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activate your child's

super-powers in 2025!

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US curriculum taught by Mr. Kacholia.

Challenges kids, and proven to work.

Typically rise to top 10% of their class.

Every child has it in them to succeed.

No experience required for any course.

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Why Speech and Debate?

enhance writing

efficiently research
develop
 personality

cultivate confidence

clearly communicate

amplify analytical skills

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Trusted by families at top private schools.

Top students from India, UAE, Singapore, UK, USA... 
Admits to elite US/UK/Indian colleges.

#1 in South Asia winning global public policy debate awards.

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We are Speech Debate India!

transform Thinking

"Each child has a gift, let's work together

to patiently nurture their full potential." - Mr. Kacholia

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Best for: Aiming for top colleges; competing nationally/globally
Our intensive Debate Tournament Prep course. Achieve National level competitiveness in 2 years and Globally in 3 to 5 years!

 

Faculty: Mr. Rajiv Kacholia

Grades: 6-12
Engage
: Geopolitical challenges

Join: Monthly, by interview

Time: Sat 6:30pm or 8pm IST

Duration: 1.5 hours per session

Fees:

GC ₹34,900 (4 months, 14 sessions)

GC+ ₹49,900 (12 months unlimited upto 50+ sessions)
 

Cashback: ₹5,000 per GC+ referral!

Curriculum: learn more - GC

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Best for: Transformational starting point in confident communication​

Learn core speech & debate skills to thrive in academics & life. Age-appropriate, positive, energizing atmosphere that inspires confidence!

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Faculty: Mr. Rajiv Kacholia

Grades: 3-5 / 6-10
Build: Global curiosity

Join: Monthly, rolling admissions

Time: Sat 3pm / 4pm IST

Duration: 1 hour per session

Fees:

FC ₹24,900 (4 months, 14 sessions)

FC+ ₹34,900 (12 months unlimited upto 50+ sessions)
 

Cashback: ₹5,000 per FC+ referral!
Curriculum: learn more - FC

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Best for: A fast-paced, fun engagement in debate

Learn to debate with limited time to prepare. This exciting format features short debates over 10 sessions every two months!
 

Faculty: SDI Champions Team

Grades: 3-5 / 6-10

Explore: Trending current issues
Join: Bi-Monthly

Time: M&F 6pm / W&Sa 5pm

Duration: 1 hour per session

Fees:

EC 1 course ₹8,900 (10 sessions)
EC 2 courses ₹16,900 (20 sessions)
EC 3 courses ₹23,900
 (10 sessions)

 

​Curriculum: learn more - EC

Get started today, no-obligations.
WhatsApp us for a call back.

Meet our founder & GC, FC Coach

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​​​"For parents, U.S. Speech and Debate empowers children with tools for becoming confident, life-long learners, with essential skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, that they can leverage for success as future leaders."

- Mr. Kacholia in India Today

Home of international Champions!

Speech Debate India student Shivani Shrotri WINS THE USA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

Speech Debate India student Shivansh Gupta WINS 1ST PLACE SPEAKER AWARD at Georgetown University!!

Speech Debate India students Aadith Kacholia & Prahlad Madhu 
WIN 2ND PLACE VARSITY TEAM AWARD at Harvard University!!!

Speech Debate India student Hansuja Das 
WINS 1ST PLACE JV SPEAKER AWARD 
at Harvard University!!

Speech Debate India students Hansuja Das & Mrinal Sindhwani 
WIN 1ST PLACE JV TEAM AWARD at University of Michigan!!!

Speech Debate India students Aadith Kacholia & Arnav Agrawal
 WIN 1ST PLACE JV TEAM AWARD at the Marist Ivy Tournament!!!

Speech Debate India students Aadith Kacholia & Arnav Agrawal 
WIN 2ND & 3RD PLACE JV SPEAKER AWARDS at Marist Ivy!!

Speech Debate India students Aadith Kacholia & Arnav Agrawal 
WIN 1ST PLACE JV TEAM AWARD at Northwestern University!!!

Speech Debate India students Aadith Kacholia & Arnav Agrawal 
WIN 1ST PLACE HS OPEN TEAM AWARD at Harvard University!!!

Speech Debate India students Aadith Kacholia & Arnav Agrawal 
RATED #1 JV TEAM IN GLOBAL RANKINGS!!!

