New Delhi: The National Inter-College Crossword Expedition (NICE) 2025 has successfully concluded its highly anticipated Round ‘I’, with Vijval Ekbote of Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi emerging as the national topper. Ekbote showcased exceptional cryptic crossword-solving skills to clinch the top position in the nationwide competition, which continues to challenge and inspire India’s brightest college minds.
Following closely in the national rankings were Adya Singh from the ‘Awaiting College Admission’ category, securing the second position, and Harsh Raj of IIT Kharagpur, who claimed third place. Their commendable skill and determination were evident throughout the intense battle of wit, logic, and language.
Zonal and State-Level Triumphs
The competition also celebrated remarkable performances from regional champions across various zones:
- East Zone Winner: Ayush Warsh, GEC Vaishali
- West Zone Winner: Manju Sengar, Government College, Morena
- North Zone Winner: Bhargav Vinayak, ACA
- South Zone Winner: Hersh Aditya Samdanut, IIT Madras
- North-East Zone Winner: Tanmoy Debnath, Maharaja Bir Bikram College, Tripura
In addition to the zonal victors, numerous students excelled at the state level, reflecting the widespread engagement and competitive spirit. Notable state-level winners include Musarrat Parveen (Bihar), Aditya Sharma (Haryana), Samruddhi Salgaonkar (Goa), Ashish CT (Tamil Nadu), and Shikhar Gupta (Uttar Pradesh), among many others from across the country.
These regional torchbearers underscore the increasing popularity of cryptic crosswords among Indian youth and the intellectual depth present in colleges nationwide.
A Platform for Intellectual Growth
NICE continues to serve as India’s premier inter-college cryptic crossword championship, offering a dynamic intellectual arena. The platform not only promotes language-based problem-solving but also fosters crucial skills such as strategic thinking and perseverance. Hundreds of colleges across the country saw participants vying for a spot in the next stage of the contest in Round ‘I’.
The excitement is now building for the next online round, Round ‘C’, scheduled for June 1, 2025. This upcoming round will further narrow the field as top minds continue their quest for the coveted title of NICE 2025 Champion, celebrating wit, wordplay, and the spirit of intellectual competition.
