1. World Economics Cup (WEC)
The World Economics Cup brings together top high-school teams from around the world to solve analytical and policy-based challenges. It’s a rigorous test of knowledge and creativity, encouraging you to think critically about pressing global issues.
Website: https://www.worldecon.org/wec-2025
What Makes It Exciting:
- Teams of 6 students compete through multiple rounds – Continental Qualifier → Continental Cup → World Cup Final
- Equal opportunity design – provides academic guidance during the competition, so prior economics coursework isn’t required
- Tests real-world problem-solving on emerging issues like AI, climate change, and trade conflicts, not just textbook knowledge
- Three exciting modules: 100-question Fundamentals test, Deep Comprehension with lectures on cutting-edge topics, and Thinking & Innovation presentations
Key Dates: Registration usually closes in March each year; the final takes place typically in October
2. Harvard Pre-Collegiate Economics Challenge (HPEC)
Hosted by the Harvard Undergraduate Economics Association, this competition invites students to demonstrate their understanding of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and global economics. For ambitious students eager to test their knowledge against peers from around the world, HPEC is THE competition to aim for!
Website: https://www.thehuea.org/hpec-1
What Makes It Exciting:
- All-expense-paid trip to Harvard University for finalists — imagine competing on the Harvard campus!
- Network with Harvard professors, graduate students, and leading economists
- Two thrilling rounds: Written Exam and Quiz Bowl
- Team format (1-4 members) makes it collaborative and fun
Key Dates: Registration usually closes in early April, with the competition taking place mid-April each year
3. Wharton Global High School Investment Competition
Run by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, this event is a global investment simulation that challenges students to manage a virtual investment portfolio with $100,000. Teams act as investment managers, create portfolios, and justify their strategies to Wharton judges. But it’s not just about making profits — you’re judged on investment strategy, business analysis, and your ability to pitch ideas like a real Wall Street analyst!
Website: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/competitions/investment-competition/
What Makes It Exciting:
- 10-week crash course on investing, business analysis, pitch creation, and portfolio building
- Work in teams of 4-7 students from your school
- Top 10 teams pitch their strategies at Wharton’s Global Finale for real funding opportunities
- Learn skills directly applicable to careers in finance, investment banking, and entrepreneurship
Key Dates: Typically runs September to December with the Global Finale in early December
4. Ashoka Economics Olympiad
Organized by Ashoka University’s Economics Society, this competition is perfect for Indian high-school students who want to test their analytical and problem-solving skills. It features quizzes, data interpretation, and case-based challenges.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/p/DO7w5G5CORt/
What Makes It Exciting:
- Specifically designed for Indian high school students
- Organized by one of India’s premier liberal arts universities
- Tests analytical thinking through quizzes, data interpretation, and case studies
- Great opportunity to network with Ashoka faculty and students
- Perfect stepping stone for students new to economics competitions
Key Dates: Round 1 and Round 2 are usually held in October
5. International Economics Olympiad (IEO)
Supported by Nobel Prize Winner Eric Maskin, the IEO is the world’s most prestigious international economics olympiad for high school students. It brings together the top 5 students from each participating country to compete in Economics, Financial Literacy, or Business Case competitions.
Website: https://ieo-official.org/
What Makes It Exciting:
- Compete with 250+ students from 60+ countries — truly global!
- Three competition tracks to choose from based on your interests
- Hosted in different countries each year (Hong Kong, Russia, Greece, etc.) — travel the world!
- Rigorous academic materials and past papers available for preparation
- Recognition from top economists and universities worldwide
Key Dates: National competitions vary by country; International finals typically held in July
6. Global Stock Pitch Competition
Organized by the Young Investors Society, this competition invites teams to research and pitch a stock idea just like professional analysts. Students submit written reports and deliver live presentations to judges. It’s one of the best ways for aspiring finance students to gain practical experience.
Website: https://yis.org/programs/stock-pitch-competition/
What Makes It Exciting:
- Real-world experience researching stocks like professional Wall Street analysts
- Learn fundamental analysis, financial modeling, and valuation techniques
- Deliver live presentations to judges from the finance industry
- Build a portfolio-worthy investment report
- Perfect preparation for careers in investment banking, asset management, and equity research
Key Dates: Registration and pitch submission deadlines for the 2026 season are February 20, 2026
7. National Economics Olympiad (NEO)
The National Economics Olympiad is a pan-India competition organized by The Economics Society, Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC). This is your chance to compete with India’s brightest economics minds and discover “The Economist” within yourself!
Website: https://ecosocsrcc.com/national-economics-olympiad
What Makes It Exciting:
- Specifically designed for Classes XI & XII students in India
- Tests reasoning, aptitude, and practical application — not just theory
- Exposure to competitive exam formats like CUET
- 100+ marketing internship opportunities for participants
- 80,000+ impressions and recognition in the student community
- Endorsed by RBI, ORF, and the Government of India
Key Dates: Conducted online; check website for annual registration dates
8. National Finance Olympiad (NFO)
The National Finance Olympiad is India’s premier platform for nurturing financial literacy among students from Classes 5-12. Trusted by over 500 schools and 40,000+ students across India, NFO equips young minds with practical money management skills including budgeting, saving, investing, and personal financial planning. The competition is conducted entirely online, making it accessible to students across the nation.
Website: https://nationalfinanceolympiad.com/
What Makes It Exciting:
- India’s largest finance Olympiad specifically designed for Indian students from Classes 5-12
- Scholarships worth ₹4,00,000 for national winners, plus cash prizes totaling ₹2.10 lakhs
- Practical financial knowledge – learn real-world money skills like budgeting, investing, banking, stock markets, and insurance
- Completely online – participate comfortably from home using laptop or desktop
- Certificates for all – participation and achievement certificates at intra-school and national levels
Key Dates: Exam is typically held in August each year
9. International Foundation Economics Olympiad
This Olympiad focuses on foundational economic knowledge and financial literacy, helping students gain clarity on key economic principles. It’s a great option for younger students looking to build confidence before entering larger global contests.
Website: https://iof.education/page?page=ifeco
What Makes It Exciting:
- Beginner-friendly competition focused on foundational concepts
- Tests core economic principles and financial literacy
- Perfect for younger students (grades 8-10) building economics knowledge
- Builds confidence before tackling more advanced competitions
- Online format makes it accessible from anywhere
Key Dates: Exam is usually conducted in November each year
10. Shine Senior Economics Olympiad
Shine Senior Economics Olympiad is designed by Graposs Connect for Shine Olympiad to promote economic awareness and analytical thinking among students, encouraging them to develop a rational approach to decision-making and problem-solving. This olympiad focuses on preparing senior students for careers in economics, finance, business, and policymaking while strengthening their foundational understanding of economic principles and real-world applications.
Website: https://shineolympiad.com/secoo-shine-economics-olympiad/
What Makes It Exciting:
- Focus on economic awareness and analytical thinking for real-world applications
- Prepares students for careers in economics, finance, business, and policymaking
- Encourages rational decision-making and problem-solving approaches
- Strengthens foundational understanding while testing practical application
- Well-structured program by Graposs Connect for comprehensive learning
Key Dates: Exam is usually conducted in November each year
A Message to Students
Whether you’re passionate about policy, fascinated by markets, interested in development, or simply curious about how the world works, there’s a competition here for you. These aren’t just contests — they’re transformative experiences that can shape your academic journey and career path.
Remember: Winners aren’t just those who score highest; they’re those who demonstrate creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and genuine passion for understanding economic challenges.
Ready to take on the challenge? Pick a competition and start preparing today! Your future self will thank you.
