Bhubaneswar: KIIT International School clinched the Champions Trophy at CSM Synapse 4.0, Odisha’s biggest inter-school quiz competition, hosted by CSM Tech in association with Quizcraft Global. The victorious team of Adweya Sarangi and Swastika Mishra emerged at the top after an intense finale and walked away with a cash prize of ₹2 lakh.
Held in Bhubaneswar, the Grand Finale featured six zonal winners from across the state, making the 2025 edition a truly inclusive and state-wide celebration of knowledge. Adding to the grandeur of the event were Commander Sushanta Kumar Mohanty, Commanding Officer of Naval NCC, and senior leadership from CSM Tech, including Founder & CEO Priyadarshi Nanu Pany and CHRO Lagna Panda.
DPS Rourkela, represented by Ekansh Tripathi and Abhijit Pradhan, claimed the first runner-up title, winning ₹25,000 in cash. Other finalists included DAV Unit 8 Bhubaneswar, Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya-Chamakhandi, St. Paul’s Rourkela, and Takshashila School, each having emerged victorious in tough zonal rounds held earlier in July.
This year’s competition adopted a two-tier format, consisting of three zonal rounds followed by a Grand Finale—enhancing both inclusivity and competitiveness. The event was hosted by acclaimed quizmaster Adityanath Mubayi, known for his research leadership on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), who kept the audience on the edge of their seats with his dynamic presentation and razor-sharp questions.
Calling the event more than just a quiz, Priyadarshi Nanu Pany said, “CSM Synapse is a movement to ignite young minds. Every edition brings forth extraordinary talent from across Odisha. It’s time we take Synapse national and offer a platform for students across India to showcase their brilliance. Our vision is to make knowledge aspirational again.”
Commander Mohanty lauded the young finalists for their sharp intellect and discipline, urging them to channel their skills toward nation-building. “Competitions like Synapse sow the seeds of leadership,” he said.
Quizmaster Mubayi added, “Quizzing builds the habit of curiosity and joyful learning. With Synapse, CSM Tech is crafting a legacy that inspires generations.”
Launched in 2022 as part of CSM Tech’s CSR and community development initiatives, CSM Synapse has quickly grown into a platform that promotes academic excellence, teamwork, and self-confidence among school students. With a unique structure, celebrated quizmasters, and rising student enthusiasm, the event is now on course to become one of India’s most awaited school-level knowledge festivals.
