Tag: global student participation maths challenge India

Principal Shalini John and convener Prodipta Hore spoke on the programme’s learning approach

The interactive mathematics challenge Infinity has completed 12 years at Aditya Birla World Academy, continuing its focus on engaging students with mathematics through reasoning, collaboration, and application rather than speed-based testing alone.
The 2026 edition of Infinity brought together 360 students forming 120 teams from 68 schools across five countries. Along with participation from schools across India, students also took part from the UAE, Qatar, Dubai, and Kuwait, reflecting the programme’s expanding international footprint.

Founded by Neerja Birla, Infinity is anchored in the school’s broader commitment to nurturing students who think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply learning in real-world contexts. Designed as a school-led initiative, the challenge encourages students to approach mathematics as a process of exploration and discussion rather than a race against time.
The three-day programme featured a mix of individual and team-based rounds aimed at assessing logical reasoning, problem-solving ability, and conceptual understanding. The format places emphasis on clarity of thought and methodological approach alongside accuracy, allowing students to explore multiple solution pathways while working with peers from different schools and regions.

In the 2026 edition, Agastya B. Khare from Oakridge International School, Bengaluru, was named Mathematician of the Year in the senior category, while Yerin Choi from Indus International School, Pune, received the honour in the junior category. Utpal Shanghvi Global School secured the Champion Trophy in the senior category.
Over the past 12 years, Infinity has seen participation from more than 6,000 students from schools in India and overseas, underlining its sustained relevance within the school education ecosystem.

Commenting on the initiative, Shalini John, Principal of Aditya Birla World Academy, said, “Infinity was started to give students a different experience of learning mathematics — one that values thinking and discussion as much as arriving at the right answer. Its continuity over 12 years reflects the sustained interest among schools and students.”
Prodipta Hore, Convener and Conceptualiser of Infinity, highlighted the importance of such platforms in contemporary education. “Platforms like Infinity allow students to apply classroom learning in a collaborative setting. Such experiences are increasingly important as education systems place greater emphasis on analytical and problem-solving skills,” he said.

The 2026 edition was supported by academic partners including BITS Pilani and Plaksha University. Faculty members and education leaders from these institutions engaged with students through keynote addresses and interactive sessions.
Students also interacted with Mark Saul, a US-based mathematician and educationist known for his work in mathematics education and gifted student programmes, and for his leadership roles with the Mathematical Association of America. Additional support for the initiative came from organisations including the Lodha Foundation and Britannia Industries.

This year’s Infinity Trophy was sponsored by ABWA alumni who went on to build sortmyprep, an AI-powered exam preparation platform supporting IB, IGCSE, and A-Level students. Founded by Aryaman Adhikary, Naman Kothari, and Ananya Pritam, all members of the ABWA Class of 2021, the venture reflects the school’s emphasis on extending learning beyond the classroom.
Reflecting on the journey, Aryaman Adhikary, Co-founder of sortmyprep, said, “At ABWA, we learn to think beyond boundaries, take initiative, and believe in our ideas. The values and exposure we received here laid the foundation for our entrepreneurial journey.”

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