Young Minds Shine as CCCC 12.0 Grand Finale Opens with 39 Teams from Across India

The much-anticipated Grand Finale of the National Inter-School Cryptic Crossword Contest (CCCC) 12.0 began with great zeal and intellectual fervor at the YMCA in New Delhi on Thursday with 39 brightest teams from schools across the country.

Students from 25 qualifying schools including DPS Patna, BCM Arya Model School Ludhiana, Bhim Rao Ambedkar School (Bihar), Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan Public School Hyderabad, DPS Coimbatore, Nalanda Vidya Niketan Telangana, Mothers International School New Delhi, Doon International School, DPS Pune, Royal Global School etc competed fiercely to secure their seats in the semi-final rounds. 

The inaugural day featured multiple rounds of competition, including Written Prelims and the thrilling on-stage Extra C Rounds, from which the top 15 teams advanced to the Quarter Finals. Five Quarter Finals were conducted, with winners and standout performers earning their places in the Semi-Finals to be held on Day 2.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Sandeep Poundrik, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Steel, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest. In his motivational address, he encouraged students to prioritize family, health, and hard work as key principles for success. 

A major announcement marked the day, as Sri Vivek Singh, IAS, Chairman, RERA, Bihar, and Chief Mentor of Extra-C, revealed the upcoming launch of ACAD Global and the World Crossword Championship next year. These initiatives aim to take the love for crossword-solving to a global level, fostering academic excellence and critical thinking.

Other dignitaries who graced the event were-

• Sri Rakesh Singh, President, Extra-C

• Sri AK Ambashth, IFS (Retd), President, Crossword Association of Delhi

• Sri Ramki Krishnan, Chief Arbiter CCCC 12.0

• Sri Vinayak Ekbote, Vice President, Crossword Association of Delhi.

The Grand Finale has showcased outstanding talent and determination from young minds across the nation. The second day promises even more excitement as the top teams gear up for the Semi-Finals and the ultimate championship round.