India's Premier Factor Investing Competition is back. Bigger and more competitive
than before. Season 3 is now live. Register now and take on real-world challenges faced by investment
managers.
The Registration Window for NJ FIO 2026 is closed now.
A total of 53 teams have participated from 36 different colleges all over India.
Amity Business School
B K School of Management
Birla Institute Of Management Technology
Bitsom Mumbai (Bits School of Management)
Chetana’s R K Institute Of Management And Research
Christ University
Faculty Of Management Studies (Fms) - Delhi
Flame University
FR. C. Rodrigues Institute of Management Studies
GLS University
Goa Institute Of Management
IBS - Ahmedabad
IMI - Delhi
Indian Institute Of Management - Ahmedabad
Indian Institute of Management - Kashipur
Indian Institute of Management - Lucknow
Indian Institute of Management - Nagpur
Indian Institute of Management - Raipur
Indian Institute of Management - Visakhapatnam
Indian Institute Of Technology - Bombay
Indian School of Business - Hyderabad
Indian School of Business - Mohali
Jecrc University
K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research
Mahindra University
Nirma University
P. P. Savani University
Pandit Deendayal Energy University
RK Universit
S. R. Luthra Institute Of Management
Uka Tarsadia University
Veer Narmad South Gujarat University
Xavier Institute Of Management & Research
XIM University
XLRI - Xavier School Of Management Delhi - Ncr
XLRI - Xavier School of Management - Jamshedpur
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Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to full-time postgraduate MBA, PGDM, or equivalent management course students enrolled in recognised colleges/institutions in India at the time of registration.
Rules
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.
Rewards
ALL FINALISTS WILL GET A PARTICIPATION CERTIFICATE
Participating in the competition gives you a unique edge in the world of factor investing. You will gain knowledge and experience in one of the fastest-growing fields in asset management, providing you with skills that would be highly valued by any asset management firm.