1 Introduction

1.1Maharishi BotFiesta 2026 ("Competition") is a robotics and technology competition organised by Maharishi University to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate and develop their skills in robotics, engineering, programming, automation, innovation, problem-solving, creativity and teamwork.

1.2The Competition is intended to promote experiential learning, technical knowledge, innovation, collaboration and healthy competition among participating students.

1.3By registering for or participating in the Competition, each Participant, Team, Mentor and, where applicable, Parent/Guardian acknowledges that they have read, understood and agreed to comply with these Terms & Conditions, the Competition Rules, technical guidelines, safety requirements and all other official instructions issued by Maharishi University or the Organising Committee.

1.4The Organising Committee reserves the right to issue additional instructions, guidelines, technical requirements or amendments where necessary for the safe, fair and effective conduct of the Competition.

2 Definitions

For the purpose of these Terms & Conditions:

2.1"Competition" means Maharishi BotFiesta 2026, including all associated robotics competitions, technical activities, demonstrations, exhibitions, workshops, ceremonies and related events organised by Maharishi University.

2.2"Organiser" means Maharishi University and/or the authorised Organising Committee appointed by the University to conduct Maharishi BotFiesta 2026.

2.3"Participant" means an individual student who has successfully registered to participate in the Competition.

2.4"Team" means a group of eligible Participants registered together to participate in a particular Competition category.

2.5"Mentor" means a faculty member, teacher, professional or other authorised adult designated to guide or supervise a Team, wherever applicable.

2.6"Robot" means any robotic system, machine, prototype or electromechanical device designed, built, programmed or operated by a Participant or Team for the Competition.

2.7"Venue" means the designated Maharishi University campus or any other location officially notified by the Organiser for conducting the Competition.

2.8"Judges" means persons appointed by the Organiser to evaluate Participants, Teams, Robots, projects, presentations or performances.

2.9"Competition Rules" means the category-specific rules, technical specifications, judging criteria, match procedures and other instructions issued by the Organiser.

3 Eligibility

3.1Participation shall be open to eligible students as specified for each Competition category.

3.2Participants must fulfil the eligibility requirements applicable to the category in which they register.

3.3The Organiser reserves the right to verify the eligibility and identity of any Participant or Team.

3.4Where applicable, Participants below the age of 18 years may be required to provide consent from a Parent or Guardian.

3.5A Participant may participate in only those Teams and categories permitted under the official Competition Rules.

3.6Submission of incorrect, misleading or fraudulent information may result in cancellation of registration or disqualification.

4 Registration

4.1All Teams must register through the official registration process specified by Maharishi University.

4.2Registration shall be considered complete only after all required information, documents and applicable fees, if any, have been successfully submitted.

4.3The Organiser reserves the right to reject incomplete, inaccurate, duplicate or otherwise non-compliant registrations.

4.4Registration must be completed within the notified registration period.

4.5Late registrations may be accepted only at the discretion of the Organiser and subject to availability.

4.6Registration does not automatically guarantee participation where eligibility, documentation, technical requirements or other Competition conditions have not been fulfilled.

4.7The Organiser may limit the number of Teams or Participants in any Competition category based on venue capacity, technical requirements, operational considerations or other legitimate reasons.

5 Competition Rules

5.1All Participants and Teams must comply with the official Competition Rules applicable to their respective categories.

5.2Competition categories may consist of multiple stages, including technical inspection, practice rounds, qualifying rounds, preliminary rounds, semi-finals, finals, demonstrations or other stages, as applicable.

5.3The Organiser may modify the sequence, timing or format of any round where necessary due to technical, operational, safety, academic or other legitimate reasons.

5.4Participants must report to the designated area at the prescribed time.

5.5Failure to report on time may result in loss of a round, penalty or disqualification, as determined under the applicable Competition Rules.

5.6Participants must follow all instructions issued by Judges, Referees, technical officials, safety personnel and the Organising Committee.

5.7The latest version of the official Competition Rules and technical guidelines communicated by the Organiser shall apply to the Competition.

6 Robot and Technical Requirements

6.1Robots and other technical submissions must comply with the specifications prescribed for the relevant Competition category.

6.2Participants are responsible for designing, building, programming, testing and maintaining their Robots and equipment.

6.3All Robots must undergo technical inspection, where applicable, before participating in official rounds.

6.4A Robot that fails to comply with the prescribed technical or safety requirements may be denied permission to participate until the identified issue is resolved.

6.5Participants shall not use any component, system, software, method or modification prohibited under the Competition Rules.

6.6Any unauthorised modification made after technical inspection may result in re-inspection, penalty or disqualification.

7 Judging and Scoring

7.1Teams shall be evaluated according to the criteria announced for their respective Competition category.