Congratulations to SDI GC teams breaking into Elimination rounds at Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Georgetown, Michigan, TOC & more!!!

Congratulations to
100+ SDI GC Students for winning team and speaker awards at International events!!!

Train with
Mr. Rajiv Kacholia, U.S. State Debate Champion with an unmatched coaching record in South Asia!!!! 
GLOBAL CHRONICLES (GC)
GC

Debaters enroll 7X at top U.S. colleges!

Debate Outperformance in College Admissi

Non-debaters (grey)   Debaters (blue)

Based on 1,963 NSDA surveys, 2019

GLOBAL CHRONICLES (GC) - Our intensive Debate Training program for aspiring global competitors!
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Overview

Global Chronicles is our elite program designed for students aiming to excel in Public Policy Debate and compete at prestigious national and international tournaments. With rigorous training led by Mr. Rajiv Kacholia, South Asia’s most successful debate coach, this course develops globally competitive debaters while enhancing critical thinking, communication, and research skills.

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This highly selective program welcomes students from around the world who are eager to master the art of debate, collaborate with top peers, and build a track record of achievements for admissions to leading colleges. Whether you’re a seasoned debater or just starting, Global Chronicles provides a structured yet transformative pathway to success. 100+ GC students have achieved recognition at major International Debate Tournaments.

 

Why Choose Global Chronicles (GC)?

  • Elite Training by Mr. Kacholia: Students learn advanced debate formats, topic analysis, and strategic techniques directly from South Asia’s top-performing speech & debate coach.

  • Public Policy Debate Expertise: The course focuses on formats like World Schools Debate and British Parliamentary Debate, critical for excelling in international forums.

  • Global Perspective: Students collaborate with peers from top schools across India and worldwide, preparing for topics of global relevance.

  • Track Record of Success: Speech & Debate India has consistently produced South Asia’s top-performing debaters who earn prestigious awards and admissions to leading universities.

  • Long-Term Growth: Participants develop skills in logical reasoning, argumentation, and public speaking that prepare them for leadership roles and academic excellence.

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What to Expect?

  • Eligibility: Grades 6-12.

  • Faculty: Mr. Rajiv Kacholia

  • Geographies: Our students live in India, East Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the U.S.

  • Class Schedule:

    • MS/HS Sections: Saturdays, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM or 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM IST.

    • Students are grouped by grade level and experience for personalized training.

  • Start Dates: Rolling admissions each month by interview. Choose a 4-month or 12-month course length.

  • Format:

    • Advanced debate strategies, case building, and topic analysis on global public policy issues.

    • Intensive sessions to break down complex global topics and strategize offense and defense.

    • Live interactive discussions, Q&A, and feedback to refine arguments and delivery skills.​
       

Benefits Beyond Debate:

  • Confidence: Gain confidence to communicate effectively in academic and professional settings.

  • Academic Success: Improve research, analytical, and writcing skills critical for success in school and college.

  • College Admissions: Build a competitive edge for admissions to highly selective universities.

  • Elite Team: Elevate your abilities with a community of ambitious, like-minded students with a passion for critical thinking and leadership. Track record of admissions to top universities in the US, UK, and India.
     

Best for:

Ambitious students ready to work hard, think critically, and collaborate with the brightest minds in India and globally. Ideal for those aiming to represent India at international competitions and seeking a long-term growth trajectory in debate, academics, and leadership. Top students in the program are selected for internships with Mr. Kacholia.

 

Apply Today:

  • New Students: Apply now for an interview to join this elite program.

  • Existing Students: Direct enrollment available.​

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Apply now for an interview for Global Chronicles (GC)!

Foundations of confidence: 36 speech & Debate skills (FC)
FC

click below for 36 foundations!

Speech Skills
  • Body language for public speaking and listening

  • Crafting speeches that engage

  • Extemporaneous speech training

  • Vocal exercises and speech delivery

  • Dissecting the greatest modern speeches

  • Storytelling for impact and connection

FOUNDATIONS OF CONFIDENCE (FC): 36 Speech & Debate Skills to launch your child's journey!

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Overview

Foundations of Confidence is the ultimate starting point for students to build confidence, communication, and academic excellence through a unique, holistic personality development curriculum by Mr. Rajiv Kacholia. This transformational course integrates 36 essential Speech, Debate, and Complementary skills over three years, covering the most popular public speaking and debate formats practiced in schools, tournaments, and community programs. Choose from 4 and 12 month plans.

