Data Quezt Hackathon at BASIC 26: Why PGDM Students at VBS Mumbai Should Join?

As a management educator, I’ve seen how the world of business has transformed in the last decade. Data, technology, and innovation have become the backbone of every industry. For students pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), this shift means one thing—learning to apply knowledge in fast-paced, real-world contexts. And that’s where hackathons come in.

This year, Vivekanand Business School (VBS Mumbai) is hosting BASIC 26 – the Business Analytics and Smart Innovation International Conference. It’s not just an academic gathering; it’s a platform that brings together thought leaders, researchers, industry experts, and students to discuss how innovation and analytics are shaping the future. Under the umbrella of this conference lies something truly exciting for PGDM students: the Data Quezt Hackathon.

So, what is Data Quezt all about? Think of it as a PAN India competition where bright minds come together to solve business challenges using analytics and technology. Over 24 hours, teams are given a problem statement and asked to develop innovative, data-backed solutions. You can work with tools like Python, Tableau, or even Excel—the idea isn’t to show off fancy tech skills but to demonstrate clarity of thought, structured problem-solving, and practical application.

Now, why should PGDM students seriously consider participating in this hackathon?

First, it’s the perfect way to bridge the gap between theory and practice. In class, you study frameworks, models, and case studies. At Data Quezt, you get to put all that into action. You’ll experience what it’s like to analyze messy data, extract meaningful insights, and make recommendations that actually solve a problem. This is especially relevant for students pursuing a PGDM in Business Analytics, where data application is central to the program.

Second, it’s a chance to build the skills that employers value most. Analytical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving under pressure, technical proficiency, and presentation skills—these aren’t just buzzwords. They are the qualities that will set you apart in interviews and, later, in your career. A hackathon compresses all of these learning experiences into an intense 24-hour sprint, making it one of the most effective ways to grow as a professional.

Third, the exposure is unmatched. Data Quezt is open to students across India, which means you’ll be competing with some of the sharpest minds from other B-Schools. This is not just competition, it’s networking. You’ll interact with peers, learn from their approaches, and present your findings to a jury of experts. The feedback and interactions you gain here can shape your learning in ways no textbook ever could.

What excites me even more is the second level of the hackathon. Once the top ten teams are shortlisted, they present their solutions directly to the jury in a 10–15 minute presentation. Standing in front of professionals and defending your analysis is a challenge in itself. But once you do it, you’ll gain a level of confidence that stays with you for life. Every manager, consultant, and leader has to present under pressure—why not get that practice now?

Of course, there are cash prizes and certificates for winners and runners-up. But even if you don’t win, the experience itself is a huge reward. You’ll walk away with stories to tell, examples to share in placement interviews, and the satisfaction of having tested your skills in a real-world setting. Imagine sitting in an interview and saying, “I was part of a national-level hackathon where my team had 24 hours to analyze business data and propose solutions. Here’s how we approached it…” That instantly makes you stand out.

For PGDM students, who are preparing for careers in an era defined by data-driven decision-making, hackathons like Data Quezt are not just competitions—they are training grounds. They teach you to think critically, work collaboratively, and embrace innovation. More importantly, they remind you that learning isn’t confined to classrooms; it happens when you push your boundaries, face uncertainty, and still come up with solutions. This is why events like Data Quezt add immense value to the Vivekanand PGDM program, which emphasizes practical learning and industry exposure. This commitment to applied learning is one of the reasons Vivekanand Business School is recognized among the best PGDM colleges in Mumbai.The BASIC 26 Conference is about exploring how analytics and smart innovation are shaping businesses. The Data Quezt Hackathon takes this spirit and channels it into action. For students, it’s not just an event—it’s a chance to step into the shoes of tomorrow’s leaders.

So, if you’re wondering whether to participate, my advice is simple: say yes. Dive into the experience. Test your skills. Learn from your peers. Even if you walk away tired after those 24 hours, you’ll also walk away richer—in confidence, in skills, and in perspective. And that, to me, is what true learning is all about.

Vidhi Parikh

Assistant Professor – Business Analytics

Vivekanand Business School