7.2Judging may include, as applicable:

• Robot performance
• Technical design
• Engineering approach
• Programming and automation
• Innovation
• Creativity
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Presentation
• Documentation
• Technical understanding
• Compliance with Competition Rules

7.3Judges shall award scores based on the officially published judging criteria.

7.4Participants must not attempt to influence, intimidate or improperly communicate with Judges regarding scoring, rankings or awards.

7.5The decisions of the authorised Judges regarding scores, rankings and awards shall be final, subject to correction of any proven administrative or calculation error.

7.6The Organiser may correct an administrative or calculation error identified after the announcement of results.

8 Safety Requirements

8.1Safety is a fundamental requirement of Maharishi BotFiesta 2026.

8.2Participants must comply with all safety instructions issued by the Organiser and authorised event personnel.

8.3Participants must handle electrical, mechanical, electronic, battery-powered and robotic equipment responsibly.

8.4Any Robot, component, tool or equipment considered unsafe may be prohibited from use.

8.5Participants must immediately report accidents, injuries, unsafe conditions or equipment failures to the Organising Committee.

8.6Participants must not intentionally operate a Robot or equipment in a manner that may cause injury to any person or damage to property.

8.7The Organiser may stop or suspend any match, demonstration, practice session or activity if a safety risk is identified.

9 Code of Conduct

All Participants, Mentors and Team representatives are expected to maintain professional, respectful and responsible conduct throughout the Competition. Participants shall:

9.1Maintain discipline and decorum throughout the Competition.

9.2Treat fellow Participants, Judges, faculty members, staff, volunteers, guests and other stakeholders with respect and courtesy.

9.3Follow reasonable instructions issued by the Organising Committee and Venue authorities.

9.4Avoid abusive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing or disruptive behaviour.

9.5Not engage in bullying, intimidation, physical aggression or deliberate misconduct.

9.6Not damage, misuse or interfere with University property, another Team's Robot, equipment, workspace or Competition infrastructure.

9.7Not engage in cheating, plagiarism, manipulation, sabotage or unauthorised interference.

9.8Maintain appropriate conduct in all Competition-related physical and digital spaces, including official communication and social media channels.

10 Prohibited Activities

Participants shall not:

• Tamper with another Team's Robot or equipment.
• Interfere with the Competition field or arena without authorisation.
• Manipulate scoring, timing or Competition systems.
• Use prohibited components, software or methods.
• Submit fraudulent or misleading information.
• Engage in plagiarism or unauthorised copying.
• Damage University or third-party property.
• Engage in violence, harassment or threatening behaviour.
• Possess, consume or distribute prohibited substances at the Venue.
• Attempt to gain an unfair competitive advantage through unauthorised means.

Any violation may result in penalties, removal from the Venue, disqualification of the Participant or Team, or other appropriate action.

11 Venue Rules

11.1Participants may access only those areas of the University campus designated for the Competition.

11.2Participants must carry valid event identification, where issued.

11.3Participants must comply with security and access procedures applicable at the Venue.

11.4Participants must not enter restricted areas without permission.

11.5Participants must not damage or misuse University infrastructure, furniture, electrical systems, laboratories, equipment or other facilities.

11.6The Organiser may remove any person from the Venue for serious misconduct, safety violations or violation of these Terms & Conditions.

12 Media, Photography and Video

12.1Maharishi University or its authorised representatives may photograph, record or otherwise document the Competition and related activities.

12.2Photographs, videos and other recordings may be used for legitimate University purposes, including:

• Event documentation
• University website
• Social media
• News and media communication
• Promotional material
• Academic communication
• Annual reports
• Future Competition promotion
• Institutional archives

12.3Participants acknowledge that they may appear in photographs, videos or other recordings captured during the Competition.

12.4The University shall make reasonable efforts to consider specific written media restrictions communicated in advance, subject to applicable law and institutional requirements.

13 Awards and Certificates

13.1Awards, trophies, medals, certificates and other recognitions shall be provided according to the Competition structure announced by the Organiser.

13.2Eligibility for an award shall be subject to compliance with the Competition Rules and applicable judging criteria.

13.3The Organiser reserves the right to withhold, revoke or withdraw an award where a Participant or Team is subsequently found to have violated Competition Rules, eligibility requirements or standards of conduct.

13.4The decision of the authorised judging panel regarding awards and rankings shall be final, subject to correction of any proven administrative error.

13.5Certificates may be issued only to Participants who fulfil the participation requirements specified by the Organiser.

14 Disqualification

A Participant or Team may be disqualified for:

14.1Providing false or misleading information.

14.2Violation of Competition Rules.

14.3Use of prohibited equipment or methods.

14.4Cheating, plagiarism or manipulation.

14.5Tampering with another Team's Robot or equipment.

14.6Serious safety violations.

14.7Misconduct, harassment, violence or disruptive behaviour.

14.8Failure to comply with instructions issued by authorised Competition officials.

