Airtel iCreate 2026 — ₹8L MBA Case Challenge for 2nd-Year Students — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about Airtel iCreate 2026 — ₹8L MBA Case Challenge for 2nd-Year Students — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
How much money can a team win at Airtel iCreate 2026?
The winning team receives ₹5,00,000 and the first runners-up receive ₹3,00,000, which together make up a prize pool of up to ₹8 lakh. The awards are cash prizes, so nothing is deducted from them and no stake is taken in return.
Who is allowed to participate in this track?
It is open only to students in their second year of a full-time flagship MBA programme at an eligible B-school in India. Part-time students, distance-learning candidates and executive MBA students cannot take part.
What are the rules for forming a team?
A team must have exactly three members, and at least one of them must be male and at least one female. Members can come from different specialisations, no individual can join more than one team, and there is no limit on the number of teams a single institute may send.
What is the last date to register?
Registrations close on 17 July 2026. Since only registered teams get access to the case study, it is best to complete registration on Unstop well before the deadline.
Does Airtel take equity or a share of the prize money?
No. iCreate is a competition, not an investment. Winners keep the full cash prize, and Airtel takes no equity, revenue share or ownership of the ideas submitted.
What are the rounds in the competition?
There are five stages. Teams first submit a short brief on the released case, shortlisted teams then compete in an online business simulation, followed by a detailed submission of six to eight slides or pages plus a two-minute video. The top 10 teams are mentored by an Airtel leader, and the national finalists present at Airtel HQ in Gurgaon.
What do teams have to submit at each stage?
For the opening round, a two-slider or two-pager PDF setting out the team's understanding, approach and proposed solution. For the detailed round, a six to eight slider or page PDF along with a two-minute video covering the full solution, competitive analysis and expected impact. Shortlisted teams also take part in the online simulation.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to apply?
No. iCreate is a student competition rather than a startup funding scheme, so eligibility rests on your MBA enrolment and team composition. There is no requirement for DPIIT recognition, MSME registration or a registered company.
What do finalists get besides the prize money?
The top 10 finalist teams receive mentorship from an Airtel leader. Finalist teams are also considered for PPI/PPO opportunities, subject to eligibility. National finalists present to Airtel leadership at Airtel HQ in Gurgaon, with travel and accommodation provided for the visit.
How do I apply for Airtel iCreate 2026?
Registration is done through the Unstop competition page for the Airtel iCreate 2026 second-year B-school track, before the 17 July 2026 deadline. Once your team is registered, Airtel releases the case study to you and the competition rounds begin.
Who is eligible to apply for Airtel iCreate 2026 — ₹8L MBA Case Challenge for 2nd-Year Students?
Airtel iCreate 2026 — ₹8L MBA Case Challenge for 2nd-Year Students is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
Who offers Airtel iCreate 2026 — ₹8L MBA Case Challenge for 2nd-Year Students?
Airtel iCreate 2026 — ₹8L MBA Case Challenge for 2nd-Year Students is offered by Airtel. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
← Back to Airtel iCreate 2026 — ₹8L MBA Case Challenge for 2nd-Year Students overview