The Next Gen Leader Challenge 2026

Welcome to The Next Gen Leader Challenge 2026: Powering the Next Business Overhaul.

About Raam Group:

Headquartered in Hyderabad, Raam Group is a multi-billion INR conglomerate and a leading powerhouse in India's auto-retail sector. As premier channel partners for global and national giants - including Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Tata Motors, MG Motor, Toyota, Honda and Ather Energy - Raam Group operates over 60 sales and service outlets across South and West India. Built on a vision of professional excellence, leadership, and aggressive market growth, the group continues to redefine the auto-dealership ecosystem while expanding into real estate and consumer retail.

This case competition may lead to an internship opportunity, but more importantly, it is your launchpad into a world of possibilities with one of the most established auto-retail groups in India. More than a selection journey, it is a dynamic experience designed to spark your creativity, sharpen your skills, and immerse you in real-world business challenges.

Step into a high-energy arena where ideas thrive, innovation is celebrated, and entrepreneurial thinking leads the way. Get ready to challenge the status quo, accelerate your learning, and step confidently into your future. The journey begins now: are you ready to lead it?

Eligible Colleges:

• Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus
• Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani Campus
• Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras
• Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), University of Delhi
• National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal
• National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut
• National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela
• National Institute of Technology (NIT), Tiruchirappalli
• National Institute of Technology (NIT), Warangal
• Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat
• Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi
• Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore

Eligibility and Team Formation Guidelines:

• This competition is open to pre-final-year and final-year students pursuing flagship full-time BTech and UG programmes from select colleges.
• Students can register individually or a team of up to 3 members.
• Participants should be full-time students from eligible campuses only.
• A student cannot be a member of more than one team.
• Any deviation from the aforementioned rules will result in immediate disqualification of the entire team.
• Cross-Year, Cross-specialization, and Cross-campus teams are allowed.

Company, Industry & Case Executive Deck

The challenge kicks off with a crisp deck submission designed to evaluate each team's foundational knowledge and strategic thinking. Teams must submit a concise presentation covering their understanding of the auto-retail industry, key insights into the Raam Group universe, and a brief executive overview of the core case problem along with initial proposed solutions. A PDF copy must be submitted by 27th Sept, 2026. Submissions will be evaluated on industry awareness, strategic alignment, and the clarity of the preliminary problem-solving approach. Qualifying teams advance to the Detailed Deck Submission stage.

- Earn Brownie Points - Post about The Next Gen Leader Challenge on your LinkedIn profile, tagging our handle and using #EpicNGL, and earn 10 bonus points for each individual post.

Detailed Deck Submission

Qualifying teams are invited to submit a case study in which the live business problem rooted in a real challenge faced by Raam Group is unveiled. Teams analyse the problem and build a detailed presentation (up to 15 slides) laying out their insights, strategy, and proposed solution. A PDF version of the deck must be submitted before the stated deadline. Submissions are judged on clarity of problem understanding, quality of analysis, feasibility, and business impact. The strongest decks progress to the Grand Finale.

Grand Finale

The top 10 teams take the stage to present their solutions live to the Raam Group leadership team. Each team gets 20 minutes of time to pitch, followed by a 10-minute Q&A. You will interact directly with the CEO and senior leaders in the Q&A. This is where strategy meets the spotlight: poise, depth, and the ability to defend your ideas decide the outcome. In the end, one team is crowned the Champion. The finale will take place in headquarter at Hyderabad.

Rewards and Prizes:

• The Winners will be rewarded with a cash prize of INR 1.25 Lakhs, along with exclusive goodies, coupons, a special Lunch/Dinner with the CEO, and a Pre-Placement Interview.
• The 1st Runner-up will be rewarded with a cash prize of INR 75 Thousand, along with exclusive goodies, coupons, a special Lunch/Dinner with the CEO, and a Pre-Placement Interview.
• The 2nd Runner-up will be rewarded with a cash prize of INR 50 Thousand, along with exclusive goodies, coupons, a special Lunch/Dinner with the CEO, and a Pre-Placement Interview.
• All the Finalists will get a Pre-Placement Interview opportunity.