480 entries. 6 campuses. 7 jury members. 12 finalists. 2 winners. 2 Thars. More than just a competition, MRC is platform for students and future leaders.

Launched with the goal of tapping into the untapped potential of India's business students, it encourages participants to engage with real-world business problems, offering creative and impactful solutions. Over the years, this challenge has grown into one of the most anticipated events in India's business education circuit, attracting entries from top-tier schools and offering winners a chance to make a lasting mark.

This year, the Mahindra Rise Challenge witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 480 entries from six of the country’s leading business schools: RI Jamshedpur, SPJIMR Mumbai, FMS Delhi, IIM Bangalore, IIM Ahmedabad, and JBIMS Mumbai. After rigorous evaluation and campus rounds, only 12 exceptional finalists made it to the national stage.

Among them, two names rose to the top:

• Ananda Sarkar from SPJIMR Mumbai emerged as the National Winner.
• Mihir Rajora from IIM Ahmedabad claimed the Campus Winner title.

Ananda's winning pitch showcased an innovative approach to unlocking new growth opportunities for Mahindra, impressing the jury with both its creativity and strategic depth. Mihir's standout ideas, presented during the campus rounds, demonstrated a sharp understanding of the Mahindra Group's vision and goals, securing his well-earned title.

The National winner Ananda won a Thar and Mihir Rajora won a campus Thar. All 12 finalists received a Mahindra Leadership Programme summer internship.

Watch the full episode here: