KIIT International School Clinches CSM Synapse 4.0, Odisha’s Biggest Quiz Show

The dynamic team of Adweya Sarangi and Swastika Mishra outshone formidable contenders in a nail-biting finale to bag the Champions Trophy and Rs 2,00,000 in cash prize.

The grand finale brought together six zonal winners from across Odisha, making it a truly state-wide intellectual celebration. The event was graced by Commander Sushanta Kumar Mohanty, Commanding Officer of Naval NCC, and senior CSM Tech leadership, including founder and chief executive officer Priyadarshi Nanu Pany and chief human resource officer Lagna Panda.

DPS Rourkela took the first runner-up position, represented by Ekansh Tripathi and Abhijit Pradhan, winning a cash prize of Rs 25,000. The other zonal champions who made it to the finale included DAV Unit 8 Bhubaneswar, Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya- Chamakhandi, St. Paul’s Rourkela and Takshashila School.

Each team had previously trumped dozens of schools in their zones during the rigorous preliminary rounds held in July.

The 2025 edition of CSM Synapse saw the introduction of a two-tier format - three zonal rounds followed by a grand finale, making the competition more inclusive and intense. Hosted by ace quizmaster Adityanath Mubayi, also known for his research leadership on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), the event was intellectually stimulating and full of high-octane moments.

Commenting on the initiative, CSM Tech founder Priyadarshi Nanu Pany said: “CSM Synapse is more than a quiz, it’s a movement to ignite young minds. Every edition has revealed the remarkable depth of talent across Odisha. The time is now ripe to take Synapse to the national stage, opening the door for thousands of students across India to showcase their brilliance. Our vision is to make knowledge aspirational again, to turn curiosity into power.”