Real World Debates
Unlike conventional debates which often emphasise word play, Debating Matters seeks to encourage students to engage with the specifics and complexities of issues that arise in the real world today. A unique aspect of the competition has been to involve high-calibre professionals from all walks of life – academics, journalists, business people, scientists and artists – in the judging of the competition.

Role of judges
The judges interrogate and engage in a debate with the speakers to judge how deeply they have gone into the topic. The emphasis is therefore also on interaction. Although debate will be in English, judging will be on content and not pronunciation, diction and style.

In-depth preparation
Teams will be provided with topic guides for the debate at each stage of the competition. These guides will be mailed at least three weeks in advance to those schools who qualify at each level.

The stages in India
Debating Matters India is divided into 3 stages

			Online Elimination Test		The first stage of the competition where the students register themselves as a school team, download the preparatory material and prepare for the test. They appear for the sixty minute test once they’re through with their preparation. Twelve schools from each region will be shortlisted from this round. The results will be declared in the Debating Matters India website a week after the OET closes.
			Regional Finals		Twelve schools from each region will move on to the Regional Finals. The competition will be a two-day event. The first day will feature the preliminary round of debates, and Day Two is for the semi finals and the final. Both the winner and the runner-up from this stage will travel to New Delhi for Debating Matters National Finals.
			National Finals		The finals will be a three day affair, and on the first day the students take part in preparatory seminars led by expert panellists. The second day will feature the preliminary debates involving all eight teams. The third day of the competition will feature the semi finals and the grand finale debate.

What we achieved in year 2008
In 2008 Debating Matters India saw 1500 students participating directly in the competition. More than 250 schools had registered themselves for the same, 160 professionals were involved in the judging 60 rounds of live debates. The first ever Debating Matters India alumni network was formed through the competition.

The Debating Matters Facebook site is abuzz with activity and has some makes for interesting reading – especially for some ‘uncensored’ feedback on what the participants themselves feel about the competition.

This YouTube film will give you feel of what Debating Matters is all about and how it’s different – sorry to use this cliché - from usual school debates.