The Ahalia Future Scholars Challenge (AFSC) 2026, an academic initiative of Ahalia Group of Institutions to identify, encourage and nurture young talent, concluded with an exciting grand finale and prize distribution ceremony at Punarjani Auditorium, Ahalia Campus, Palakkad, on October 11. The two-day event, held on October 10 and 11, brought together bright young minds from schools to compete in a challenging series of academic rounds designed to test their knowledge, reasoning abilities, confidence and competitive spirit.
AFSC 2026 was conceptualised as a platform to encourage school students to go beyond textbook learning, develop curiosity and strengthen their general awareness, logical reasoning and decision-making abilities. The challenge was organised in two categories: Category I for students of Classes 9 and 10, and Category II for students of Classes 11 and 12.
The initiative received an encouraging response, with more than 400 students registering online. The first phase, the online preliminary examination conducted on September 20, witnessed the participation of 151 students in Category I and 116 students in Category II. The timed online examination comprised 35 multiple-choice questions and assessed the students’ general knowledge, awareness and ability to think quickly.
Based on their performance, the top 100 students were invited to participate in the semi-final rounds at Ahalia Campus. The campus-level competition held on October 10 witnessed the participation of 56 students in Category I and 40 students in Category II, bringing together 96 young contestants for the next stage of the challenge.
The first day, October 10, featured the inauguration, semi-final and qualifier rounds at Punarjani Auditorium. The contestants faced multiple rounds designed to evaluate their knowledge, logical reasoning, quick decision-making, presence of mind and confidence. The competition provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in a stimulating environment while interacting with peers from different schools.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Justice A. K. Jayashankaran Nambiar, Judge of the Kerala High Court, who attended as the chief guest. Mr. Krishna Kumar Kishore, Executive Director of Ahalia Group, presided over the function. Ms. Smitha Krishnan delivered the welcome address, and Dr. Rajesh S. P., Principal of Ahalia School of Commerce and Mathematics, proposed the vote of thanks.
Interacting with the students, the chief guest highlighted the importance of continuous learning and self-confidence alongside the pursuit of knowledge. His words encouraged students to remain curious, cultivate independent thinking and face challenges with confidence.
The performances in the semi-final and qualifier rounds determined the students who advanced to the grand finale on October 11.
The second day culminated in the grand finale and prize distribution ceremony, celebrating the achievements of the finalists in both categories.
In Category I (Classes 9 and 10), Punyaa V. of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Palakkad, secured first prize. Surya N. of Shalom Residential School won second prize, while Krishnajith M. of Shoba Academy secured third prize.
In Category II (Classes 11 and 12), Sreekesh of P. M. G. School, Palakkad, won first prize. N. Sree Shreya of Bharath Matha C.M.I., Palakkad, secured second prize, while S. Adarsh of Ahalia Public School won third prize.
The winners in each category received cash prizes of ₹50,000 for first place, ₹25,000 for second place and ₹15,000 for third place, recognising their outstanding performance and academic potential.
The event was attended by Dr. Suresh Babu, Medical Director, Ahalia Hospital; Dr. R. V. K. Varma, Director, Ahalia Heritage Village; Dr. Suresh P. R., Principal, Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology; Dr. Rajesh S. P., Principal, Ahalia School of Commerce and Mathematics; Dr. Prof. Sapna Sreekumar, Principal, Ahalia School of Pharmacy; and Dr. Sunil Kumar, Principal, Ahalia Ayurveda Medical College, among other dignitaries and institutional representatives.
Their presence reflected Ahalia Group’s commitment to supporting school education and creating opportunities for young learners to discover and develop their potential.
From more than 400 online registrations to the preliminary examination, campus-level semi-finals and the grand finale, AFSC 2026 marked a significant journey of learning, perseverance and achievement. The participation of students from different schools added to the spirit of healthy competition, while the multi-stage format encouraged them to demonstrate their abilities beyond the conventional classroom setting.
Through this initiative, Ahalia Group of Institutions reaffirmed its commitment to identifying emerging talent, fostering a culture of knowledge and curiosity, and inspiring students to pursue excellence. AFSC 2026 concluded not merely as a competition, but as a meaningful educational experience that celebrated young achievers and encouraged them to aim higher.
