Siblings from Patna Shraddha and Dhairya Shine as ACAD 2024 Champions, IIT Kanpur's Aryan Tops ACAD Plus, Rengaswamy Claims Victory in ACAD Senior

The biggest nationwide online cryptic crossword contest A Clue A Day (ACAD) 2024's much-awaited final results are out. After months of thrilling cryptic crossword challenges and an overwhelming response from participants across India, the national champions of the three categories—ACAD, ACAD Plus, and ACAD Senior—have been crowned.

The contest conducted by Extra-C, a not-for-profit organisation on crypticsingh.com, drew in lakhs of registrations, with players from all age groups showcasing their cryptic crossword prowess in a battle of wits. From school students to senior citizens, the contest has sparked a love for wordplay and problem-solving, proving that puzzles transcend age and experience.

The A Clue Day contest was held online from February to October 2024, offering daily crossword puzzles that ranged from moderate to mind-bending. Each month, state and national winners were awarded exciting prizes and certificates, with the final leaderboard reflecting the total scores accumulated throughout the contest period.

ACAD Results

The ACAD category, designed for school students and beginers, witnessed fierce competition, with young minds from across India engaging in daily crossword challenges. After months of dedication and quick thinking, the national winner emerged:

AIR-1: Shraddha Shree, St. Michaels High School, Patna

AIR-2: Dhairya Pandey, Don Bosco Academy, Patna

AIR-3: Bhargav Vinayak, BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary School, Ludhiana

ACAD Plus Results

The ACAD Plus category saw an exciting mix of college students and puzzle aficionados seeking a greater challenge. The competition was intense, with players from prestigious universities and institutions battling for the top spots:

AIR-1: Aryan Singh, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

AIR-2: Shyam Krishna Shenoy, Virginia Tech, Virginia, USA

AIR-3: Samruddhi Salgaonkar, Goa Dental College

ACAD Senior Results

The senior citizens’ category proved that age is no barrier to mental agility. Seasoned solvers from across the country demonstrated that experience and wisdom can make for formidable crossword champions:

AIR-1: Jagannath Mukundala, Hyderabad

AIR-2: N. Rengaswamy, Chennai

AIR-3: D. Narayana Swamy, Bengaluru

ACAD Is A Platform for Learning, Fun, and Connection: Sri Vivek Singh, IAS

Speaking about the success of the contest, Extra-C's mentor and Chairman, RERA, Bihar Sri Vivek Singh (IAS) shared, “This year’s A Clue Day contest has exceeded all expectations. We’re thrilled with the enthusiasm and passion that participants of all ages brought to the table. The level of competition was incredibly high, and it’s been amazing to watch so many people come together over their shared love of crosswords. We congratulate all the winners and participants for their hard work and dedication, and we look forward to even more exciting editions of the contest in the future!”

The A Clue Day Cryptic Crossword Contest 2024 offered more than just prizes—it was a celebration of intellectual curiosity, mental resilience, and a love for word puzzles. With each month’s challenges, participants had the chance to earn exciting rewards, including gift vouchers, certificates, and the ultimate bragging rights of being among the country’s best cryptic crossword solvers.

Thousands of participants logged onto crypticsingh.com daily, competing against each other and honing their puzzle-solving skills. The contest’s three categories ensured that players of all ages could participate, and the level of competition was nothing short of spectacular.