Nation’s premier talent hunt designed to nurture the next generation of print professionals.
The Offset Printers Association (OPA) has officially launched preparations for the 7th Edition of the Print Olympiad, the nation’s premier talent hunt designed to nurture the next generation of print professionals. Conceived in 2014 by visionary Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra, this biennial event is planned to be a thrilling escalation to propel India’s printing talent onto the world stage. The event bridges academia and industry, fosters creativity and technical prowess along with out-of-the-box thinking among students across India. Having already empowered thousands of aspiring printers, the 2026 edition too promises enhanced inclusivity, new competitions, and groundbreaking opportunities. It will culminate at the prestigious All in Print China exhibition in Shanghai during October 2026. “This international debut marks a monumental leap, offering participants unparalleled global exposure amid one of the world’s largest printing showcases, where cutting-edge technologies and industry leaders converge to shape the future of print,” says Kamal Chopra.
Prof. Chopra convened the kick-off meeting, held virtually on October 6, 2025. The meeting brought together educators, industry advisors, and coordinators from reputed printing institutions nationwide. The session underscored the event’s evolution since its inception, highlighting its regional structure—divided into North, South, East, and West zones—with regional rounds leading to the adrenaline-pumping national finale in Shanghai.
“Print Olympiad is more than a competition; it’s a movement to preserve and propel the eternal legacy of printing, which Victor Hugo called ‘The greatest event in history,'” said Prof. Chopra. “In a digital age, we’re equipping India’s youthful workforce—over 250,000 printing presses strong and employing 2.5 million people—with the skills to innovate, outsource globally, and drive sustainable growth. This edition builds on our success by making it even more accessible and rewarding, and the Shanghai finale will be a game-changer, thrusting our top talents into the international spotlight for collaborations, inspirations, and career launches that transcend borders.”
Key highlights from the meeting include several innovative proposals to boost participation and relevance, setting the stage for an even more dynamic competition:
- Dedicated Competition for Diploma Students: to introduce a new annual event exclusively for students pursuing Diplomas or Certificates in Printing and/or Packaging from recognized Indian institutions. With nearly 35 diploma institutes in India, this initiative is expected to significantly increase engagement.
- Certificates of Participation: certificates for all students registering and participating in Round 1 (the elimination round) recognizing effort at every level.
- Enhanced Format for Talented Finalists: To spotlight innovation, this aims to reward practical creativity and align the competition more closely with industry needs.
- Innovation Challenge: A separate competition inviting students to tackle innovative projects for incentivizing real-world problem-solving.
Prof. Madhura Mahajan has been appointed as Chief Coordinator for the 7th Edition, overseeing networking among 13 regional coordinators, institutions, and students. “By integrating hands-on experience with academic knowledge, we’re preparing leaders who will shape the future of print,,” says Prof. Madhura.
As part of OPA’s ‘Print Chetna’ initiative, Print Olympiad addresses global challenges in the printing market, such as technological advancements and digital disruption, by inspiring young minds to embrace printing as a viable career.
The four regional champions vie for the national title of ‘Top Print Student of India’.
