PsiFi XVIII is the 18th edition of Pakistan’s biggest student science olympiad, and regular registration is now open. The festival runs from 23 to 26 December 2026 at LUMS in DHA Phase 6 Lahore Cantt. Organized by SPADES, it brings students from across the country onto one campus for four days of science, engineering, technology and competition.
If you want a place at PsiFi 2026, the regular registration window closes on 25 November 2026.
PsiFi XVIII Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | PsiFi XVIII |
| Organizer | SPADES, LUMS |
| Festival dates | 23 to 26 December 2026 |
| Regular registration deadline | 25 November 2026 |
| Regular registration fee | PKR 5,500 |
| Venue | LUMS, Department of Physics, DHA Lahore Cantt |
| Best for | School and university students interested in science, engineering and tech |
What Is PsiFi at LUMS?
PsiFi is the flagship event of SPADES, the Society for the Promotion and Development of Engineering and Sciences at LUMS. Since its first edition in 2010, it has grown into a national platform where students test their knowledge, creativity and teamwork against peers from many cities. Competitions cover physics, robotics, coding, quizzes, scavenger hunts and hands on engineering challenges. The festival now spans 11 categories and draws more than 1,500 students each year. Recent editions have been the largest of their kind in LUMS history.
When Is PsiFi XVIII 2026 and What Time Does It Start?
PsiFi XVIII takes place from 23 to 26 December 2026. The festival normally opens with registration and an opening ceremony on the first day, and individual competitions then run on a schedule through the four days.
SPADES releases the detailed daily timetable closer to the event. Delegates should keep an eye on official SPADES updates for exact start times of each competition.
What Can You Expect at PsiFi XVIII?
Last year’s edition gives a good picture of the experience. Siege tested engineering skill with a boatbuilding round. Pixel Spectrum turned the campus into an interactive scavenger hunt. Science Crime Busters asked teams to solve staged crime scenes using scientific reasoning. Oppenheimer’s Odyssey, the flagship physics event, mixes Olympiad style problems, experiments and debate. The festival closes with PsiFi Showdown, a live auction style quiz where top teams bid PsiFi Coins on questions from many fields.
The HackX competitions are also part of the wider PsiFi experience for students who enjoy coding, web development and problem solving. You can read more in my guide to HackX at LUMS.
Who Can Register for PsiFi XVIII?
PsiFi is open to students from schools, colleges and universities across Pakistan. Whether you are a first time delegate or a returning competitor, regular registration is the route to take now that the early registration phase has ended.
SPADES also runs initiatives such as fee waivers for girls under its Women in STEM efforts, so it is worth checking the official SPADES channels if that applies to you.
How to Complete PsiFi XVIII Regular Registration
Register before 25 November 2026 using the official PsiFi registration details shared by SPADES. Choose the competitions you want to join, form your team where an event needs one, and confirm your details well before the deadline.
For questions, you can reach the PsiFi team through the official SPADES website at spades.lums.edu.pk or the LUMS PsiFi page on Facebook.
Where Is the PsiFi XVIII Venue?
The festival takes place at the Lahore University of Management Sciences, Department of Physics, in DHA Lahore Cantt. The campus is a short drive from DHA Phase 6, which makes it easy to reach for students and families living in and around the area.
If you are travelling in from outside Lahore, plan your stay early because December is a busy month in the city. Our DHA Phase 6 restaurants guide can help you find a good meal after a long competition day, and the malls in DHA Phase 6 page covers options like Dolmen Mall for downtime between events.
What Else Is Happening Around LUMS This Season?
LUMS hosts several student events through the year. If you are planning a wider visit, you may also like our posts on the Hunger Games event at LUMS and the Light and Sound Show at Army Museum Lahore. For a family break, Wonderland of Sindbad is another popular stop nearby.
Why You Should Register Early
PsiFi spots and team slots fill quickly because the festival is the largest of its kind in the country. Registering before 25 November gives you time to prepare, choose your events and build your team without last minute stress. If science, engineering or technology is your thing, PsiFi XVIII is a strong way to compete, learn and meet like minded students.