Join the BP INDIA STUDENT CHALLENGE
Are you part of a team of enthusiastic, multidisciplinary students eager to test your knowledge and collaborative skills? Then the BP India Student Challenge is for you.
Organized by EAGE and hosted by BP, this student competition has become one of the most prominent initiatives within the academic community. Its main goal is to foster critical thinking, technical innovation, and teamwork through the analysis of real data and the resolution of challenges inspired by the future of energy exploration.
Teams are expected to demonstrate their ability to integrate disciplines, manage complex projects, and communicate results effectively. Each edition introduces new datasets and problem statements, challenging participants to explore creative and sustainable solutions.
Benefits for Participating Teams
- Compete for the winning trophy, which will be presented at an upcoming EAGE Conference in the Asia Pacific region. bp will cover reasonable travel expenses.
- Gain visibility among experts and leaders in the industry.
- Present your final report in front of a committee of experts from BP India.
- Acquire hands-on experience with real datasets from exploration projects.
How to Participate
Universities are invited to nominate multidisciplinary teams of 3 to 5 students, with the option to include one PhD student.
The competition consists of three elimination phases, each testing participants’ technical and communication skills.
To register, each team must submit an initial assignment based on a topic proposed by bp.
The Call for entries will open on October 27, 2025, with the finals to be held at bp India’s Technology Hub in Pune.
2026 Challenge Theme
The 2026 edition focuses on Recovery & Unlocking Value for an International energy company operating an offshore oil field on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). The objective is to revitalize the asset by assessing the feasibility of new infill drilling targets, evaluating associated uncertainties and risks, and developing an optimized plan to enhance economic oil recovery.
Participants are encouraged to explore innovative subsurface and strategic approaches that promote a more efficient, sustainable, and economically viable field development plan.
Competition Structure
The challenge is divided into three stages. In each round, the best-performing teams advance to the next phase, culminating in a final round where three university teams will present their solutions before a panel of industry experts at BP.
is proudly hosted by BP.
Application Requirements
Before submitting their application, teams must carefully review the rules and guidelines, including those related to the use of artificial intelligence.
Applications must include:
- A signed Academic Integrity Statement.
- A Motivation Letter (maximum 2 pages) containing:
Team Introduction:
A brief presentation of the team members, their academic backgrounds, and shared interests.
Motivation to Participate:
The reasons why the team wishes to take part in the challenge.
Team Vision:
The team’s vision emphasizes the importance of Recovery & Unlocking Value for an International energy company operating an offshore oil field on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). The goal is to revitalize the asset by assessing the feasibility of new infill drilling targets, evaluating associated uncertainties and risks, and developing an optimized plan to enhance economic oil recovery.
Applications for the bp India Student Challenge 2026 open on 27 October 2025. Teams are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for project preparation.
Selection Process
Phase One – Exploratory Challenge
Each team will receive a technical task provided by BP, focused on assessing the potential and feasibility of innovative methods for Recovery & Unlocking Value exploration.
At the end of this stage, the top 6 teams will advance to the next phase.
Phase Two – Technical Report and Video
Qualified teams must submit a 3-minute video and a technical report (up to 3,000 words) including figures and results that support their proposal.
Based on these submissions, the jury will select the three finalist teams.
Phase Three – Final Presentation
The three finalist teams will be invited to present their projects before a jury of 8–10 industry experts. This final phase will take place on June 7, 2026, at the bp India’s Technology Hub in Pune, providing students with the opportunity to demonstrate their talent, analytical skills, and creativity in front of leading professionals from the oil and gas sector.
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| Selection Stages | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | 27 Oct 2025 – 9 Jan 2026 |
| Team Selection (Initial Instructions) | 19 January 2026 |
| First Submission | 27 Feb 2026 |
| Selection of Teams for Round 2 | 18 Mar 2026 |
| Second Submission: | 8 April 2026 |
| Selection of Semi-Finalists Teams | 20 Apr 2026 |
| Final On-Site – bp India, Pune | 7 Jun 2026 |
