwC India, each with over five years of competitive experience, the IIT Delhi finale tested students on argumentation, evidence, and clarity under pressure. A 90-minute deliberation across the closing rounds determined the winners, who will now represent India at the upcoming global tournaments – Harvard National High School Invitational Forensics Tournament and Annual Stanford Invitational.
Anjali Tiwary, Founder & CEO of the Indian Debating League, said: “IDL was built on a very simple belief- that Indian students, when trained in the right structure, can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best minds globally. We see this every year, but especially in 5.0. Students from different states, languages, and backgrounds came together and debated with a maturity that reflects global standards. Our long-term vision is to ensure that more Indian students reach prestigious international forums, including pathways linked to the Oxford, Cambridge Union. The discipline they learn here- listening, thinking, constructing, rebuilding arguments- is what makes that possible. Debate, when given the right space, shapes future leaders.”
While this edition of IDL celebrated its most successful national season, the league’s ambition runs far deeper: to prepare Indian students for rigorous global debating forums, including pathways to platforms such as the Oxford Union debates in March. IDL has created a model that mirrors international debating standards- multi-city circuits, calibrated motions, expert adjudication, and structured skill-building. This ecosystem ensures students don’t just win domestic rounds; they develop the intellectual discipline needed to participate confidently on the world’s most prestigious debating stages.
Rahul Shivshankar, Consulting Editor at Network 18, said: “Most people aren’t listening; they’re just waiting for their turn to speak. Real debate begins when you engage with the argument in front of you. What I saw at IDL was the willingness to listen, absorb, and respond with intent, and that is exactly what global debating demands.”
In the last few years, IDL finalists and alumni have increasingly found themselves participating in (and ofien winning at) global university-led tournaments, including those modelled on formats used at Oxford, Cambridge, and other leading institutions. IDL 5.0 strengthens this pipeline, giving young debaters the structure, coaching, and exposure required to operate at an international level.
Vikram Chandra, Founder & CEO of Editorji and former CEO of NDTV, commented: “What I witnessed at IDL 5.0 was extraordinary clarity and intellectual courage. These young debaters show that India is ready to take its place in global discourse. Debate teaches you to think before you speak- a skill that defines leadership.”
The winners of IDL 5.0 are:
● Seniors Grades 9 to 12: Team Tamil Nadu comprising students from KC High, NASR
● Middle Grades 6 to 8: Team Haryana comprising students from HIXS, The Shriram School, Pathways School Gurgaon
● Junior Grades 3 to 5: Team Rajasthan comprising students from Jayshree Periwal International School
Best Speakers were awarded to:
● Seniors : Aarav Mehta (New Delhi) ITL Public School
● Middle : Sia Bagaria (Haryana) Heritage International Xperiential School
● Junior : Rayesha Maheshwari(Rajasthan) Jayshree Periwal International School
With IDL 5.0 successfully concluded, preparations are underway for the upcoming international tournaments in Cambridge & Oxford Union debates in March 2026, where selected students will represent India on global stages. Schools and regional partners will now gear up for the next
cycle as the league expands into 100+new cities. The new season will focus on strengthening adjudication depth, widening access for schools, building a consistent pipeline of globally competitive debaters, and enabling more students to reach prestigious international platforms, including those linked to the Oxford Union- setting a strong foundation for a globally aligned debating ecosystem.
