National Science Day Celebrations – 28 February 2026

National Science Day

February 28 is celebrated as National Science Day across India to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C. V. Raman, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.

The Radio Astronomy Centre (RAC) celebrates National Science Day every year at the Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT). ORT, the world’s most powerful radio telescope operating at low radio frequencies, was built and is operated by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).

While the primary mission of NCRA and ORT is to conduct frontline research in radio astronomy and astrophysics and to develop state-of-the-art instrumentation, the Centre is equally committed to science outreach and education. Promoting scientific awareness among the general public—especially students—forms an important part of its activities. The National Science Day celebrations are a major component of these outreach programmes.

Science Day Programme

The Science Day programme on 28 February 2026 features a grand Science Exhibition, where students from schools and colleges present their science projects. Prizes are awarded for outstanding exhibits in different age groups. The event also includes interactive exhibits and live demonstrations by various research institutions and science popularisation groups.

The Radio Astronomy Centre and the Science Exhibition will be open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on 28 February 2026.