Reimagining Learning Outcomes Through Analytics
Date
1-2 August 2026
Time
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Venue
Overview
Most people see a dataset. We see an opportunity to improve how children learn.
Datathon 2026 invites you to analyse real-world education data and uncover insights that can shape better learning outcomes for thousands of children. Hosted by Akshara Foundation and ACSEL Technology Forum, and powered by Mavenir as the Title Sponsor, this two-day challenge brings together bright minds from data science, AI, education, research, and technology to solve meaningful problems with real impact.
Work with a large anonymised dataset spanning Grades 4, 5, and 6, build innovative analytical and AI-driven solutions, and compete for ₹1,00,000 in gift vouchers while helping transform educational data into actionable change.
➤ Day 1 (August 1 , 2026): Work on the data and submit insights and recommendations via a presentation deck.
➤ Day 2 (August 2 , 2026): 10 Shortlisted teams will present their solution to the jury, followed by the selection of the winning team/solution
The challenge is not merely to analyse data, but to generate insights, predictive tools, visualisations, and policy recommendations that can improve learning outcomes at scale.
Objectives
The Datathon aims to:
➤ Unlock insights from large-scale student assessment datasets.
➤ Identify learning gaps across competencies, gender, and geographies.
➤ Develop predictive and diagnostic models for early intervention.
➤ Create scalable dashboards and decision-support tools.
➤ Generate actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
➤ Foster collaboration between the education and technology ecosystems.
Dataset
Participants will work with an anonymised dataset comprising:
➤ Learning assessment data from Grades 4, 5, and 6
➤ Three years of student performance data across multiple learning competencies
➤ Disaggregated information at Gender and Administrative levels like Division, District, Block and Cluster
The dataset offers opportunities to analyse learning progression, identify disparities, understand regional variation, and uncover patterns that can inform effective interventions.
Challenge Areas
Participants will explore one or more of the following themes:
➤ Learning outcomes and gender disparities
➤ Geographic inequities in student performance
➤ Competency-level learning gaps
➤ Longitudinal learning progression
➤ Predictive analytics and early-warning systems
➤ Policy and intervention design
➤ Data visualisation and storytelling
➤ AI-enabled decision support for education systems
Participants
Participants will compete in interdisciplinary teams and the Datathon is open to:

University students and research scholars

Data scientists and analysts

Education researchers and practitioners

EdTech professionals

Government fellows and programme associates

Professionals from academia, industry, and civil society
Deliverables
Each team will submit an insight presentation summarising key findings Submissions will be evaluated on analytical rigour, innovation, policy relevance, usability, and potential for real-world impact.
Expected Outcomes
Datathon 2026 aims to generate:
➤ Actionable insights into learning outcomes and educational equity
➤ Identification of priority geographies and competencies requiring intervention.
➤ Prototype dashboards and decision-support tools
➤ Predictive models that support early intervention
➤ Evidence-based policy and programme recommendations
➤ Stronger collaboration between education and technology communities
