About This Competition
The CDSL Reimagine Ideathon 2026 is here – where ideas meet India's securities market.
💰Prize Pool: ₹11.5 Lakhs
Rewarding breakthrough ideas that can truly shape the future of investing in India.
CDSL, one of India's most trusted Market Infrastructure Institutions, is launching an innovation challenge – inviting young minds to reimagine how Indians invest, learn, and tap into India’s growth story.
Why Now? India's securities market stands at an inflection point. As one of the world's fastest-growing economies, there is an immense opportunity ahead to bring millions more into the financial fold.
Who We're Looking For: Young innovators with the insight and imagination to make investing simple, engaging, and empowering for every Indian – across diverse geographies, languages, and demographics.
Your Mission: Transform awareness into action. Hesitation into confidence. Learners into truly Atmanirbhar Investors. Play your part in shaping an investing culture that is inclusive and responsible.
Rules & Guidelines
- Each team can have up to 4 members, and it is mandatory to have one faculty member as a mentor.
- Multiple teams are participating from the same institute, the same mentor may support more than one team.
- One team member shall be nominated as the Team Leader.
- Individuals can participate as far as they have a mentor for the project.
- You can have cross function team from the same institute however, cross - institute teams are not permitted.
Rewards & Benefits
The Rewards:
🏆 1st Prize: ₹5,00,000 (5 Lakh)
🏆 2nd Prize: ₹3,00,000 (3 Lakh)
🏆 3rd Prize: ₹2,00,000 (2 Lakh)
🏆 4th & 5th Prizes: ₹75,000 each (Seventy Five Thousand)
Eligibility Criteria
- Students of any discipline who have completed at least 12th Grade and are currently enrolled in an accredited academic institution in India are eligible to participate.
Timeline
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Entry Submission Deadline for Screening Round: October 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM
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Screening Round: November 3, 2026 - November 25, 2026
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Round 1 (Virtual Presentation): November 30, 2026 - December 15, 2026
- Round 2 (Jury Chair Round): 3rd/4th week January 2027
- Announcement of Winners: January 31, 2027
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Prize Distribution: February 20, 2027