Overview
The Shaastra Aerial Robotics Challenge (SARC) is a drone competition organised as part of Shaastra, the annual student-run technical festival of IIT Madras. It brings together aspiring engineers, robotics enthusiasts, and innovators to test their drone-building skills, flying precision, and technical knowledge. Participants navigate challenging obstacle courses, perform precise aerial manoeuvres, and compete in time-based challenges that test control, stability, accuracy, and problem-solving ability.
Competition Rounds
- Round 0 - Preliminary Submission: Teams submit a flight demonstration video and a technical PDF for initial evaluation. The video must show smooth take-off and stable hovering, stable flight while carrying a 50 g payload, navigation through at least one hoop-shaped obstacle without contact, a precise 90° turn, and a safe landing at the designated point. The technical PDF must cover drone dimensions, total weight, power source specifications, manual control system details, safety mechanisms, and other relevant technical information. Selected teams advance to Round 1.
- Round 1 - Obstacle Course Challenge: Qualified teams navigate a specially designed obstacle course while maintaining stable, low-altitude flight. The course includes semicircular and quarter hoops, diagonal split rectangular hoops, sharp 90° turns, double quarter hoops, crossover and split semicircular hoops, triangular and freely hanging circular hoops, and T-rod obstacles. Teams complete the sequence, cross the finish line, and land at the designated point. Scoring is based on course completion, time bonuses, and penalties for rule violations.
- Round 2 - Checkpoints Challenge: Top performers from Round 1 qualify for this timed challenge, reaching as many checkpoints as possible within the allotted time while following the Round 1 obstacle-course rules. Each successful checkpoint earns 10 points; unnecessary contacts and unsafe manoeuvres attract penalties. The number of qualifying teams is determined by the organisers based on participation.
- Round 3 - Payload Delivery Challenge: Teams carry an organiser-provided payload through the obstacle course and release it onto a marked target area. Scoring considers course completion, delivery accuracy, time bonuses, and penalties.
Rules and Regulations
- Only multirotor drones (quadcopters, hexacopters) are permitted.
- Drones must be operated manually via remote controller; autonomous flight is not permitted.
- Drone dimensions must not exceed 1 metre and must not be smaller than 0.3 metre in any direction.
- Flight altitude must not exceed 1.5 metres, and prescribed arena boundaries and safety-net restrictions must be followed.
- Drones must demonstrate stable hovering, precise low-altitude flight, and controlled manoeuvrability.
- Contact with hoops or rods, and ground contact during the course, attract penalties.
- Exiting arena boundaries, exceeding the permitted number of unsafe contacts, or a crash that prevents continuation may result in disqualification.
- An FPV camera is optional.
Arena Specifications
- Arena dimensions: 8 m × 11 m × 1.25 m.
- Clearly marked start and finish points are provided.
- Obstacle dimensions and placements carry a tolerance of ±5%.
Eligibility
Students, robotics enthusiasts, and teams interested in drone technology, aerial robotics, and engineering innovation are encouraged to participate, subject to the final eligibility criteria announced by the organisers. Participants must ensure their drones comply with the technical specifications and safety requirements.
Scoring and Evaluation
Round 1 awards 100 base points for course completion with time bonuses and penalties; Round 2 awards 10 points per successful checkpoint subject to applicable penalties; Round 3 awards 80 base points for course completion with time bonuses and penalties. Detailed scoring criteria and the final competition format are governed by the official rulebook. Only winners receive hard-copy certificates, while participation and finalist certificates are provided in soft-copy format.
Prizes
- Winner - ₹60,000
- Runner-Up - ₹40,000
- Second Runner-Up - ₹25,000
- Total prize pool: ₹1.25 lakh
Team Size: 1-3
Registration Deadline: 30 November 2026
