Case Maze: Stages and Timelines
Quiz (Elimination Round)
To evaluate participants’ quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking in a time-bound setting. The Aptitude Test will be conducted online on Unstop.
The test will consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering:
○ Quantitative Ability
○ Logical Reasoning
○ Data Interpretation
○ Basic Business Aptitude
Case Submission
Participants will receive a startup-focused case study presenting challenges from one or
more functional areas, including marketing, finance, operations, or strategy.
Teams are required to analyze the case and submit a solution presentation that clearly
outlines the problem identification, strategic approach, and proposed solution along with its value proposition.
Submission Guidelines:
• Submission must contain 7-8 slides (excluding title slide and appendix)
• Submission must be in PDF format
Evaluation Criteria:
• Feasibility and practicality of the solution
• Creativity and originality of approach
• Strength and clarity of the value proposition
Final Pitch Presentation (Online)
The shortlisted top 10 teams will advance to the final round, where they will present their solutions to a panel of industry experts. Teams are expected to clearly communicate their strategy and reasoning, defend assumptions and decisions, and address panel questions with confidence and professionalism.
All that you need to know about Case Maze
About:
- Case Maze aims to offer participants hands-on exposure to startup-style problem solving by placing them in situations that demand strategic reasoning under constraints, data backed and logical decision-making, clear articulation of business solutions, and analytical
evaluation across multiple business functions. - The event is structured to reflect the pace, ambiguity, and multidimensional challenges commonly encountered in startup ecosystems.
Skills Assessed:
- Participants are evaluated across multiple dimensions that reflect the practical demands of startup and business decision-making:
- Critical Analysis – Ability to assess business situations, identify underlying problems, distinguish between symptoms and root causes, and focus on the most impactful issues within limited information and time constraints.
- Problem-Solving Ability – Development of structured, realistic, and innovative solutions that address the problem statement while accounting for feasibility, scalability, and potential trade-offs.
- Analytical Reasoning – Application of logical thinking, business frameworks, and quantitative or qualitative analysis to support recommendations and justify strategic choices.
- Communication Skills – Clarity and coherence in presenting ideas, effective storytelling of solutions, and the ability to confidently respond to questions, critiques, and counterarguments.
- Decision-Making – Demonstration of sound judgment in prioritizing actions, making assumptions explicit, and proposing solutions with measurable business impact.
Competition Format:
- The competition is structured into two progressive rounds, designed to evaluate both analytical depth and presentation effectiveness.
Important dates & deadlines?
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15 Jan'26, 12:00 AM IST Registration Deadline
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18 Jan'26, 12:00 AM IST Quiz (Start)
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21 Jan'26, 11:59 PM IST Quiz (End)
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23 Jan'26, 12:00 AM IST Round 1 (Start)
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8 Feb'26, 11:59 PM IST Round 1 (End)
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11 Feb'26, 12:00 AM IST Round 2
Contact the organisers
Send queries to organizersDownload attachments
Rewards and Prizes?
Winner
First Runner Up
Second Runner UP
About Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal
Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal was established in the year 1957.
In the year 2000, the institute became part of the deemed university – Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) which is presently known as Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
MIT offers engineering stream in both UG and PG programs.
The institute undertakes sponsored research programs supported by funding agencies like CSIR, DST, AICTE, and the Ministry of Environment Sciences.
The institute has collaborative research programs in the association with premier research labs and institutes in India and abroad.
Goal
Our goal is to be a world-class technical institution fostering innovation, leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.