Essay competition
AJ National Business & Economics Essay Competition 2026.
Theme: The Future of Business, Money & Entrepreneurship. A national written competition for students aged 13–18, judged on the strength of the argument rather than the polish of the prose.
Entries opening soon
This is the official announcement for AJ National Business & Economics Essay Competition 2026. Entries are not open yet — the submission process, payment and full written rules will be published on this page before entries open. Nothing on this page is a submission or an entry.
- Prize pool
- ₹10,000 guaranteed
- Eligibility
- Ages 13–18, students across India
- Word limit
- 1,000–1,500 words
- Entry fee
- ₹499
- Deadline
- 15 October 2026
- Format
- 100% online
Choose one prompt.
Every entrant writes on a single prompt of their choosing, in 1,000–1,500 words.
- 01Will AI create more entrepreneurs than it replaces?
- 02Should financial education be compulsory in schools?
- 03Can a business be successful without constantly growing?
- 04Is social media helping or harming young entrepreneurs?
- 05What will the most successful businesses of 2035 look like?
₹10,000 guaranteed.
Winner
₹6,000
Runner-Up
₹3,000
Third Place
₹1,000
The prize pool is guaranteed and is not dependent on the number of entries received. The Winner, Runner-Up and Third Place also receive recognition, and shortlisted entrants receive digital finalist certificates.
Your work stays yours
Entrants keep full ownership of their essay. Submitting does not transfer any rights and does not create a confidentiality obligation. Essays must be the entrant's own original work.
Independently organised
Organised by Aaryaveer Jatia alongside the Young Founders Challenge, and not affiliated with any school, university or government body. The entry fee covers participation and administration and has no influence on judging.