Indradhanu PCCOE International Grand Challenge 2026 — ₹2L Prize Pool — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about Indradhanu PCCOE International Grand Challenge 2026 — ₹2L Prize Pool — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
How much money can a team win at Indradhanu 2026?
The cash pool totals ₹2,00,000. The first-placed team receives ₹1,00,000, the second receives ₹60,000 and the third receives ₹40,000, and each of the three also takes home a trophy.
Who is eligible to take part?
Entry is open exclusively to students who are currently enrolled in an Engineering UG programme, an Engineering PG programme or another STEM programme. Because the challenge is student-only, working professionals and registered companies are not eligible.
What is the registration deadline?
Registration closes on 10 September 2026. The competition itself starts earlier, on 1 July 2026, and continues until 15 February 2027, so the entry window and the build window do not end on the same date.
How many members can a team have, and is a mentor compulsory?
A team must have between 2 and 5 members, plus one mentor who may be a faculty member or an industry professional. The mentor is not counted within the 2-to-5 team size, so a five-member team with a mentor is still valid.
Is there any fee to enter?
No. Registration on Unstop and completion of the process on the official IGC website are free of charge.
How do we apply?
There are two steps. First register on Unstop, then complete the process on the official IGC website, pccoeigc.com. After that, the team dashboard is where you upload your submission.
What does a team actually submit?
A PDF or a PPT on the topic the team has selected, submitted through the team dashboard. Submissions that succeed in the first round earn e-certificates.
When is a No Objection Certificate needed?
A signed No Objection Certificate is required for the rounds after the first one. Teams that clear the opening round need to have it in place before they continue in the contest.
Do we need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration?
Neither features anywhere in the eligibility criteria. This is a student competition rather than a startup funding scheme, and the requirement is simply that every team member is enrolled in an Engineering or other STEM programme.
Can students from outside Pune or outside India apply?
The challenge is billed as international, and no city or institution restriction appears in the programme details. What matters is that you are enrolled in an Engineering or other STEM programme; teams enter online through Unstop and the official IGC website.
Does Indradhanu PCCOE International Grand Challenge 2026 — ₹2L Prize Pool take equity?
No. Indradhanu PCCOE International Grand Challenge 2026 — ₹2L Prize Pool is competition and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
How do I apply for Indradhanu PCCOE International Grand Challenge 2026 — ₹2L Prize Pool?
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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