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ISDS Masterclasses
Registrations Open
Overview:
This four-part masterclass series is designed to broaden students’ understanding of key global policy challenges. Each 1.5-hour session explores a distinct theme – from economic development and resource politics to the limits of international institutions and the realities of 21st-century warfare.
Audience:
School students in Grades 8 – 12 studying in India
Timings:
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM IST
Cost:
For individual lectures: Rs. 1500/-
For a Set of 4: Rs. 5400/-
February 23rd | Mon
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM IST
Session 1:
Debt and Developing Economies
Description:
Students will be introduced to the role of public debt in developing economies, with a focus on why countries borrow, how debt is structured, and the political and economic consequences of debt crises. The session will examine the trade-offs governments face when balancing growth, welfare spending, and fiscal responsibility.
What you will learn:
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February 26th | Thu
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM IST
Session 2:
Resource Politics
Description:
Students will be introduced to the politics surrounding natural resources, with a focus on how control over resources shapes power, conflict, and development outcomes. The session explores why resource-rich countries often face instability and how governments manage competing domestic and international interests.
What you will learn:
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March 4th | Wed
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM IST
Session 3:
Modern Warfare – Combat in the 21st Century
Description:
Students will be introduced to how warfare has evolved in the 21st century, with a focus on non-traditional battlefields, new technologies, and changing actors. The session examines how modern conflicts blur the line between war and peace, and how states adapt their military strategies accordingly.
What you will learn:
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March 5th | Thu
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM IST
Session 4:
Why Global Governance Fails
Description:
Students will be introduced to the structures of global governance and the challenges they face in addressing international crises. The session focuses on why global institutions struggle with enforcement, coordination, and legitimacy, especially in an unequal international system, and will cover case studies of failure in climate, security, and humanitarian governance.
What you will learn:
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Registrations Closed
Overview:
This set of masterclasses aims to enhance the knowledge base of students participating in the selections process for the 2026 Indian National Squad. Each 1.5 hour lecture covers a different area of government policy and its implementation.
Audience:
School students in Grades 8 – 12
Timings:
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM IST
Cost:
For individual lectures: Rs. 1500/-
For a Set of 4: Rs. 5000/-
August 27th | Wed
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM IST
Session 1:
Labour Unions
Description:
Students will be introduced to the role and importance of labour unions, with a focus on collective bargaining rights and negotiations with governments
What you will learn:
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TBA
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM IST
Session 2:
Social Welfare
Description:
Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of social welfare policies, with a focus on factors that influence government implementation of these policies
What you will learn:
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September 8th | Mon
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM IST
Session 3:
War on Drugs
Description:
Students will be introduced to policy implementations surrounding drug control, with a focus on the social and economic consequences of Duterte’s war on drugs in the Philippines
What you will learn:
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September 13th | Sat
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM IST
Session 4:
Urban Development
Description:
Students will be introduced to the challenges of urbanisation and planning solutions implemented by governments in the global south, with a focus on policies implemented across cities in Africa
What you will learn:
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Overview:
The World Schools Debating Championship is the most prestigious high school debate competition in the world, where students get to represent their country. Get a clear, inside look at the ISDS National Selections — what it’s all about, the stages involved, and how to prepare for each step. In this free session, our Head of Training and Curriculum will share insights, practical strategies, and actionable steps to help you approach the selections with confidence and clarity.
Date / Time: August 19, 6:00 PM to 7:15 PM IST
Venue: Zoom – meeting link will be emailed post registration
Audience: School students in Grades 8 – 11
Cost per student: Free
Overview:
This six-session masterclass series by the Indian Schools Debating Society is designed to develop both the skills and knowledge essential to successful debating. The programme includes skill-focused sessions on argumentation, rebuttal, speech delivery, and policy construction, as well as knowledge-focused sessions on political systems and social justice movements. Sessions are delivered in two cohorts—beginner and intermediate—ensuring level-appropriate instruction. Led by experienced ISDS trainers, each session combines practical exercises, real-world examples, and personalised feedback to help students become confident, strategic, and well-informed debaters.