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Why Choose Foundations of Confidence (FC)?

  • Fundamental Training by Mr. Kacholia: Students are introduced to major speech and debate concepts, gradually developing confidence and a strong foundation for academic excellence with proven pedagogy from South Asia's top-performing speech & debate coach in a positive, energizing environment.

  • Comprehensive Speech & Debate Formats: Students learn widely practiced formats including MUN, Public Policy Debate, World Schools Debate, British Parliamentary Debate, Mock Trial, Impromptu Speeches, Public Speaking, Original Oratory and more, empowering participation in their schools and regional communities.

  • Confidence Cultivation: Confident personality development for even the most introverted students through fun, interactive, and collaborative activities and drills.

  • Holistic Development: Combines speech and debate training with complementary age-appropriate skills in English writing, reading, mathematical logic, economics, leadership and productivity, to achieve speech and debate success.

  • Track Record of Success: Speech & Debate India's unique pedagogy has helped students gradually overcome their fears and transform into resilient future leaders earning prestigious awards and admissions to leading universities.

  • Long-Term Progression: Develops a strong foundation for students to transition into advanced programs like Global Chronicles and thrive in leadership roles at school and beyond​​

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What to Expect?

  • Eligibility: Grades 3-10.​​

  • Faculty: Mr. Rajiv Kacholia

  • Geographies: Students in FC live in India, East Asia, Middle East, Africa, and Europe

  • Class Schedule:

    • Grades 3-5 (ES Section): Saturdays 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM IST.​

    • Grades 6-10 (MS/HS section): Saturdays 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM IST.

    • Students are grouped by grade level and experience for personalized training.

  • Start Dates: Rolling admissions each month. Choose a 4-month or 12-month course length.

  • Format:

    • ​Covers major public speaking and debate formats with complementary age-appropriate skills like reading comprehension, writing, research, leadership, and school skills for holistic personality development.

    • Lessons are interactive and include games, activities, and projects to learn by engaging.

    • Live discussions, Q&A, and feedback to develop speech delivery and debating skills.​
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Benefits Beyond Speech & Debate:

  • Confidence: Cultivate the skills to communicate with confidence in any setting, from class to the community.

  • Academic Success: Gain practical tools to improve writing speed, comprehension, creativity, curiosity, and analytical thinking. Prepares students for success in middle school, high school, and beyond.

  • C Skills: Cultivate leadership and teamwork skills in a collaborative, non-competitive environment.

  • Bridge to GC: Lay a strong foundation for advanced speech and debate training with programs like Global Chronicles and for admissions to top universities.

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Best for:

Students aiming to improve communication, gain confidence, and develop foundational skills for success in academics, speech, and debate. This course is perfect for those looking to explore diverse formats, build their leadership potential, and set themselves apart in school and community activities.

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Start your transformative journey with Foundations of Confidence (FC)!

extemp debates (EC)
EC

Fast-paced, limited prep debates!

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EXTEMP DEBATES COURSE (EC): Fast-paced, limited prep Debate Skills!

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Overview

Extemp Debates is a dynamic and engaging course designed to introduce students to the exciting world of extemporaneous debating. Taught by experienced, award-winning debaters from the Speech Debate India (SDI) team, this course emphasizes quick thinking, structured argumentation, and collaborative learning. Students explore thought-provoking topics, hone their ability to think on their feet, and build foundational skills in debate, all in a fun and interactive environment.

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Why Choose Extemp Debates (EC)?

  • Champion Coaches: Students learn from SDI's national and international champion debaters, who bring their passion and expertise to each session.

  • Interactive Learning: Classes are packed with fun interactive debate games, collaborative discussions, and engaging drills to build extemporaneous debating skills.

  • Limited Prep Format: Focuses on fast-paced debates with minimal preparation time, encouraging quick thinking and adaptability.

  • Relevant Topics: Explore resolutions and topics designed to spark curiosity and critical thinking.

  • Collaborative Environment: Extemp Debates fosters a supportive environment for growth and learning.​

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What to Expect?

  • Eligibility: Grades 3-10.​​

  • Geographies: Students in EC live in India, East Asia and the Middle East

  • Class Schedule:

    • Grades 3-5 (ES Section): Mondays & Fridays, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM IST.

    • Grades 6-10 (MS/HS section): Wednesdays & Saturdays, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM IST.

