Rules & conduct

Eligibility and categories

• Children studying in Class 1 to Class 4 can apply.
• Children take part in two categories:
  • Category 1: Class 1 and Class 2
  • Category 2: Class 3 and Class 4
• Each child may apply only once.

Preliminary round: online screening

Apply online with the following. Everything is sent with the application, before registration closes on 20 November 2026.

• Videos and the photograph should be recent and show only the participating child.
• Results of the preliminary screening are announced on 25 November 2026 on our Results page, and families are informed by WhatsApp or email.
• 40 finalists are selected: 10 boys and 10 girls in each category.

Grand finale

The finalists take part in the grand finale on Tuesday, 29 December 2026 at Rajagiri School of Engineering & Technology, Kakkanad, Ernakulam.

• Themed costume ramp walk — finalists walk the ramp in a costume that follows the theme. The theme is shared with finalists in their selection email after the preliminary round.
• Audience voting — the audience at the venue votes for their favourites. The audience is about 2,000 participants of the Indian Space Science Olympiad.
• Expert judgement — a panel of experts judges each walk.

Children are never judged on skin colour, body shape or “beauty”.

Prizes

• Little Face of India title

  Title winners in both categories — 4 winners in total.

• Acting workshop

  Entry to a professional 3-day acting workshop for the top 3 in each group — 12 children in total.

• Photoshoot

  A professional photoshoot for every finalist.

• Personal profile

  A personal profile for every finalist.

Parents and guardians

• Every child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the whole event, from reporting to the end of the award ceremony.
• Parents are responsible for their child’s belongings, food and water.
• Restricted areas: parents are not allowed in the backstage area, make-up room, trial room, rehearsal room, near the sound/console area, on the ramp, or in other marked areas. Children are looked after there by the LFI team (see the Child Safety Policy).
• Please stay in the areas shown by the volunteers, and collect your child from the agreed hand-over point.

Costumes, hair and make-up

• Costumes are chosen by the child and parents, following the theme and costume guidelines sent to finalists with their selection email. Traditional, party wear and creative interpretations are all welcome.
• Hair and make-up on the day are done by the LFI styling team. Please tell the team about any allergy or skin sensitivity.
• Costumes must be appropriate for the child’s age. No child will ever be asked or made to wear anything inappropriate, uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Avoid very high heels, loose long trails or anything that could make a child trip on stage.
• Props are allowed only as set out in the props policy below.

Props policy

Small props can add fun to a walk, but safety comes first.

Allowed: small, light, hand-held props that the child can carry alone and hold with one hand — for example a small bag, fan, flower, wand, book or soft toy.

Not allowed:

• anything sharp, pointed, breakable or made of glass
• fire, candles, sparklers, smoke, or anything with batteries that heat up or wires that trail
• liquids, sprays, powder, glitter, confetti or anything that leaves a mess on the ramp
• balloons, live animals or food
• props bigger than the child’s shoulders, or long trains, poles or sticks that could trip others
• toy weapons
• brand names, logos or slogans, or anything political, religious or offensive

How it works:

• Tell the organising team about any prop when you report on the day. The team will check it and may refuse any prop that is not safe or suitable — their decision is final.
• Label the prop with your child’s name. Props are handed over and collected backstage at the agreed point.
• Props must be carried on and off the ramp by the child, without help. Nothing may be thrown, dropped or left on the ramp.
• LFI is not responsible for lost or damaged props.

Conduct

• Be kind. Cheer for every child, not only your own.
• No rude remarks about any child, parent, volunteer or judge.
• Do not take photos or videos of other people’s children without their parents’ permission.
• The organising committee may ask anyone who breaks these rules to leave the venue. See our Child Safety Policy.

Participant agreement

All families must accept the Participant Agreement when applying.

Changes to the rules

The organising committee has the right to change the rules, schedule or format of the programme. Registered families will be informed of any changes.

Health and safety

• Please tell the volunteers about any allergy or medical need when you arrive.
• If your child feels unwell or nervous, they can step out at any time. There is no pressure to walk.