Opportunity brief
Step into the world of Human Resource Management with SAMAYKRAM, the HR flagship competition at XAVIESTA 5.0, presented under the theme KAALCHAKRA. Inspired by the idea that every people decision shapes an organisation's future, this three-round challenge takes participants through workforce diagnosis, live HR dilemmas and future workforce strategy. From uncovering hidden organisational challenges through employee data to managing critical workplace decisions and navigating workforce disruptions, teams must demonstrate analytical thinking, strategic HR knowledge, leadership and adaptability. Assemble your team of four and experience the challenges of managing people, making decisions and shaping the future of work.
ROUND 1 – THE PEOPLE FILES
Diagnose the Organisation's Core Challenge
- Every organisation has a story hidden within its people data. Teams will receive a confidential dossier containing employee records, engagement survey results, attrition patterns and workplace incident logs related to Kaalmanav Group.
- Participants must independently investigate the provided information, identify the organisation's core HR challenge, uncover its root cause and submit a written diagnosis supported by evidence.
Round Details:
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Team Size: 4 Members
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Mode: Online on Unstop
- Format: Open-Ended HR Data Investigation + Written Diagnosis Brief - Submission: HR Diagnosis Brief based on the provided dossier -
Qualification: Top 12 Teams
- Evaluation: Diagnostic accuracy, root-cause identification, HR analytics and critical thinking.
ROUND 2 – THE CHRO'S TABLE
Live Dilemmas. Real Consequences.
- Qualifying teams will step into the roles of Kaalmanav Group's People Team, with each member handling one HR function: Talent Acquisition, Compensation & Benefits, Employee Relations, or Culture & Learning and Development.
- Teams will face live HR dilemmas involving hiring, promotions, compensation disputes, layoffs and workplace culture. Every decision will influence organisational cost, productivity, employee morale and retention.
- Participants must balance business objectives with employee interests while making strategic decisions under pressure.
Round Details:
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Team Size: 4 Members
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Mode: Offline
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Format: Staggered Live Dilemmas + Decision Sheets
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Challenge: HR Decision-Making Across Four Functional Areas
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Qualification: Top 6 Teams
- Evaluation: Composite score across Cost, Productivity, Employee Morale and Retention.
ROUND 3 – THE FUTURE WORKFORCE
Redesign the Future. Defend It Live.
- The final six teams will face a major workforce disruption shaped by their earlier decisions. Challenges may involve AI adoption, talent shortages, leadership gaps or shifting employee expectations.
- Teams must redesign Kaalmanav Group's workforce strategy, develop practical solutions and defend their decisions before a jury through a live presentation and cross-examination.
Round Details:
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Team Size: 4 Members
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Mode: Offline – Grand Finale
- Format: Workforce Strategy Redesign + Jury Presentation + Cross-Examination -
Challenge: Team-Specific Workforce Disruption
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Finalists: Top 6 Teams from Round 2
- Evaluation: Workforce Planning, Change Management, Adaptability and Boardroom Communication.
OVERALL RULES & REGULATIONS
- Team Size: 4 members per team across all rounds. No substitutions once registered. - Eligibility: Open to all college students. Valid College ID is required for offline rounds. - Structure: Round 1 (Online) → Top 12 Teams → Round 2 (Offline) → Top 6 Teams → Round 3 (Offline Grand Finale). - Continuity: Diagnoses and decisions from earlier rounds shape the challenges and starting positions of later rounds. No team resets once a round concludes. - Round 1: Based solely on the provided dossier. AI tools are permitted only for language polishing, not for generating the diagnosis itself. - Devices: One laptop per team for offline submissions and presentation material. Mobile phones are strictly prohibited during offline rounds. - Submissions: Prescribed formats, official submission channels and stipulated deadlines apply. No late entries or resubmissions. - Conduct: No inter-team communication or collaboration during any round. Violations may lead to disqualification. - Judging: Judges' and organising committee's decisions are final and binding at every stage.