ISDS Debate Certification Course

ISDS Debate Certification Course

The ISDS Debate Certification Course is a 12-module programme that trains students in every aspect of WSDC debating through small-group sessions with nationally acclaimed trainers. Students learn to analyse motions, build arguments, deliver rebuttal, refine style, and give WSDC speeches, reinforced through regular practice and debates. They are continuously assessed on participation, comprehension, assignments, and speech quality, and awarded a certified grade of Distinction, Commendation, or Completed.

What will students learn?

Students work in small cohorts with nationally acclaimed trainers to learn every aspect of WSDC debating in thorough detail. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the WSDC format deeply, be able to break down different motion types, construct arguments, deliver rebuttal, improve style, and deliver speeches in the WSDC format.

Learning is reinforced through practice exercises, speeches, and debates.

► The detailed course structure can be found here

 

How does the certification work?

Students are assessed through a continuous evaluation system based on four metrics:
(i) Class Participation
(ii) Comprehension
(iii) Assignment Quality
(iv) Speech Quality

At the end of the course, they are awarded one of the following grades:
(i) Distinction, (ii) Commendation, (iii) Completed.
A certificate reflecting the grade will be provided to each student.

Why should you register?

  • Build and deploy critical thinking and communication skills across a wide range of contemporary issues
  • Prepare to participate in WSDC.
  • Receive personalised feedback for each exercise conducted during sessions, and on all assignments submitted.
  • Reflect your grade in college applications.

Salient Information

  • Dates: 23rd March – 17th April, 2026 (Mon, Wed & Fri)
  • Duration: 12 days
  • Timing: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM IST
  • Eligibility: Students in Grades 9 – 12
  • Cost per student: Rs. 15,000/-
  • Team discounts only apply for students applying in teams of 3 (Team need not be from the same school): Rs. 40,500/- (Rs.13,500/- per student)
  • Mode of Learning: Online, via Zoom

Session Details

Session Title Date & Time
1/ Introduction to Debating Mar 23 ’26 (Mon)
6:00-8:00 pm IST
2/ Speech Structure & Speaker Roles Mar 25 ’26 (Wed)
6:00-8:00 pm IST
3/ Approaching a Debate Motion Mar 27 ’26 (Fri)
6:00-8:00 pm IST
4/ Creating Policies Mar 30 ’26 (Mon)
6:00-8:00 pm IST
5/ Building Arguments I Apr 1 ’26 (Wed)
6:00-8:00 pm IST
6/ Building Arguments II Apr 3 ’26 (Fri)
6:00-8:00 pm IST
7/ Speech Practice Apr 6 ’26 (Mon)
6:00-8:00 pm IST
8/ Rebuttal Apr 8 ’26 (Wed)
6:00-8:00 pm IST
9/ Rebuttal Practice Apr 10 ’26 (Fri)
6:00-8:00 pm IST
10/ POIs and Prep Time Apr 13 ’26 (Mon)
6:00-8:00 pm IST
11/ Style Apr 15 ’26 (Wed)
6:00-8:00 pm IST
12/ WSDC Style Debate Apr 17 ’26 (Fri)
6:00-8:00 pm IST

Registration Process

  • Fill in your personal details.
  • Enter the amount applicable to your registration (INR 15,000/- for an individual, and INR 40,500/- for a team) and click submit. The form will redirect you to a payment gateway.
  • Complete the payment. Registrations will be counted only once payment has been successful.

Note:

  • We do not need students to have prior debate experience, but they can expect an intermediate level of instruction, and will have to commit to additional reading and homework as part of this course to complete it and receive their certificate and grade.
  • Students who complete this course with a high distinction can directly enter the second round of the selection process for the Indian National Debate team in 2026-27 (applicable to students in Grades 9-11 in the 2026-27 academic year).

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