OPA announces 7th edition of Print Olympiad
Conceived in 2014 by Prof Kamal Mohan Chopra, this biennial event continues to bridge academia and industry, fostering creativity, technical prowess, and out-of-the-box thinking among students across India
17 Oct 2025 | 1354 Views | By Treya Sinha
The Offset Printers Association (OPA) has officially launched preparations for the seventh edition of the Print Olympiad. This talent hunt is designed to nurture the next generation of print professionals, underscoring the critical importance of educating young minds for the future of India's printing and packaging industry.
Conceived in 2014 by Prof Kamal Mohan Chopra, this biennial event continues to bridge academia and industry, fostering creativity, technical prowess, and out-of-the-box thinking among students across India. With a legacy of empowering thousands of aspiring printers, the 2026 edition promises enhanced inclusivity, new competitions, and groundbreaking opportunities, culminating in an electrifying grand finale at the prestigious All in Print China exhibition in Shanghai during October 2026. This international debut marks a monumental leap, offering participants unparalleled global exposure amid one of the world's largest printing showcases, where cutting-edge technologies and industry leaders converge to shape the future of print.
The kick-off meeting, held virtually on 6 October, and convened by Prof Chopra, brought together esteemed educators, industry advisors, and coordinators from printing institutions nationwide. The session underscored the event's evolution since its inception, highlighting its regional structure divided into North, South, East, and West zones, with regional rounds leading to the adrenaline-pumping national finale in Shanghai.
Prof Chopra said, "Print Olympiad is more than a competition; it's a movement to preserve and propel the eternal legacy of printing, which Victor Hugo called The greatest event in history. He added, "In a digital age, we're equipping India's youthful workforce, over 250,000 printing presses strong and employing 2.5 million people, with the skills to innovate, outsource globally, and drive sustainable growth." This edition, he hoped, builds on our success by making it even more accessible and rewarding, and the Shanghai finale will be a game-changer, thrusting our top talents into the international spotlight for collaborations, inspirations, and career launches that transcend borders."
Prof Madhura Mahajan has been appointed as chief coordinator for the seventh edition, overseeing networking among 13 regional coordinators, institutions, and students. She said, "Print Olympiad empowers students to push boundaries, fostering collaboration, communication, and critical thinking essential for a dynamic industry. By integrating hands-on experience with academic knowledge, we're preparing leaders who will shape the future of print, and the Shanghai finale will amplify this excitement, connecting our innovators with global pioneers in an unforgettable clash of ideas and technologies."
Key highlights of Print Olympiad
Dedicated Competition for Diploma Students: A new annual event exclusively for students pursuing Diplomas or Certificates in Printing and/or Packaging from recognised Indian institutions will be introduced. This expands the T Prasad Memorial competition at the Northern Regional Institute of Printing Technology (NRIPT), Prayagraj, and is expected to increase engagement among the nearly 35 diploma institutes in India.
Certificates of participation: To encourage broader involvement and recognise effort at every level, certificates will be issued to all students registering and participating in Round 1 (the elimination round).
Enhanced format for talented finalists: Finalists will now present a prototype or innovation alongside their performance, earning additional marks toward determining the winner. This change aims to reward practical creativity and align the competition more closely with industry needs.
Innovation challenge: A separate competition will invite students to tackle innovative projects for the development and growth of the printing and packaging sector, with a substantial cash prize of INR 5,00,000 for capable participants.
As part of OPA's 'Print Chetna' initiative, Print Olympiad addresses global challenges in the printing market, such as technological advancements and digital disruption, by inspiring young minds to embrace printing as a viable career. The competition's rigorous process begins with online multiple-choice question (MCQ) tests, with regional finals hosted in person by top institutions. The four regional champions then vie for the national title of 'Top Print Student of India,' accompanied by a certificate of excellence and ₹1,00,000 prize, all unfolding amid the vibrant energy of All in Print China in Shanghai.