Arjit Kansal (16), a class XI science student of Delhi’s Maharaja Agrasen School, Pitampura, is the first Indian national to win a Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship, staged annually for the past 14 years. In the 2014 championship held in Disneyland, California, from July 27-30, Arjit bested 123 finalists from 41 countries in the PowerPoint 2010 category, to win the $5,000 (Rs.3 lakh) top prize.

Launched in 2000, the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship is a platform for students in the 13-22 age group to showcase their mastery over Microsoft Office applications of their choice. This global contest is conducted in two phases — a national championship followed by an international final. This year’s competition attracted 750,000 entries internationally including 20,000 from India.

Under the rules of the MS Specialist World Championship, competitors are required to first clear a certification test. Toppers qualify for the National Compudon Championship — sponsored by Noida-based Cyber Learning Pvt. Ltd — in which judges watch them work, and award them scores based on the speed at which they find and use the appropriate MS tools. At the World Championships, finalists compete to demonstrate their skills in designing PowerPoint presentations.

“I’m happy my persistence and determination finally paid off. This was my third attempt,” says Arjit, who was awarded a perfect ten for his presentation.

This PowerPoint champ, whose school has regularly encouraged and groomed students for the competition, has been fascinated by computers ever since the subject was introduced in class VIII. “With the support of my teachers and mentors at Cyber Learning, I spent three hours daily practising and experimenting with animation, transitions and new features focusing my attention on structure and design rather than on content,” he says.

Unsurprisingly, Arjit intends to study engineering after completing his school education. “I plan a career in computer engineering and I believe my expertise in PowerPoint will be useful for future innovations and research,” he says.    

Wind in your sails!

Autar Nehru (Delhi)