FAME 6.0 DATA RANGER: Build what matters.
Contest Overview
Data and AI are shaping decisions that impact millions of lives every day. The real opportunity today goes beyond analyzing data and using it responsibly – to build trust, enable access, and create outcomes that last.
At IDFC FIRST Bank, Data Science sits at the heart of how decisions are made. From understanding customer needs to managing risk fairly, every model, insight, and forecast carries real responsibility – and real impact at scale.
FAME 6.0 DATA RANGER is your chance to move beyond theoretical problem-solving and work on challenges where data directly informs real decisions. You will apply your analytical thinking to problems that carry consequence, complexity, and scale – while competing with sharp minds and exploring pathways to internships and full-time roles at IDFC FIRST Bank.
This is where your work begins to matter beyond the classroom.
Why Participate
FAME 6.0 DATA RANGER is designed for students to apply their analytical skills to problems where answers are not obvious. You will work through ambiguity, make trade-offs, and defend decisions in environments defined by high volumes, diverse behaviours, and tight risk boundaries.
It is about showing sound judgement when the stakes are high, instead of finding the perfect solution.
What makes FAME 6.0 DATA RANGER different
Real impact
Insight meets impact where every decision counts
Authenticity
Real problem statements, not simulated cases
Judgment-first
Evaluation based on reasoning, judgment, and trade-offs
Complexity
Exposure to emerging-market complexities rarely experienced elsewhere
Structure and Timeline
The tech tracks
Tackle Data and AI challenges drawn from real business contexts that teams face every day.
The challenge
Work on authentic problem statements from past editions (not simulated case studies).
The evaluation
Solutions will be judged on technical accuracy, clarity of thinking, assumptions, and decisions made.
The Timeline
Who Can Apply
Participation is open to students from the universities mentioned below.
| # | University Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University |
| 2 | Rutgers University |
| 3 | New York University (Tandon School of Engineering) |
| 4 | Cornell University |
| 5 | University of Washington, Seattle |
| 6 | University of Southern California (USC) |
| 7 | University of California, Davis |
| 8 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
| 9 | University of Texas at Austin |
| 10 | University of Minnesota |
| 11 | University of Maryland, College Park |
| 12 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| 13 | Purdue University |
| 14 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
| 15 | Illinois Institute of Technology |
| 16 | Georgia Institute of Technology |
| 17 | University of Michigan |
| 18 | University of California, Irvine |
| 19 | University of Waterloo |
| 20 | University of Toronto |
| 21 | McGill University |
| 22 | University of British Columbia |
Eligibility
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students in STEM disciplines
- Students currently in junior or senior year
- Candidates enrolled at universities in the United States
- Applicants must hold an Indian passport
- Participation in the Competition is on Individual basis
- Additional prerequisites and eligibility criteria will be added
Rewards and Recognition
Career Opportunities in India
Explore your potential and grow with IDFC FIRST Bank
Gen AI roles
Competitors will have the opportunity to land an exciting Gen AI role in IDFC FIRST Bank.
Global assessment
IDFC FIRST Bank will interview and assess the best candidates who would like to vie for these opportunities based in India.
Relocation support
IDFC FIRST Bank will take care of relocation (air travel) costs from the US to India.
Why join IDFC FIRST Bank
The organization is building something new:
- A strong culture of data-led decision making
- A technology-driven bank from the ground up
- A focus on fairness, transparency, and customer outcomes
This is your chance to be part of an early chapter in a story still being written.
Cutting-edge technology
A core tenet of their Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is that you will have the opportunity to work on next-gen technology and build market-leading, digital-first banking solutions.
At IDFC FIRST Bank, you will be part of a team that is disrupting banking through innovation and integrity and creating a lasting impact.
Culture and values
- Ethical and transparent work environment
- Customer-first philosophy
- Inclusive and diverse workplace
- Empowerment and ownership at every level
Employee benefits
- Competitive compensation and bonuses
- Health and wellness programmes
- Work-life balance and flexible policies
- Retirement and insurance benefits
About IDFC FIRST Bank
Vision
To build a world-class Bank in India, founded with principles of Ethical, Digital, and Social Good Banking.
Scale
IDFC FIRST Bank is one of India’s fast-growing private banks, building its UI, UX, and tech stack like a fintech. As of September 30, 2025, the Bank serves 35 million customers, with a customer business of Rs. 5,35,673 crore ($60.4b) comprising customer deposits of ₹2,69,094 crores ($30.3b) and loans & advances of ₹2,66,579 crores ($30.0b). Customer deposits grew 23.4% YoY and loans 19.7% YoY. We reach over 60,000 cities, towns, and villages, operate through 1,041 branches.
Scope
We are a universal Bank offering complete range of services, including Retail, MSME, Rural, Startups, Corporate Banking, Cash Management, Credit Cards, Wealth Management, Deposits, Government Banking, Working Capital, Trade Finance, and Treasury solutions.
Ethical Banking
We are committed to doing right even when customers are not watching. We have simplified descriptions, calculations, and legal jargon to avoid confusing customers.
Digital Banking
The Bank's modern technology stack delivers high-quality services across all channels like mobile, branch, internet banking, call centers and relationship managers. Built on cloud-native, API-led, microservices architecture, supported with data, analytics, AI, and fine aesthetics, we strive to deliver fintech-grade experiences on banking platform.
Social Good
We work for society. We have impacted over 40 million lives including 3.6 million women entrepreneurs. We have financed over 7.5 million lifestyle improvement loans (for laptops, washing machines, refrigerators etc. that enhance the quality of life of middle class), 2.5 lakh electric 2W and 3W vehicles, 2.7 lakh water, sanitation, and hygiene loans, 2 million livelihood (cattle) loans, and 300,000+ SMEs. On deposits, we provide access of premium investment research, which is usually reserved for the wealthy, even to those holding balances as low as ₹5,000. Our ESG scores are high and improving.
Customer Friendly Banking
We make banking easy by having a customer first approach. We have waived fees on 36 essential savings account services which are commonly charged in the market, the first and only bank in India to do so. We create “pull” products that customers actively seek out.
Governance
We adhere to regulatory guidelines in letter and spirit and actively work with regulators to make things better. We take pride in maintaining highest levels of corporate governance.
Shareholders
We are building a well-diversified universal banking portfolio designed to deliver consistent ROE of 16%+.
Employees
IDFC FIRST Bank is designed to be a happy place to work, with cutting-edge roles, meaningful growth opportunities, and a culture of meritocracy. Compensation is healthy, efforts are recognized, and employees experience the pride and excitement of creating a world-class Bank in India.
Awards and Accolades
The organization strives for excellence in everything they do.
- IDFC FIRST Bank recognised amongst the 'World's Best Banks 2025’ by Forbes in partnership with Statista
- IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile Banking App ranked 4th globally by Forrester Digital Experience Review™
- Forrester ranks IDFC FIRST Bank's App as #1 banking App in India
- IDFC FIRST Bank recognised as India’s Best Employers 2025 by TIME and Statista
- IDFC FIRST Bank received the Mobile Banking and Payment Initiative of the Year, India Award, and Asian Banking and Finance – Retail Banking Awards 2025
- IDFC FIRST Bank recognised by the Brandon Hall Group Technology Excellence Award under the ‘Best Leadership Development Programme’ category for their ‘Leadership Stack’ programme, and also under the 'Best Advance in Onboarding Technology’ category
- IDFC FIRST Bank recognised as a Top-Rated Banking Company at AmbitionBox Employee Choice Awards 2025 and 2024
Company overview
Why join IDFC FIRST Bank
Work with cutting-edge technology