Registrations have closed. Please reach out to [email protected] should you still want to be considered.
Audience:
School students in grades 5 – 7
Cost per student: Rs. 8,500/-
June 9th | Mon
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 1:
Understanding Different Political Systems
Description:
Students will explore key political systems like democracy and authoritarianism through real-world examples. This session expands global awareness and helps students understand how power and governance shape society. By examining how different states operate, students will learn to apply political context effectively in debates.
What you will learn:
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June 11th | Wed
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 2:
Context and Policy Building in Debates
Description:
Students will learn how to create meaningful context and design strong policies to ground their side of the debate. This session focuses on building realistic, well-reasoned models that show how a motion would play out in the real world — a key skill for persuasive and strategic debating.
What you will learn:
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June 13th | Fri
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 3:
Argumentation I: Stakeholder Identification and Grouping
Description:
Students will learn how to identify key stakeholders in a debate and group them effectively to build stronger, more strategic arguments. By learning different techniques to analyze who is affected by a motion — and how — debaters will be able to construct impactful claims that prioritize important impacts.
What you will learn:
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June 16th | Mon
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 4:
Argumentation II: Analyzing Impacts
Description:
Students will learn how to deepen their arguments by clearly explaining the consequences of their ideas as arguments in debate. This session focuses on breaking down analysing impacts — why they matter, who they affect, and how severely — to make arguments more persuasive and comparative.
What you will learn:
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June 18th | Wed
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 5:
Fundamentals of Rebuttal
Description:
Students will develop the essential skills to listen critically and respond effectively to opposing arguments. This session teaches how to spot weaknesses, contradictions, and gaps in opponents’ speeches and craft clear, strategic rebuttals that undermine their case and strengthen your own.
What you will learn:
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June 20th | Fri
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 6:
Speech Practice
Description:
This session focuses on helping students refine the delivery of their speeches through structured practice and trainer-led feedback. Students will learn how to speak with clarity, confidence, and control — combining content with performance to maximize impact in a debate round. Each student will receive personalized feedback from trainers to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
What you will learn:
|
Overview:
This six-session masterclass series by the Indian Schools Debating Society is designed to develop both the skills and knowledge essential to successful debating. The programme includes skill-focused sessions on argumentation, rebuttal, speech delivery, and policy construction, as well as knowledge-focused sessions on political systems and social justice movements. Sessions are delivered in two cohorts—beginner and intermediate—ensuring level-appropriate instruction. Led by experienced ISDS trainers, each session combines practical exercises, real-world examples, and personalised feedback to help students become confident, strategic, and well-informed debaters.
Registrations have closed. Please reach out to [email protected] should you still want to be considered.
Audience:
School students from grade 8 – 12
Cost per student: Rs. 8,500/-
June 10th | Tue
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 1:
Social Justice Movements
Description:
Students will explore the history, structure, and impact of major social justice movements around the world. This session will help debaters understand how these movements emerge, what drives them, and how they shape public discourse and policy. By examining real-world examples, students will learn to engage with debates on activism, protest, and systemic change with greater depth and nuance.
What you will learn:
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June 12th | Thu
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 2:
Context and Policy Building in Debates
Description:
Students will learn how to create meaningful context and design strong policies to ground their side of the debate. This session focuses on building realistic, well-reasoned models that show how a motion would play out in the real world — a key skill for persuasive and strategic debating.
What you will learn:
|
June 17th | Tue
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 3:
Argumentation I: Building Practical Outcomes
Description:
Students will learn how to construct arguments that are not just logical, but grounded in real-world consequences. This session focuses on identifying key stakeholders in a debate, grouping them effectively, and analyzing how they are affected. By learning to break down the idea and anlayze it as an argument, students will build arguments that are practical, strategic, and persuasive — essential skills for competitive debating.
