1. Team Composition

• Each team must consist of 5 students.

2. College Entry Rule

• Only two teams per college/institution will be eligible for participation. If more than 2 teams register from the same college/institution, only the earliest two valid registrations will be considered for participation.
• If multiple teams register from the same college/institution, only the earliest valid registration will be considered for participation.

3. Registration Period

• Registration will commence on 20th April 2026 and close on 28th June 2026.
• No registrations will be accepted after the closing date.

4. Registration Details

• The registration form must be completed in full and should include the required team details, including student names, college/institution name, contact details, and any other information sought in the registration form.
• Each team must nominate one SPOC who will serve as the single point of contact for all official communication.

5. Change in Team Composition

• Once the team details have been submitted, no changes in team composition will be permitted.
• NJ AMC reserves the right to reject incomplete, inaccurate, duplicate, or invalid registrations.

6. Registration Fee

• There is no registration fee for participation in the competition.

7. Competition Format

• The competition will require participants to back-test and create investment strategies using a quantitative factor-based approach.
• A detailed brief, including the case study, submission guidelines, response format, and other relevant instructions, will be shared with registered teams at the start of the competition.

8. Platform Access

• Participants will have access to the NJ Smart Beta platform, a proprietary factor investing database and analytical tool of NJ AMC.
• Access to the platform will be granted on 29th June 2026 to enable teams to familiarise themselves with the platform and its features.

9. Competition Period

• The first round of the competition will be conducted from 29th June 2026 to 26th July 2026.
• All teams must submit their solutions within the timelines communicated by NJ AMC. Late submissions may not be considered.

10. Submission Requirements

• Teams will be required to submit their solutions in the standard response format prescribed by NJ AMC.
• The response format, submission method, and timelines will be communicated separately to all registered teams.
• NJ AMC may seek additional information, supporting documents, or clarifications from any participating team at any stage of the competition.

11. Originality and Conduct

• All submissions must be the original work of the participating team.
• Participants are expected to maintain the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and fair conduct throughout the competition. Any misconduct, plagiarism, malpractice, data manipulation, misrepresentation, or unfair practice will result in the immediate disqualification of the team.

12. Evaluation Criteria

• Teams will be evaluated on parameters including, but not limited to:
• quality and robustness of analysis,
• soundness of the investment strategy,
• application of quantitative and factor-based concepts,
• clarity of rationale and interpretation,
• quality of submission and presentation,
• The detailed evaluation process and judging framework shall be determined by NJ AMC and the judging panel.

13. Shortlisting Process

• Based on the analysis and solutions submitted, 12 teams will be shortlisted for the Semi-final, which will be held on 21st August 2026 in Surat.
• The Semi-final will be conducted in a closed-door presentation format before the judging panel.
• From the 12 Semi-finalist teams, 6 teams will be shortlisted for the Grand Final, which will be held on 22nd August 2026 in Surat.
• The shortlisted teams will present their solutions and defend their analysis before an esteemed panel of judges. A question-and-answer interaction may form part of the evaluation process.

14. Presentation Format

• The detailed presentation format, including time limits, sequence, and any related instructions for the Semi-final and Grand Final, will be communicated separately to the shortlisted teams.

15. Results and Decision

• The decision of NJ AMC and the judging panel with respect to evaluation, shortlisting, disqualification, and final results shall be final and binding.

16. Titles and Recognition

• At the conclusion of the competition, the following titles will be awarded:
• Winner
• Runners-up
• 2nd Runners-up

17. Travel and Accommodation

• NJ AMC will provide accommodation, meals, and local travel within Surat for the Semi-finalist and Grand Finalist teams for the period from 20th August 2026 to 22nd August 2026. Detailed stay arrangements will be communicated separately.
• Travel to Surat and return travel from Surat shall be arranged by the shortlisted teams themselves.