CASEQuest 2026 | Grant Thornton Bharat | India’s Premier Undergraduate Case Study Competition

Your ideas. Your Impact. Your Quest.

You don’t need a corner office to change the game. You just need an idea worth backing.

Got a different perspective? A mind that questions the obvious? A team that loves turning “what if?” into “what’s next?” Then CASEQuest is calling.

Brought to you by Grant Thornton Bharat, CASEQuest is a flagship national-level case study competition for undergraduate students who dare to think differently and want to make their ideas count. It’s your space to challenge the status quo, tackle real-world problems, and turn fresh perspectives into solutions that can make a difference.

And this isn’t just another competition to add to your CV. With 3,000+ teams and 17,000+ students participating across its first two editions, CASEQuest has become a platform for young talent across India to showcase their potential, find their voice, and take their first steps towards the corporate world.

Here’s what’s waiting for you

• Think Different. Think Bigger. Put your creativity, problem-solving skills, and strategic thinking to the test.
• Get Industry-Ready. Build skills in collaboration, communication, analysis, and presenting ideas with confidence.
• Get Mentored by the Best. Gain valuable guidance and insights from experienced industry professionals.
• Turn Potential into Opportunity. Stand a chance to access pre-placement interview opportunities, internships, and live projects.
• Compete. Get Recognized. Win Big. Compete for cash prizes worth ₹1.5 lakh and earn recognition for the ideas you bring to the table.
• Build Your Network. Expand Your World. Connect with ambitious peers and industry professionals who could shape your journey ahead.

The World Doesn’t Need More of the Same. It needs people who question, create, collaborate, and dare to do things differently. CASEQuest is your opportunity to be one of them.

Whether you’re a problem-solver, an idea generator, or someone ready to discover what you’re capable of, bring your curiosity, rally your team, and step into the challenge.

Your college is where you start. Your ideas decide how far you go.

Ready to take on the quest?

Think bold. Play smart. Make your mark.

Eligibility for CASEQuest

Is CASEQuest Your Kind of Challenge?

Undergraduate student? Big ideas? You’re in the right place!

CASEQuest is built for curious minds and ambitious undergraduates who are ready to think differently, solve meaningful problems, and showcase their potential on a national platform.

You can join the quest if:

• You are currently enrolled as a undergraduate student at an Indian institute or university.
• Your academic programme has officially commenced for the current academic year.
• You are pursuing your undergraduate degree and have not yet graduated.

This quest isn’t open to:

• Students whose classes for the current academic year have not yet commenced.
• Students who have already graduated or completed their undergraduate programme.

A quick heads-up: Every team member must meet the eligibility criteria. The organisers may verify student status, and teams that do not meet the requirements may be disqualified.

If you’re eligible, you’re one step closer to turning your ideas into impact. Let the quest begin!

Important: Registration & Semi-Final Progression Fee

Registration for CASEQuest is absolutely free.

Teams that qualify through the preliminary round will be required to pay a nominal, non-refundable progression fee to secure their participation in the semi-final round.

CASEQuest: ₹600 per team (Inclusive of GST)

Please note: Qualification in the preliminary round does not automatically confirm participation in the semi-final round. Only shortlisted teams that successfully pay the applicable fee within the stipulated deadline will be eligible to compete in the semi-final round. Payment instructions and the deadline will be communicated along with the preliminary round results.

Teams that do not complete the payment within the specified timeline will forfeit their eligibility to participate in the semi-final round.

Format

The CASEQuest Journey — From Big Ideas to Real-World Impact | Three Rounds. One Epic Quest. Your Ideas Could Change the Game

Every big change starts with someone asking, “What if we did things differently?”. At CASEQuest, that someone could be you.

This isn’t just another competition to add to your college checklist. It’s your chance to step beyond textbooks, take on a real-world challenge, think up bold solutions, and show what happens when fresh perspectives meet purposeful action.

Across three exciting rounds, you’ll go from cracking the core problem to building a solution that makes sense in the real world—and finally, pitching your ideas before Grant Thornton Bharat leaders. Along the way, you’ll put your creativity, analytical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills to the test.

Ready to see how far your ideas can take you? Here’s your CASEQuest roadmap.

Step 0 — Assemble Your Squad & Register

Great ideas are even better when the right minds come together.

Every epic quest needs a solid squad. Team up with 3 eligible undergraduate students who bring different strengths to the table—whether you’re the research whiz, the numbers person, the creative thinker, or the one who can turn a great idea into a killer presentation.

How to get started:

1. Visit the CampACE website.

2. Click on Register for the Case Study Competition at the top of the webpage to access the Where U Elevate registration platform.

3. Create your account, select CASEQuest, enter your team details, and complete the registration process.

4. Double-check that every team member’s details, including email addresses and mobile numbers, are accurate.

Registration is free! Once registered, your team will be invited to the competition orientation session, where you’ll get the lowdown on the rules of the game, submission requirements, evaluation criteria, key timelines, and tips to help you get started.

One important thing before you begin: Teams shortlisted after the preliminary round must pay a progression fee of ₹600 per team (Inclusive of GST) within the stipulated deadline to confirm their eligibility for the semi-final round. Making the shortlist is exciting, but completing the payment within the deadline is what secures your team’s eligibility to move ahead.

Round 1 — Preliminary Round: The One-Slide Showdown

One page. One big idea. Zero room for fluff

You’ve got a challenge to crack, and your job is to get straight to the point. This round is all about spotting the real problem, finding the insight others might miss, and presenting an idea that makes people sit up and take notice.

