FIRST LEGO League (Advanced) — Classes 11–12
Quick truth: FLL Challenge is officially ages 9–16* (region‑specific). Many Class 11 students (≤16 as on cut‑off) can still compete; most Class 12 students will be over‑age. See advanced pathways: FTC (12–18) and FRC (14–18).
🌐 FIRST LEGO League (Global)
🧭 2025–26 Theme: UNEARTHED™
🇮🇳 FLL India (Partner)
🎯 Who can join from Class 11–12?
- Age band: FLL Challenge is 9–16* with cut‑off rules (e.g., age as on 1 Jan of mission year). In India, partners list the band as 9–16.
- Good fit: Class 11 students who are still ≤16 (as per cut‑off).
- Alternatives for 16–18: FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) for ages 12–18 and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) for ages 14–18 (grades 9–12).
🧩 2025–26 Theme & Divisions
- Theme: UNEARTHED™ — explore the past to discover the future (official FLL season).
- Divisions: Discover (4–6), Explore (6–10), Challenge (9–16*). XI–XII target: Challenge or move up to FTC/FRC.
🇮🇳 Registration (India)
- Check your regional partner site (FLL India, Edutech India) for city events and sign‑ups.
- Team size: 2–10 students with 1–2 adult coaches; each student can join only one team.
🏆 “Advanced” 100‑Point Practice Rubric (Unofficial)
Use this normalized rubric to train for a perfect performance. Always map to your region’s official mission table & judging rubrics.
- Robot Game (on‑table): 60 — normalize from official max mission points (best round counts; penalties applied).
- Innovation Project: 15 — problem clarity, innovation, research quality, impact, presentation.
- Robot Design: 15 — strategy, mechanism quality, sensor use, code structure, robustness.
- Core Values: 10 — discovery, impact, inclusion, teamwork, fun; evidence across sessions.
📚 Prep Plan for Class 11–12
- Lock hardware baseline (chassis, wheels, sensors) and a calibration ritual for mats & lighting.
- Create mission trees: low‑risk autos first (bank 40–50%), then high‑value combos.
- Keep an engineering log (design iterations, test data, failures) — boosts Robot Design & Core Values.
- For older teams (≥16), evaluate moving to FTC (12–18) or FRC (14–18) for more advanced build freedom.
🧭 Quick Steps — Register
- Coach creates account at your regional FLL partner portal; forms a team of 2–10.
- Order the current season’s Challenge Set and review the Robot Game Rulebook.
- Book your Qualifier and set a weekly build/test schedule (6–10 weeks ideal).
- Parallel prep for Innovation Project, Robot Design, and Core Values interviews.
🔗 Official Links
- Global site: firstlegoleague.org
- Season page (UNEARTHED™): firstinspires.org (Game & Season)
- India partner: firstlegoleagueindia.org & fll.edutechindia.com
- Advanced pathways: FIRST Tech Challenge • FIRST Robotics Competition
📝 Disclaimer
Ages and cut‑offs vary by country/partner and by the mission year. Always follow your regional partner’s rulebook & age policy. The 100‑point rubric above is a training aid.