14.9Any other conduct that materially affects the fairness, safety or integrity of the Competition.

The nature and extent of any penalty shall be determined by the Organising Committee based on the seriousness of the violation.

15 Appeals and Grievances

15.1Any Competition-related concern must be raised through the official process communicated by the Organising Committee.

15.2Appeals, where permitted, must be submitted within the time period specified by the Organiser.

15.3Participants must not disrupt an ongoing match, round or activity to raise a dispute.

15.4Decisions made under the official Competition Rules and judging process shall be treated as final, except where the Organiser has specifically provided an appeal or review mechanism.

16 Event Schedule and Changes

16.1The Organiser will make reasonable efforts to conduct the Competition according to the published schedule.

16.2The Organiser reserves the right to modify the schedule, venue, Competition format, rounds or timings where necessary due to operational, technical, safety, academic, administrative, weather-related or other unforeseen circumstances.

16.3Participants will be informed of significant changes through official communication channels wherever reasonably possible.

17 Cancellation or Postponement

17.1Maharishi University reserves the right to postpone, modify, suspend or cancel the Competition due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, government directions, public safety concerns, technical failures, infrastructure issues or other unforeseen circumstances.

17.2In the event of postponement or cancellation, the University will communicate the revised arrangements through official channels.

17.3Any registration fee or refund matter, where applicable, shall be handled in accordance with the official registration and refund policy communicated for Maharishi BotFiesta 2026.

18 Health and Medical Assistance

18.1Participants are responsible for informing their Mentor or the Organising Committee about any relevant medical or accessibility requirements that may reasonably affect their participation.

18.2In case of an emergency, the University may provide or arrange reasonable first-aid or emergency assistance available at the Venue.

18.3Participants are responsible for their ongoing medical treatment, medication and personal healthcare requirements.

18.4Participants must follow all safety and emergency instructions issued by University authorities.

19 Personal Data and Privacy

19.1Information collected during registration may be used for:

• Registration and verification
• Competition administration
• Participant communication
• Event management
• Certificates and awards
• Results and rankings
• Academic and institutional records
• Event documentation and promotion

19.2The University shall handle personal information in accordance with applicable laws and its applicable privacy policies and institutional practices.

19.3Participants must provide accurate information and promptly inform the Organiser of any relevant changes.

20 Intellectual Property

20.1The name "Maharishi BotFiesta", associated logos, official artwork, branding, event materials and other University-owned intellectual property shall remain the property of Maharishi University and may not be reproduced or commercially used without prior written permission.

20.2Participants retain ownership of their original Robot designs, projects, code, documentation and other intellectual property developed independently by them, subject to applicable University policies and any specific Competition guidelines.

20.3Participants must ensure that their submissions do not knowingly infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party.

20.4Participants may identify themselves as participants of Maharishi BotFiesta 2026 for genuine participation-related communication, subject to applicable University branding guidelines.

21 Limitation of Responsibility

21.1Participants are responsible for their own equipment, personal belongings and participation in Competition activities.

21.2The University will take reasonable measures to provide a safe and well-managed Competition environment.

21.3Participants are expected to take reasonable precautions for the safety and security of their personal belongings, Robots, tools and equipment.

21.4Nothing in these Terms & Conditions shall exclude or limit any liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited under applicable law.

22 Force Majeure

The University shall not be responsible for delay, interruption, postponement or cancellation caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, government restrictions, public emergencies, severe weather, technical failures, infrastructure failures or other unforeseen circumstances.

23 Amendments

23.1The Organiser reserves the right to amend these Terms & Conditions, Competition Rules or event procedures where necessary.

23.2Any material amendment will be communicated through appropriate official channels wherever reasonably possible.

23.3Participants are responsible for reviewing the latest version of the Competition Rules and official instructions before and during the Competition.

24 Acceptance

By completing registration and/or participating in Maharishi BotFiesta 2026, the Participant and, where applicable, the Team, Mentor, Parent or Guardian acknowledge that they:

1. Have read and understood these Terms & Conditions.
2. Agree to comply with the Competition Rules.
3. Agree to follow safety and Venue instructions.
4. Accept the Competition's judging and evaluation process.
5. Agree to maintain appropriate conduct throughout the event.
6. Understand that violation of these Terms & Conditions may result in penalties or disqualification.

25 Official Communication

Only communications issued through the University's designated official channels shall be treated as official Competition announcements. Participants should regularly check the official Maharishi BotFiesta communication channels for updates regarding:

• Registration
• Competition Rules
• Schedule
• Venue
• Team requirements
• Technical specifications
• Judging criteria
• Results
• Awards
• Other important announcements

26 Contact

For registration, technical, Competition or general queries, Participants may contact the official Maharishi BotFiesta Organising Committee through the contact details published on the official event website and registration portal.