What you will learn:
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June 19th | Thu
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 4:
Argumentation II: Building Moral Justifications
Description:
Students will learn how to craft arguments rooted in moral reasoning, a core skill for principle-based and value-driven debates. This session focuses on identifying the underlying ethical frameworks that support an argument, and explaining why certain actions or policies are justified — not just effective. By building strong moral justifications, students will be able to engage with motions on a deeper, more persuasive level.
What you will learn:
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June 24th | Tue
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 5:
Fundamentals of Rebuttal
Description:
Students will develop the essential skills to listen critically and respond effectively to opposing arguments. This session teaches how to spot weaknesses, contradictions, and gaps in opponents’ speeches and craft clear, strategic rebuttals that undermine their case and strengthen your own.
What you will learn:
|
June 26th | Thu
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 6:
Speech Practice
Description:
This session focuses on helping students refine the delivery of their speeches through structured practice and trainer-led feedback. Students will learn how to speak with clarity, confidence, and control — combining content with performance to maximize impact in a debate round. Each student will receive personalized feedback from trainers to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
What you will learn:
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Overview:
This series of masterclasses will be delivered over four 1:45 hour long sessions for the students from grades 8 onwards studying in India.
Audience:
School students from grade 8 onwards
Cost per student:
Per Class: Rs. 1,200/-
For 4 Classes: Rs. 4,320/-
March 24th | Mon
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 1:
Fundamentals of the Criminal Justice System
Description:
Students will be introduced to the basics of the criminal justice system and related debate topics
What you will learn:
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March 26th | Wed
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 2:
Fundamentals of Economic Policy
Description:
Students will be introduced to the key factors in implementing economic and fiscal decisions, outlining the role of governments and central banks in doing so
What you will learn:
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March 28th | Fri
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 3:
Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Description:
Students will be introduced to the latest developments in AI and technology and regulations surrounding the same
What you will learn:
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March 31st | Mon
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 4:
International Relations: The Middle East Right Now
Description:
Students will get an overview of recent political events in the middle east, and the interaction between different players
What you will learn:
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Overview:
Our Junior masterclass series is a starter kit for young minds to start their journey in the world of debating. Designed for students in grades 5-7, this series of 4 masterclasses introduces students to the core skills required to research, prepare, and deliver argumentative speeches.
Audience:
School students in grades 5 – 7
Cost per student:
Per Class: Rs. 1,200/-
For 4 Classes: Rs. 4,320/-
March 6th | Thu
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 1:
Setting up Debates
Description:
Students will learn how to simplify complex terms in a debate and apply real world knowledge to speeches
What you will learn:
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March 13th | Thu
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 2:
Fundamentals of Argumentation
Description:
Students will learn to substantiate opinions using logic, and explain real life implications of government policies
What you will learn:
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March 20th | Thu
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 3:
Fundamentals of Rebuttal
Description:
Students will learn to identify flaws in their opponents speech and deliver strategic responses
What you will learn:
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March 27th | Thu
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 4:
Making your Speech Stylistic
Description:
Students will learn how to integrate various verbal and non verbal elements of public speaking to connect with the audience, and increase the impact of their speeches
What you will learn:
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Overview:
This series of masterclasses will be delivered over eight 1:45 hour long sessions for the students from grades 7 – 12 studying in India.