    • 10 sessions (twice a week) and is completed in 5-6 weeks.

    • Students are grouped by grade level and experience for personalized training.

  • Start Dates: New courses begin every 2 months throughout the year.

  • Faculty:

    • MS/HS Sections: Co-taught by Aadith Kacholia and Arnav Agrawal, both National Champions, International Champions, and Globally Ranked Team.

    • ES Sections: Taught by SDI’s experienced champions under the mentorship of Mr. Rajiv Kacholia.

  • Format:

    • ​Covers extemporaneous debating with complementary skills like research, quick preparation strategies, and time management.

    • Lessons are interactive and include debate games and drills to learn by engaging.

    • Live discussions, Q&A, and feedback to develop debating skills.

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Benefits Beyond Debate:

  • Critical Thinking: Develop the ability to analyze issues quickly and structure persuasive arguments.

  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Work with partners to brainstorm, strategize, and build cases together.

  • Improving Quick Responses: Gain confidence to develop ideas and speak persuasively under time pressure.

  • Foundation for Advanced Debate: Build skills that serve as a stepping stone to competitive programs like Global Chronicles.

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Best for:

Students looking to explore debating and teamwork in a fun, engaging setting while sharpening their quick-thinking skills.

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Develop the skill of thinking faster with Extemporaneous Debating - join today!​​​

GLOBAL & National AI Speech & debate championship!

SDI official partneR - Join the Global discussion

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COMPETE AT A LOCAL, REGIONAL & NATIONAL LEVEL TO ADVANCE TO THE GLOBAL ROUND!

Speech Debate India is a proud partner of the AI Public Speaking & Debate Championship 2025, where thousands of students from ages 8 to 22 competing in age level divisions will be evaluated. Students will be recognized with awards at a Local, Regional & National level in India and neighboring countries, for a chance to advance to represent India at the Global Tournament Finals in Spring 2025!

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Why should you participate?

  • Debate AI's future with a thought-provoking topic

  • Learn to collaborate with a partner to formulate your essay submission

  • Gain familiarity with important AI applications

  • Students recognized at a Local, Regional & National level in 2025

  • All entries will receive Certificates

  • Opportunity to advance with Speech Debate India to compete in the Global Round March 2025

  • Students advancing to the Global Round will be evaluated by AI industry-leading judges from MIT, Harvard, Stanford, UCLA, Berkeley, Cambridge, OpenAI, IBM, NVIDIA, and more!​​

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What to expect?

  • Format: Self-study, working with a friend or classmate for the essay competition and individually for the video contest. Assistance / guidance from teachers / parents is allowed but the final work product should be solely that of the students.

  • Ages 8-22: Tournament features 6 different age-based divisions.

  • Debate Essay Entries: Length varies by age (see details below). Work with a partner to develop a well-researched essay on the designated AI-related debate topic for your age.

  • ​​Public Speaking Video Entries: Duration of upto 4 minutes, shot as a single-take, unedited video recording. Submit a well-researched speech on the designated AI-related debate topic for your age. It does not need to be memorized.

  • Can I enter both: Yes, you can participate in both the essay and video competitions!​

  • Geographies: Students based in India, East Asia, the Middle East and Africa can join for a chance to be awarded at a regional and national level and advance to the global round!​

  • Use of AI: Yes, students are permitted to use as much or as little AI as they wish to help prepare their essays and video content. It's important that students learn to understand both the benefits and limitations of AI, and are welcome to experiment.

  • Deadline: Sunday, February 23rd, 2025.

  • How to submit: Both partners should complete the form and upload their Essay to Google Drive. Students submitting a Video should upload it to Google Drive (note that videos should be compressed to under 100MB). Submit the Google Drive links by February 23rd, 2025 - Click here to submit your link(s) on the Submission Form! 

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Debate Topics:

Below are the topics for each age group. For the essay and/or video, pick a side for or against the debate resolution and explain the selected position in an essay/video.​
 

  • Ages 8-9: Children should be allowed to have robot pets (500 word essay)

  • Ages 10-11: Students should be able to use generative AI in school (1,000 word essay)

  • Ages 12-13: Students should be able to use generative AI in school (1,500 word essay)

  • Ages 14-15: AI developments will reduce global poverty (2,000 word essay)

  • Ages 16-18: AI developments will reduce global poverty (2,000 word essay)

  • Ages 19-22: (a) AI will enhance human flourishing [or students can pick] (b) Frontier AI models should be open source (2,500 word essay)
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Submit your entry to the world's largest AI Public Speaking and Debating Championship today!

student testimonials

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Live US Coaching

U.S. COACHING FOR GIFTED CHILDREN:

Taught by our Founder – two time U.S. State Debate Champion and Stanford University alumnus, Rajiv Kacholia.
 

