Introduction
MarkSense is a focused marketing strategy competition hosted by ASSETS DTU in collaboration with MarkSoc, with CashKaro as the Official Case Partner. Organized as part of Fortune'26 at Delhi Technological University, New Delhi, this contest offers students an opportunity to demonstrate marketing thinking, strategic planning, and presentation skills across multiple rounds. This article explains the event structure, timelines, eligibility and team rules, rewards and implications for participants, and practical preparation advice. Updated on 23 Mar 2026, the details below will help teams register before the 29 Mar 2026 deadline and prepare effectively for each stage: an online quiz, a case study submission, and a final offline presentation at DTU.
Event overview and organizing partners
MarkSense is presented by ASSETS DTU alongside MarkSoc and takes place under the banner of Fortune'26 at Delhi Technological University, New Delhi, India. The competition has been designed to test real-world marketing strategy skills, with CashKaro serving as the Official Case Partner — an arrangement that frames the case study and adds practical business relevance to the challenges. The event sequence, announced and updated on 23 Mar 2026, includes an initial online quiz followed by a case submission window and a live final presentation on campus. The organizers emphasize collaboration and applied thinking, and the competition is tailored to small teams, allowing concentrated ownership of ideas and polished delivery. Because this is an on-campus final, teams should plan logistics for the offline presentation scheduled for 07 Apr 2026. The public-facing structure and partnership aim to bridge academic insight with industry-oriented problem solving during Fortune'26.
Eligibility, team composition, registration and timeline
Participation in MarkSense requires forming a team of two to three members, which encourages peer collaboration while maintaining manageable responsibility distribution. Registration must be completed by 29 Mar 2026, so prospective teams should finalize membership and submit details well before that date. The competition unfolds in three distinct rounds: the first is an online quiz on 30 Mar 2026 that is explicitly non-eliminatory, meaning every registered team proceeds beyond this stage regardless of quiz performance. The second round is a case study submission between 31 Mar and 04 Apr 2026; teams must submit their case as a PPT or PDF deck comprising 10–12 slides. This requirement implies concise, structured thinking and clear visual storytelling. Finally, the third round consists of an offline final presentation at DTU on 07 Apr 2026, where shortlisted teams present live. Teams should track the timeline closely and plan internal milestones to meet submission windows and travel arrangements for the final.
Competition format and judging implications
Understanding how each round functions helps teams prioritize effort and allocate time effectively. The online quiz, held on 30 Mar 2026 and labeled non-eliminatory, likely serves to orient participants and assess baseline marketing knowledge without trimming the field. The case study phase (31 Mar–04 Apr 2026) requires a 10–12 slide deck in PPT or PDF format — a constraint that forces clarity, prioritization of insights, and disciplined storytelling. Teams should structure slides to include problem framing, analysis, proposed strategy, implementation roadmap and metrics for success within the slide limit. The final presentation on 07 Apr 2026 at DTU will test public speaking, defense of assumptions, and ability to respond to live questions from judges. Because CashKaro is the Official Case Partner, expect the case to reflect real business considerations relevant to that partner; teams should therefore ground recommendations in feasible, market-oriented tactics. Judges will evaluate analytical rigor, creativity, feasibility, and presentation quality across both the written submission and the live defense.
Rewards, career impact and prize structure
MarkSense offers tangible and career-oriented rewards. The competition awards cash prizes and goodies, and importantly it provides pre-placement interviews (PPI) for the top five teams — an opportunity that can directly impact students’ recruitment pathways. Prize highlights include substantial funding and stipends: the Winner receives up to 300k in stipend & funding, the First Runner up receives up to 275k, and the Second Runner up receives up to 225k. In addition to monetary awards, participation certificates will be given to teams, which can add value to resumes and portfolios. The combination of cash incentives, potential funding, and PPIs increases the stakes of the competition and can make strong performance a gateway to practical roles or project funding. Teams should view the event not only as a contest but as a chance to secure resources, recognition, and interview opportunities that may accelerate professional trajectories.
How to prepare and useful resources
Preparation should focus on research, clear slide design, rehearsed presentations and role allocation within the 2–3 member team. Teams should divide responsibilities such as market research, slide creation, and presenter roles so each member owns deliverables. When creating the 10–12 slide case deck, prioritize a concise problem statement, key insights, a strategic recommendation, implementation steps, and metrics. Practice for the offline finals on 07 Apr 2026 by simulating Q&A and timing the delivery. To supplement marketing skills and soft skills, participants can access internal resources to strengthen relevant capabilities. For analytical exposure and practical experience, consider the Tata Free Data Analytics Virtual Experience Program 2026 which helps build data interpretation habits useful for case analysis. To explore career pathways and internships, review Google Paid Internships & Apprenticeships 2026. For presentation and productivity skills that improve slide design and delivery, consult the Free ChatGPT Tutorial, the Free Web Design Tutorial, the Free Canva Tutorial, and the Free Time Management Tutorial. Each resource can help refine data handling, visual communication, and personal time management for the condensed submission window. Final tip: register before 29 Mar 2026 to secure your team’s spot and start preparing immediately.
Conclusion
MarkSense at Fortune'26 presents a structured opportunity for small teams to showcase marketing strategy skills through a non-eliminatory online quiz, a focused case study submission, and an on-campus final presentation. Organized by ASSETS DTU in collaboration with MarkSoc and supported by CashKaro as the Official Case Partner, the event rewards top teams with significant funding, cash prizes, goodies, participation certificates, and pre-placement interviews for the top five teams. With registration closing on 29 Mar 2026 and key dates through early April, timely preparation, concise slide decks, and polished presentations are essential. Use the listed resources to sharpen analytics, design and time management skills, submit your 10–12 slide deck between 31 Mar and 04 Apr 2026, and be ready to present at DTU on 07 Apr 2026. Updated on 23 Mar 2026, these details should guide your planning and help you make the most of this competitive opportunity.