Audience:
School students in grades 7 to 12
Cost per student:
For the 8 Class Package: Rs. 8,640/-
For Individual Lectures: Rs. 1,200/-
August 8th | Thursday
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
| Session 1: Generating and Constructing Arguments |
August 15th | Thursday
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
| Session 2: Crafting Pointed Rebuttal |
August 22nd | Thursday
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
| Session 3: Delivering Effective Third Speeches |
August 29th | Thursday
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
| Session 4: Approaching Narratives Motions |
September 5th | Thursday
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
| Session 5: Constructing Principled Arguments |
September 15th | Sunday
10:00 AM – 11:45 AM IST
| Session 6: 2024 US Elections |
September 19th | Thursday
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
| Session 7: Developing Strategic Second Speaker Arguments |
September 26th | Thursday
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
| Session 8: Artificial intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges |
Overview:
This six-session masterclass series by the Indian Schools Debating Society is designed to develop both the skills and knowledge essential to successful debating. The programme includes skill-focused sessions on argumentation, rebuttal, speech delivery, and policy construction, as well as knowledge-focused sessions on political systems and social justice movements. Sessions are delivered in two cohorts—beginner and intermediate—ensuring level-appropriate instruction. Led by experienced ISDS trainers, each session combines practical exercises, real-world examples, and personalised feedback to help students become confident, strategic, and well-informed debaters.
Registrations have closed. Please reach out to [email protected] should you still want to be considered.
Audience:
School students from grade 8 – 12
Cost per student: Rs. 8,500/-
June 10th | Tue
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 1:
Social Justice Movements
Description:
Students will explore the history, structure, and impact of major social justice movements around the world. This session will help debaters understand how these movements emerge, what drives them, and how they shape public discourse and policy. By examining real-world examples, students will learn to engage with debates on activism, protest, and systemic change with greater depth and nuance.
What you will learn:
|
June 12th | Thu
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 2:
Context and Policy Building in Debates
Description:
Students will learn how to create meaningful context and design strong policies to ground their side of the debate. This session focuses on building realistic, well-reasoned models that show how a motion would play out in the real world — a key skill for persuasive and strategic debating.
What you will learn:
|
June 17th | Tue
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 3:
Argumentation I: Building Practical Outcomes
Description:
Students will learn how to construct arguments that are not just logical, but grounded in real-world consequences. This session focuses on identifying key stakeholders in a debate, grouping them effectively, and analyzing how they are affected. By learning to break down the idea and anlayze it as an argument, students will build arguments that are practical, strategic, and persuasive — essential skills for competitive debating.
What you will learn:
|
June 19th | Thu
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 4:
Argumentation II: Building Moral Justifications
Description:
Students will learn how to craft arguments rooted in moral reasoning, a core skill for principle-based and value-driven debates. This session focuses on identifying the underlying ethical frameworks that support an argument, and explaining why certain actions or policies are justified — not just effective. By building strong moral justifications, students will be able to engage with motions on a deeper, more persuasive level.
What you will learn:
|
June 24th | Tue
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 5:
Fundamentals of Rebuttal
Description:
Students will develop the essential skills to listen critically and respond effectively to opposing arguments. This session teaches how to spot weaknesses, contradictions, and gaps in opponents’ speeches and craft clear, strategic rebuttals that undermine their case and strengthen your own.
What you will learn:
|
June 26th | Thu
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM IST
Session 6:
Speech Practice
Description:
This session focuses on helping students refine the delivery of their speeches through structured practice and trainer-led feedback. Students will learn how to speak with clarity, confidence, and control — combining content with performance to maximize impact in a debate round. Each student will receive personalized feedback from trainers to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
What you will learn:
|
Why should you register?
- You want to learn from the best. Our trainers are not just top speakers and coaches from around the globe. They also come from the world’s top universities and *literally* think about these topics for a living.
- You want to become a better debater and speaker. Just because face-to-face sessions and competitions aren’t happening at present, doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. So, let’s adapt and learn together – whether you are debater, MUNner or public speaker, we’re always here for you. These sessions will help sharpen your critical thinking, allow you to approach complex topics more easily, and enable you to express your opinions more clearly and confidently.
- You want a transformational educational experience. The knowledge you gain, and the life skills of verbal and written communication, problem solving, and teamwork will help you in your academics, and your life beyond. Plus, you get to meet and interact with diverse and passionate peers from around India and the globe.
- You want to pay it forward: The additional skills and knowledge you gain can help you take more back to your own debate clubs and communities.
