Akanksha: A Business Plan — ₹42,500 Prize Competition for MBA Teams — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about Akanksha: A Business Plan — ₹42,500 Prize Competition for MBA Teams — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
What is Akanksha: A Business Plan and who runs it?
Akanksha is a national business plan competition held as part of Krishi Chanakya, the annual management festival of the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad. MANAGE is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India. Students take a startup idea through three rounds and, if shortlisted, present the final plan in person before judges at the MANAGE campus.
How much prize money does the competition offer?
The winner receives ₹25,000 and the runner-up receives ₹17,500, which adds up to a total prize pool of ₹42,500. Teams that reach the national final also receive a certificate of recognition.
Who is eligible to enter, and what is the team size?
Only students currently enrolled in an MBA, PGDM or allied management programme at a recognised institution in India can take part. Entries are made in teams of 2 to 3 members, and all members must be from the same institute. There is no limit on how many teams one institute may register, but an individual student can be part of only one entry.
Do we need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to apply?
No. Akanksha is a competition for management students, not for registered companies, so DPIIT recognition and MSME registration are not part of the eligibility criteria. You simply need to be a student on an eligible management programme and form a team from your own institute.
Does the competition take equity in the idea or require repayment?
No. The rewards are cash prizes and a certificate, so nothing is taken in equity and nothing has to be repaid. There is no dilution involved for participating teams.
What are the application dates and the deadline?
Registration opens on 25 July 2026 and closes on 10 August 2026. Entries must be submitted within that window through the official Unstop platform.
How do we apply, and who is allowed to submit?
Applications are submitted online through the official Unstop listing for the competition. Only the team leader may make the submission on behalf of the team, and the uploaded file must follow the naming format Akanksha_TeamName_CollegeName.
What has to go into the Round 1 abstract?
Round 1 requires a one-page abstract covering the business overview, the problem being addressed, your proposed solution, your competitive advantage, and financial projections. It must be submitted as a PDF, formatted in Times New Roman at size 11 with 1.0 line spacing and normal margins.
What does the Round 2 executive summary need to cover?
Shortlisted teams expand their idea into an executive summary that covers the business model, sales and marketing strategy, intellectual property status, competitor analysis, management team, value proposition, customer and market analysis, financials, and funding requirements. The submission can be up to 4 slides, leaving out the Intro and Thank You slides, and may be in PPT or PDF format.
What happens in the final round?
The top teams from the earlier rounds are invited to the MANAGE campus in Hyderabad, where they present their business plan live before a panel of judges. It is the only in-person stage of the competition.
How do I apply for Akanksha: A Business Plan — ₹42,500 Prize Competition for MBA Teams?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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