Airtel iCreate 2026 — ₹6L Case Competition for 1st-Year MBA Teams — Frequently Asked Questions

It is a case competition run by Bharti Airtel for first-year MBA students at selected Indian business schools, offered as the 1st Year B-School Track. Registered teams receive a business case, submit their approach, and then move through a simulation round, a detailed submission round and a mentorship phase before the grand finale. The competition is hosted on Unstop, and the prize pool goes up to ₹6 lakh.

You must be a full-time, first-year flagship MBA student at one of the B-schools on Airtel's curated eligibility list. Students in part-time, distance-learning or executive MBA programmes cannot take part. Teams also have to meet the composition rule, so check that before you register.

Exactly three. At least one member must be male and at least one must be female. Teams are free to mix specialisations, so members do not have to come from the same academic stream. One restriction to remember: no student can be part of more than one team.

The winning team receives ₹4,00,000 and the first runners-up get ₹2,00,000, which together make up a prize pool of up to ₹6 lakh. Apart from the cash, finalist teams are considered for PPI/PPO opportunities depending on eligibility, and national finalists also receive a certificate of participation and networking access to Airtel's leadership team.

No. iCreate is a case competition, not a funding round or an investment, so there is no equity, stake or repayment attached to the prizes. What teams win is cash, mentorship and pre-placement opportunities — nothing is given away in exchange.

Yes. Airtel has not placed any limit on the number of teams an eligible institute can enter, so several teams from the same campus can compete. The only restriction applies to individuals — a student cannot appear on more than one team.

You start with a PDF of two slides or two pages outlining your approach and solution, submitted after the case is released. If shortlisted, you enter the simulation round and make strategic decisions to maximise ROI. Teams that progress further submit a PDF of 6–8 slides or pages plus a two-minute video covering their detailed analysis and impact.

Finalists present their solutions to Airtel leadership at the company's Gurgaon headquarters. Travel and accommodation are arranged for the teams that reach this stage. Before the finale, the top 10 finalist teams go through a mentorship phase with mentors from Airtel's leadership.

Registrations close on 17 July 2026. Applications are made through the official Airtel iCreate 2026 1st Year B-School Track page on Unstop: https://unstop.com/competitions/crp-airtel-icreate-2026-1st-year-b-school-track-airtel-icreate-2026-airtel-1701345

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Airtel iCreate 2026 — ₹6L Case Competition for 1st-Year MBA Teams, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

Airtel iCreate 2026 — ₹6L Case Competition for 1st-Year MBA Teams is offered by Airtel. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.

Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.