Your challenge: Analyze the Grant Thornton Bharat case study provided and turn your understanding into a sharp, well-thought-out solution that gets to the heart of the problem.

What you need to submit:

• A one-page case solution in PDF or PowerPoint format.
• A clear explanation of the problem and the question being asked.
• Your key insight and proposed solution.
• A concise explanation of why your idea makes sense and how it could work in practice.

What will get the judges’ attention?

• How well you understand and frame the problem.
• Fresh thinking and original ideas.
• Logical reasoning and relevance to the challenge.
• Practicality and feasibility of your proposed solution.
• Clear communication, smart structuring, and the ability to make every word count.

Submission guidelines:

• Length: One page/slide, excluding the introductory slide.
• Accepted formats: PDF or PowerPoint (.ppt/.pptx).
• Submission platform: Where U Elevate.
• File naming convention: `Preliminary Round Submission_Team Name_College Name_CASEQuest 2026-27`
• The goal: You don’t need to have every answer figured out. Show us that you can spot the real issue, think beyond the obvious, and make a compelling case for your idea.

Round 2 — Semi-Final Round: The Brainpower Upgrade

Your idea has potential. Now give it the proof, plan, and power to back it up.

Making it to the semi-finals means your initial thinking has made the cut. Now it’s time to level up. Take your first solution, dig deeper into the challenge, explore the evidence, test your assumptions, and turn your idea into a well-rounded recommendation.

This is where a promising thought becomes a solution that can stand up to questions.

Your challenge: Build a comprehensive, evidence-backed presentation that shows you understand the problem, have thought through the possibilities, and can turn your recommendation into meaningful action.

What you need to submit:

• A detailed presentation comprising 8–9 slides, excluding the introductory slide.
• A structured analysis supported by relevant evidence, data, and assumptions.
• Clear recommendations, implementation considerations, and expected impact.
• Responses to the specific questions and deliverables communicated for the semi-final stage.

And there’s more than just a submission!

Once your presentation is submitted, the semi-final journey continues with a virtual presentation round. Your team will be able to select a presentation slot from the available options and present your solution virtually before Grant Thornton Bharat leaders.

This is your moment to step up, walk the panel through your thinking, explain why your idea works, and show that you can handle questions without losing sight of the bigger picture.

What will the judges be looking for?

• Strong analysis and clear, logical reasoning.
• Relevant evidence and well-grounded assumptions.
• Solutions that are practical, feasible, and commercially sensible.
• Creativity, originality, and potential to make a real difference.
• Confident presentation skills and the ability to respond thoughtfully to questions.

Submission guidelines:

• Length: 8–9 slides, excluding the introductory slide.
• Accepted formats: PDF or PowerPoint (.ppt/.pptx).
• Submission platform: Where U Elevate.
• File naming convention: Semi-Final Round Submission_Team Name_College Name_CASEQuest 2026-27`

Virtual presentation slots and instructions will be communicated to shortlisted teams.

The goal: Don’t just tell us your idea is great. Show us the thinking behind it, how it can come to life, and the difference it could make.

Round 3 — Grand Finale: The Big-League Pitch

Destination to be revealed | In- Person Finale

You made it to the final level. Now it’s time to own the spotlight.

The grand finale is where your ideas get their biggest stage. You’ll take on the final CASEQuest challenge, refine your recommendations, and pitch your solution in person before a panel of Grant Thornton Bharat leaders and subject-matter experts.

Expect big questions, fresh perspectives, and the chance to show how you think when the pressure is on. It’s your opportunity to go beyond having a great idea and demonstrate that you know how to turn it into something meaningful.

Your challenge: Take your analysis to the next level, sharpen your recommendations, and show how your solution can create measurable, real-world impact.

What you need to submit:

• A final presentation comprising 12–14 slides, excluding the introductory slide.
• A comprehensive, well-supported solution addressing the final-stage requirements.
• Clear recommendations, implementation priorities, and expected outcomes.
• Supporting analysis and assumptions to substantiate your proposal.
• Responses to the specific case requirements and finale instructions shared with qualifying teams after the semi-final results are announced.

What awaits you at the finale?

• 25-minute presentation: Put your solution on the table, walk the panel through your thinking, and make your case.
• 15-minute Q&A: Take on questions, defend your assumptions, and demonstrate your understanding of feasibility, implementation, go-to-market strategy, and impact metrics.
• Experiential Day with Grant Thornton Bharat: Learn from professionals, explore the world of consulting, and connect through learning sessions, mentoring, and networking.

Submission guidelines:

• Length:12–14 slides, excluding the introductory slide.
• Accepted formats: PDF or PowerPoint (.ppt/.pptx).
• Submission platform: Where U Elevate.
• File naming convention: Finale Round Submission_Team Name_College Name_CASEQuest 2026-27.

Presentation schedules, venue details, and final instructions will be shared with the selected teams.

The goal: Bring your A-game. Back your ideas with solid thinking, answer tough questions with confidence, and show the panel that your perspective deserves to be heard.

Your CASEQuest Journey Starts Here

From your first big idea to your final pitch in Goa, every round is a chance to think differently, challenge the obvious, and discover what you’re capable of achieving.

You don’t need years of experience to make a difference. You need curiosity, the courage to question, and the confidence to put your ideas out there.

Think big. Question everything. Solve for impact

Your next big idea could be your winning move.

Are you ready to take on CASEQuest 2026–27?