Date: 20 August 2026

As part of ASCEND 2026 - Orientation Programme, an Excel Competition was conducted for the First-Year MBA students on 20.08.2026 by Kristu Jayanti Institute of Management (KJIM). The session focused on developing practical proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data-handling skills. Students explored Excel basics, spreadsheet operations, formatting and essential functions. They were also introduced to intermediate Excel functions for efficient data management and analysis. A key focus was on the practical application of VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP using business-oriented datasets. The Excel Competition enabled students to independently apply their learning through hands-on tasks. The assessment evaluated their accuracy, problem-solving ability, speed and functional proficiency. The activity encouraged students to build confidence in using Excel for business analysis and decision-making. The competitive learning environment promoted active participation and strengthened their analytical skills. ASCEND 2026 continues to empower future management professionals with technology-enabled and industry-relevant competencies.