HCL Jigsaw Program
by HCL Group
₹1,200,000 Prize Pool
HCL Jigsaw is India's biggest problem-solving competition for students in Grades 6-9, fostering critical thinking, research, and communication skills through real-world challenges.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 3 to 4
Duration
Multi-stage competition spanning several months (April to September)
Eligibility
Open to students in Grades 6 to 9 from any recognized school across India. Participants must register through their schools and may form teams for certain rounds. No specific academic prerequisites are required beyond grade enrollment.
- Grade level
- Grade 6 to 9
- Age range
- 11 to 14 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students from any board or school across India studying in Grades 6 to 9 for the academic year are eligible to participate. Registrations must be submitted through their respective schools.
- Prerequisites
- General academic aptitude
- Keen interest in learning and problem-solving
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹1,200,000
A total prize purse worth ₹12 Lakhs is awarded to winners and finalists. Individual winners can receive prizes worth up to ₹1 Lakh, including laptops, headphones, and other exciting gadgets.
Prizes
Trophy & Gadgets
Winners receive prestigious trophies and exciting gadgets as part of the prize pool.
Certificate
E-Certificate
All participants receive e-certificates of participation. Top performers receive e-certificates of merit or distinction based on their national percentile.
Career pathways
Winners gain an exclusive learning opportunity with a paid visit to the prestigious HCL Innovation Labs, often accompanied by a parent.
Recognition
National-level recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Jun 2027
- Registration closes
- 15 Aug 2027
- Competition
- 1 Sept 2027 to 30 Nov 2027
HCL Technology Hub, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
How to apply
- 1Interested students or schools can register online at www.hcljigsaw.com.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must be students of Grades 6-9 in a recognized Indian school.
- Teams for Round 2 must consist of 3 or 4 members from the same school.
- All participants must adhere to the specified timelines for registration and competition rounds.
- Any form of unfair means or plagiarism will lead to immediate disqualification.
- The decisions of the HCL Jigsaw organizing committee and judges are final and binding.
- Participants are responsible for ensuring stable internet connectivity and suitable device for online rounds.
Technology requirements
- A laptop, desktop, or tablet with a stable internet connection is required for online preliminary rounds.
- Recommended system specifications include at least 2 GB RAM, an Intel i3 processor or above, and Windows 7 or higher, running Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
About this opportunity
HCL Jigsaw is a national problem-solving and critical thinking competition for school students across India. It aims to cultivate essential 21st-century skills like critical thinking, research, communication, and problem-solving, preparing young minds for future challenges through real-world scenarios.
This competition is open to students in Grades 6 to 9 from any recognized Indian school. Participants develop logical reasoning and decision-making abilities, gaining national recognition, certificates, and a share of the ₹12 Lakh prize pool for top performers.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 100
- Duration
- 60 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Rounds and format
Round 1 is an online MCQ-based Olympiad testing reasoning and problem-solving. Round 2 is an inter-school team-based project challenge. A Pre-Jury round evaluates submissions, leading to the Grand Finale where top teams present their solutions live.
How entries are judged
Evaluation is based on research skills, critical thinking, communication process, creativity, logical thinking, collaboration, and the application of problem-solving skills to real-world challenges.
Selection process
Students qualify from one round to another based on their performance, demonstrating strong critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork in subsequent rounds. Top percentile scores in Round 1 are crucial.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The program is application-oriented, focusing on real-world problems and challenges rather than a fixed curriculum. It assesses critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills, aligning with India's New Education Policy (NEP).
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively prepare for the HCL Jigsaw competition?
Students can prepare by focusing on developing strong critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills. Engaging in real-world problem analysis, practicing logical reasoning, and collaborating on projects can significantly enhance performance in the multi-stage competition. Online learning content will be provided in the student portal to aid preparation.
What strategies help participants manage competitive pressure during the various rounds?
Managing competitive pressure involves effective time management, clear communication within teams, and focusing on the learning process rather than solely on winning. Practicing mindfulness and seeking support from mentors or teachers can also be beneficial for participants to maintain focus and confidence.
How are the problem-solving skills developed in HCL Jigsaw applicable in real-world scenarios?
The problem-solving skills honed in HCL Jigsaw, such as critical analysis, innovative ideation, and collaborative execution, are directly transferable to academic challenges, future career paths, and addressing societal issues, fostering well-rounded individuals prepared for global challenges.
What are the key factors judges consider during the team-based project rounds?
Judges evaluate projects based on the depth of research, originality of the solution, clarity of communication, logical coherence of arguments, and the demonstrated teamwork. The practical applicability and potential impact of the proposed solution are also crucial assessment criteria for advancement.
How does participation in HCL Jigsaw enhance a student's academic profile and future opportunities?
Participation in HCL Jigsaw provides national recognition, prestigious certificates, and a platform to showcase 21st-century skills. This experience significantly strengthens a student's academic profile, offering a competitive edge for higher education and future career prospects, including opportunities to visit HCL Innovation Labs.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Never miss the right opportunities for your child
The WiWit app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
VIT Mathematical Model Exhibition
by Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)
Showcase your mathematical creativity at the VIT Mathematical Model Exhibition. This national team competition invites school students to develop and present innovative math models with real-world applications, fostering problem-solving and scientific temper.
What your child could gain:
International Mathematics Olympiad Competition of Southeast Asia (IMOCSEA)
by GLOBAL LEAGUE OF WINNERS, INC.
The International Mathematics Olympiad Competition of Southeast Asia (IMOCSEA) promotes excellence and proficiency in mathematics for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, offering global exposure and skill development.
What your child could gain:
Aryabhatta Maths Olympiad (AMO) by Unlock IQ Institute
by Unlock IQ Institute Private Limited
A national-level online mathematics competition for students of classes 1-10, designed to test conceptual understanding and build a foundation for future competitive exams.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Get the free app