The FSF Case Conclave is First Step Finance's flagship case competition — a week-long, three-stage challenge designed to test participants across the full spectrum of financial thinking. From foundational knowledge to real-world problem solving, every round mirrors the pressure, rigour, and standards of professional finance.
Register for free, participate as an individual or a pair (max 2), and complete all three rounds between May 24–31. No restrictions on college, year, or background.
TALENT PARTNERS
Haven Equities
Bridging classroom theory and real markets. With a live $10,000 educational fund, Haven Equities gives students hands-on exposure to institutional-style equity research — learning to research, evaluate, and track equities like actual analysts.
Youth Economy Lab (YEL)
A global student-led community of 1,500+ members across 63 countries. YEL is changing how youth think about money through competitions, speaker sessions, and accessible financial education where it's needed most.
Stay Connected
Follow First Step Finance for live updates, round announcements, and daily finance content:
Instagram: @firststepfinance
LinkedIn: First Step Finance
Requirements
Progress through three rounds: a finance quiz (Round I), an erroneous financial statement audit (Round II), and a live case presentation (Final Round).
Round I — Capital IQ (May 24)
Quiz consisting of 30 questions to be done in 15 minutes will be conducted. Participants who qualify will be informed via email and will progress to Round II.
Quiz Link: Capital IQ
Round II — From Analyst's Desk (May 26-28)
Qualifiers will receive a financial workbook containing 10 hidden errors across the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement. You must submit two tasks:
- Task 1 — Error Log: A Google Doc listing each error with its cell location, description, and corrected value/formula
- Task 2 — Clean Model: The fully corrected Excel workbook with all three statements linking perfectly.
What to Submit Round II: Submit your Google Doc error log link and corrected Excel workbook on this page using your Round II access code. Access code will be shared only with Round I qualifiers.
Finalist Announcement — May 30
Finalists will be invited for a live round.
Final Round — May 31
Prizes
NPO Financial Consulting Engagement
Winners will be placed as financial consultants for a real Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), working on a live professional engagement that strengthens their CV and portfolio.
One-on-One Mentorship Sessions with Panelists
Exclusive individual mentorship sessions with jury panel professionals from investment, advisory, consulting, and corporate finance — provided at no cost to finalists.
Certificate of Finalist
Issued to teams who advance to the Live Final Round.
Certificate of Merit
Issued to all participants who qualify for and complete Round II.
Certificate of Participation
Issued by First Step Finance to all participants who complete Round I.
Devpost Achievements
Submitting to this hackathon could earn you:
Judges
CA Shreya Daga
Founder, FinDecoded
Anshul Garg
Wealth Manager, Neo Wealth
CA Neha Advani
FP&A, ADP
Judging Criteria
-
Financial Analysis (20%)
Accuracy of calculations, assumptions, profitability, valuation logic, budgeting, KPIs etc. -
Strategic Thinking (20%)
Quality of business decisions, prioritization, long-term thinking -
Feasibility & Practicality (15%)
Can this be realistically implemented? Resources, timeline, risks -
Problem Understanding (10%)
Did they correctly identify the core issue/problem? -
Creativity/Innovation (10%)
Unique but sensible ideas -
Data Interpretation (10%)
Ability to interpret charts, trends, market signals, customer insights -
Structure & Clarity (10%)
Logical flow, concise communication, professionalism -
Decision Justification (5%)
Did they explain why they chose their recommendations?
Questions? Email the hackathon manager
Invite others to compete
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