Awards questions, answered

Membership and certification are generally optional unless an approved category rule explicitly says otherwise. Read the category-specific eligibility.

The programme is being prepared. You can explore the awards, prepare a draft and ask questions. The chapter will publish confirmed dates, geographic eligibility and fee terms before accepting entries.

The same project or initiative may enter one competitive project or domain category in this cycle. Materially different projects can be submitted separately. Eligible category winners can be considered automatically for Grand Project without another nomination.

No. The seven-factor SCI totals 100 points: Small 0–34, Medium 35–64 and Large 65–100. Budget is one factor, with classification validated by the Secretariat.

Initial nomination is free. Proposed category fees apply only after shortlisting and written invitation. The final fee, applicable tax, waiver, due date and refund terms must be published and accepted before payment. No live payment route has been set.

The recommended schedule waives Student Project and Community Leadership charges, and provides a verified registered NGO waiver. Corporate CSR entries follow category charges unless a waiver is approved. These terms still need confirmation.

Payment never guarantees an award or influences scoring. Conference admission, travel and accommodation are separate, with any complimentary access stated explicitly by the chapter.

A clearly bounded completed phase with substantial realised outcomes may be considered. Project awards prefer completion within 36 months of the nomination deadline. The category and final annual rules apply.

A browser download or email draft is not a receipt. Submit through the published route after launch and retain the Secretariat acknowledgement with its application ID. Wait for a chapter acknowledgement before treating an entry as received.

Confidential evidence is restricted to authorised awards personnel. Provide a separate public summary and only use restricted transfer methods for sensitive evidence. Data retention and the appointed data custodian must be confirmed before intake begins.

Yes, subject to accuracy, originality and permissions. Fabricated metrics or evidence can disqualify an entry. Do not upload confidential information into public AI tools without authority and safeguards.

Prepare a jury expression of interest with expertise, preferred role, family, verified LinkedIn profile and availability. Appointment requires verification, conflict review, declarations and calibration.

The chapter will publish the panel progressively after appointment and profile consent, with names, photos, roles, biographies and verified LinkedIn links. Previous-year photographs remain labelled as 2026 memories.

Procedural appeals cover material process errors, undisclosed conflicts, eligibility mistakes or demonstrable administrative factual errors. Submit within five business days of the relevant notice. Disagreement with professional judgement or scores is not a ground.

Use the 2026 awards and gallery page linked from this hub and the main DiSHA landing page. The previous edition’s categories and dates do not apply to 2027.

Choose the template matching your selected award family. Each has 15 editable slides and category-specific prompts. Use it alongside the written nomination, evidence pack and declarations. Download the seven family templates and applicant guide.

No. Downloads and the nomination preparation tool help you prepare material. Follow the published nomination window and submission instructions, obtain authorisation and retain the Secretariat acknowledgement and application ID. The finalist invitation confirms presentation requirements and timing.