Learning Under Pressure: Poddarites at NEC Day 2, IIT-Bombay

Entrepreneurship is not learned through theory alone it is built through experience, analysis, and disciplined execution. This philosophy came to life during Day 2 of the National Entrepreneurship Challenge (NEC) at IIT-Bombay, where students from Poddar International College participated in knowledge-intensive competitive rounds.

The NEC, organized by E-Cell IIT-Bombay, challenges participants to move beyond ideas and demonstrate business understanding under time-bound conditions. For the BBA Semester-III students of Poddar International College, the day was a test of preparation, focus, and teamwork.

The first challenge, Crossword Expo, demanded precision and conceptual clarity. Students relied on structured frameworks and prior learning from earlier NEC tasks to navigate a carefully supervised environment. The round highlighted the importance of attention to detail an often-underestimated entrepreneurial skill.

The Startup & Business Quiz followed, pushing teams to analyse content quickly and answer complex questions within an hour. This round evaluated not just knowledge, but also speed, comprehension, and decision-making under pressure mirroring real-world business scenarios.

The final round shifted from analysis to application. During the Startup Expo PPT challenge, students interacted with startup representatives, extracted insights, and presented coherent analyses. The exercise strengthened communication skills, presentation abilities, and collaborative problem-solving.

What stood out across the day was the students’ ability to translate academic learning into practical execution. Guided by the Commerce & Management faculty, their performance reflected disciplined preparation and adaptability.

NEC Day 2 served as a reminder that experiential learning is central to entrepreneurship education. Platforms like these allow students to test their abilities, refine skills, and gain confidence preparing them for future professional challenges.