How to Apply for Numero Uno: IIM Bangalore Strategy Case Competition, ₹1.1L Prize

Round 1 — Differentiation (online quiz) This is an objective test hosted on the Unstop platform: 25 questions to be completed in 20 minutes. Topics span strategy, finance, marketing, operations, leadership, business awareness, current affairs and core management concepts. Shortlisting is decided by how accurate and how quick you are.

Round 2 — Strategy Case Submission Those who clear the quiz receive a contemporary business problem to work on. You get 4–6 days to prepare and submit a 4-slide deck, with the title slide and any appendix excluded from that count. Judges weigh how well the problem is understood, the rigour of the analysis, creativity and feasibility, and the strategic insight on display. The top 6–8 entrants advance to the finale.

Round 3 — Board Room Discussion (offline finale) This stage is split into two parts.

• Round 3a: Boardroom Crisis Simulation (non-eliminating) — Finalists are given executive roles and placed in boardrooms to deliberate on a business crisis scenario, aiming to reach consensus through discussion and negotiation. Strategic thinking, leadership, communication and decision-making under pressure are assessed.
• Round 3b: Boardroom Showdown (eliminating) — A high-stakes business scenario that calls for swift, effective decisions. Finalists defend their viewpoints, negotiate with stakeholders and propose actionable solutions inside a simulated boardroom. Judging covers strategic acumen, leadership, persuasion, communication, presence of mind and composure under pressure.