Chronicles of Intellect: The 41st Columban Open Quiz 2026

July 27 & 28, 2026 — For over four decades, the Delhi-NCR quizzing circuit has recognized one arena as the ultimate test of trivia, logic and rapid-fire intellect: the prestigious Columban Open Quiz.

Hosted by St. Columba’s School, the legendary event returned for its spectacular 41st edition on July 27 and 28, 2026. Living up to its storied legacy, the two-day cerebral festival transformed the campus into a high-octane battleground of wits, bringing together the sharpest young minds of the region.

A Gathering of Giants

The sheer scale of this year's edition underscored its reputation as a premier crown jewel of inter-school competitions. St. Columba's School proudly opened its gates to over 550 passionate students and teachers, welcoming a massive turnout of approximately 135 teams from 48 elite schools across the capital and NCR. The atmosphere was electric, buzzing with the nervous energy and fierce determination of competitors ready to claim the coveted title.

The grand event commenced with a solemn opening prayer, setting a tone of grace and fair play. Following this, the Principal, Brother Robert Fernandes, formally declared the quiz open. In his inspiring address to the gathering, Brother Robert highlighted the profound value of quizzing for young minds and emphasized that such competitions serve as catalysts that nurture deep curiosity, broaden global knowledge, sharpen critical thinking, and ultimately inspire a lifelong love for learning.

Mastery at the Podium

To navigate the complex maze of mind-boggling questions, the school invited the legendary Quizmaster, Major Chandrakant Nair. Known for his masterful command over the stage, Major Nair did not disappoint. His signature engaging style, meticulously crafted and thought-provoking questions, and seamless moderation kept both the participants and the audience on the edge of their seats. 

From obscure historical facts to intricate scientific connections and current global affairs, the questions tested the limits of lateral thinking. Under his stewardship, the auditorium witnessed intense deliberation, brilliant deductions, and heartbreakingly close buzzer rounds, ensuring a highly stimulating and memorable experience for everyone present.

The Climax: A Battle of Wits

After a grueling written preliminary round and high-stakes semi-finals, the finest teams battled it out in a grand finale that was nothing short of a masterclass in intellectual endurance. The competition was fierce, with scores shifting after every question. Ultimately, the teams that demonstrated superior teamwork and analytical agility claimed the top spots:

• Champions (First Position): Vasant Valley School
• First Runners-up (Second Position): Delhi Public School, Greater Noida
• Second Runners-up (Third Position): St. Xavier’s School, Raj Niwas Marg

The victorious teams were honoured with prestigious trophies and well-deserved cash prizes, recognizing their outstanding performance, vast knowledge base and exemplary display of competitive synergy.

A Flawless Culmination

An event of this magnitude requires immaculate execution, and the 41st Columban Open Quiz concluded successfully without a glitch. The smooth flow of the two-day mega-event was a testament to the dedication of the school community.

The formal closing ceremony featured a heartfelt Vote of Thanks proposed by the Headmaster, Mr. Naresh Chopra. He extended his deep appreciation to the student volunteers, technical staff, and participants who poured their hearts into making the event an unqualified success. Mr. Chopra reserved special praise for the event coordinators, Mrs. Ritu Nagpal and Mrs. Renuka Popli, commending their meticulous planning, tireless dedication, and backstage wizardry that ensured the seamless conduct of the quiz. 

As the curtains fell on the 2026 edition, the Columban Open Quiz once again firmly upheld its reputation as a premier academic event. It did more than just crown champions; it provided a vital platform for students to showcase their analytical thinking, celebrated the spirit of healthy competition, and further fostered a vibrant culture of intellectual excellence within the Delhi-NCR quizzing community.