Auction Theory 2026

Overview:

Where Strategy Meets Branding, Creativity & Competition

Are you someone who can spot a powerful brand, think strategically, manage a budget and build a compelling marketing idea?

Auction Theory is a competitive marketing simulation where participants will battle it out in an auction to acquire brands and products, strategically manage a limited budget, and finally create a compelling Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy around their chosen brand-product combination.

This event is designed to test your marketing acumen, strategic thinking, creativity, negotiation skills and ability to make decisions under pressure.

Eligibility:

• The competition is open to students currently pursuing Graduation or Post-Graduation.
• Students from any academic discipline/field are eligible to participate.
• Participants must register as a team of 2–3 members.
• Interdisciplinary teams are welcome.
• Students from different colleges may form a team.
• Each participant should fulfil the eligibility criteria at the time of participation.

Competition Structure:

The competition will be conducted in two rounds, combining a marketing and brand quiz with a Live Auction & GTM Challenge.

ROUND 1 – Marketing & Brand Quiz | Online

Participants will take an online quiz through Unstop, focusing on practical brand and marketing knowledge. Qualifying participants will advance to the Live Auction Round.

ROUND 2 – LIVE AUCTION & GTM CHALLENGE | Offline – On Campus

Shortlisted teams will participate in a Live Auction, followed by a Go-To-Market challenge.

Phase 1 – Brand Auction

Teams will bid for brands across Up-market, Mid-market, and Down-market categories.

Phase 2 – Product Auction

Teams will use their remaining budget to bid for products and strategically create potential brand-product combinations.

Each team will have a total budget of ₹30 Lakhs for both auction phases.

GTM Challenge:

Following the auction, teams will develop a Go-To-Market strategy for the most suitable brand-product combination they have acquired, demonstrating creativity, innovation, and strategic thinking.

Final Presentation:

Each team will present one brand-product combination to the judges.

• Pitch: 6 minutes
• Q&A: 4 minutes
• Maximum Slides: 6, including Introduction and Thank You

Teams will be expected to present and justify their brand and product selection, budget allocation, target audience, GTM strategy, marketing approach, creative concept, and business viability.

Judging Criteria:

The final presentations will be evaluated on:

• Viability & Feasibility
• Clarity of Thought
• Reasonable Budgeting
• Quality & Creativity
• Innovation
• Time Management
• Overall Impact

These criteria are based on the official competition handbook.

Competition Timeline:

Registration Window:

Open from 27th Sept to 4th Oct.

Participants must complete their registration and form their teams during the registration period.

Round 1 – Online Quiz:

Open from 4th Oct – 7th Oct EOD

The quiz will be conducted online through Unstop.

Round 2 – Live Auction:

Shortlisted teams from Round 1 will be invited to participate in the Live Auction Round.

Date: 1th October 2026

Venue: Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies

The live event will include the brand auction, product auction, GTM preparation and final presentations.

General Instructions:

• Participants must satisfy the eligibility criteria.
• Each team must consist of 2–3 members.
• Participants are required to complete registration within the specified registration window.
• The Round 1 quiz must be attempted within the specified quiz window.
• Participants should ensure a stable internet connection while attempting the online quiz.
• Any form of malpractice, impersonation or unfair means may result in disqualification.
• Shortlisted teams must participate in the Live Auction Round as per the schedule communicated by the organizers.
• Teams are responsible for managing their ₹30 lakh budget during the auction.
• All auction decisions made by the auctioneer/judges during the live event will be considered final.
• Teams must adhere to the prescribed presentation and time limits.
• Participants from colleges outside the host institution will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements.
• All participants will receive participation certificates.
• Prize money will be distributed at the team level, not individually.

Why Participate?

• Test your real-world marketing skills
• Experience a competitive brand & product auction
• Learn strategic budget allocation
• Develop a Go-To-Market strategy
• Strengthen negotiation and decision-making skills
• Showcase your creativity and presentation skills
• Compete with students from diverse academic backgrounds

Network with fellow students and industry professionals

Prizes & Recognition:

• Winner: ₹5,000 Cash Prize; Certificate + Recognition
• Runner Up: ₹3,000 Cash Prize; Certificate + Recognition
• All Finalists: E-Certificate of Participation

Think. Bid. Strategize. Create. Convince.

Are you ready to play the ultimate game of Auction Theory?