"Their points need to be evidence-based and backed by research... I wanted to help give them a voice and the confidence to speak up, though respectfully, and express their opinion." Mr. Kacholia in Indian Express.

Unique approach

FUTURE READY  CREATIVITY, CRITICAL THINKING, & COLLABORATION

Uniquely thrilling and rigorous U.S. curriculum is taught by U.S. faculty based in Mumbai. This is not a traditional elocution class. Mr. Kacholia has developed a uniquely modern pedagogy to advance speech, debate and essential 21st century life skills by augmenting evidence-based debate formats. 

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Introverts and extroverts can both succeed. No prior experience is required in any of our courses. Mr. Kacholia's unique pedagogy builds confidence, intellectual curiosity, multi-disciplinary global knowledge, and soft skills through challenge, rigor, and fun games. His students have gained admissions at the top Universities in the US, UK, and India.​​

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"Research demonstrates that debaters advance in reading, writing, and life skills. We use exciting games and challenge our students to extend beyond their personal opinions and explore alternative perspectives through rigorous analysis and discussion. Children dive into topics, become self-motivated to read and process information faster, while aspiring to formulate creative ideas supported by evidence-based reasoning." – Mr. Kacholia in Education World.

founder & gc, fc coach - mr kacholia

Mr. Rajiv Kacholia is a two time State Champion Debater in the United States, winning numerous 1st and 2nd place speaker and team awards, an alumnus of Stanford University with Honors and Goldman Sachs, former Board President of the American School of Bombay (ASB), has held leadership roles on Wall Street and business completing US$22 billion in transactions across 5 continents, worked for two United States Senators, served as an Advisor to the New York City Economic Development Council, and currently leads the Asian operations of a Rs. 1000 Crores global business.​

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Mr. Kacholia led the Public Policy Forum at Stanford and was the first undergraduate student ever to receive special permission to take classes at Stanford Law School and the second year finance curriculum at Stanford Business School. He is currently Chair of Stanford University's undergraduate admissions interview chapter for South, Central, & Western India.

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Mr. Kacholia spends his free time on the weekend on his passion for speech and debate, training young minds in India and 15+ other countries to develop into national and global leaders. His students have by far the most wins and recognition from South Asia in the most rigorous research and evidence based prestigious USA tournaments.

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Mr. Kacholia is the India National Coach for the Global TDI Tournament, the India Nationals Speech and Debate Tournament, and the Global AI Speech and Debate Tournament. He has coached the only teams from India to ever win the US National Championship, Harvard Championship, Michigan Championship, Northwestern Championship and first teams and speaker award winners at Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and many more. Many of his students have been selected on top local, regional, and national Speech, Debate, MUN, ISDS, WSDC, BP, IIT, TDI teams and have won awards across the US, Europe, and Asia.

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Mr. Kacholia personally teaches all GC and FC classes and has taught more than 2,000 students. His daughter is a Senior at Stanford University and his son was recently ranked #1 Debate Team globally at the High School JV level and co-teaches our EC classes for MS/HS students.​​​​

WHY SPEECH & DEBATE?
Success in School!

Improves reading, writing, speaking, listening and note-taking skills essential in all subjects. There is no academic activity that stimulates your child's development across so many core academic and life skills. Research on speech and debate validates this boost. and is available on our website.

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Speech Debate India is a life changing Journey backed by Research, for students to advance academic and life skills naturally, through fun and engaging classes to learn essential Public Speaking, Debate, English, Economics, School, and Leadership skills.

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For general enquiries: contact@speechdebateindia.com

WhatsApp Chat Live Now: click here to ask us any questions

Corporate Office: Pinnacle Corporate Park, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, Maharashtra, INDIA 400051

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Some website materials are under license from the National Speech and Debate Association, USA (NSDA) under permission as the Official Exclusive Partner of the NSDA in India. Any reproduction is strictly prohibited.  Website and terms and conditions for courses © 2019-2025 by SpeechDebateIndia.com and SDIndia.org

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