BBC World to premiere University Challenge in India

Based on the UK's popular TV quiz show running successfully for 40 years, University Challenge has been brought to India by BBC. Hosted by ace quizmaster Siddhartha Basu, the Samsung Sound sponsored programme, will be launched on BBC World on August 7, 2003. It will be telecast every Thursday at 2200 IST, with additional appointment to view on Sundays at 1000 IST.

BBC World has earmarked 40 per cent of its Indian marketing budget to promote the 32-episode show. The series starts with four special exhibition episodes showcasing winning teams from the UK University Challenge show who will be pitted against teams from Indian colleges.

Commenting on the new programme, Narendhra Morar, commissioning editor, BBC World, says, "BBC World's University Challenge aims to recognise and acknowledge the talents of young Indian quizzers. There is an insatiable urge for achievement inherent among young Indians, which is reflected in the response evoked by quiz shows in the country. Today, there is no high quality quiz for Indian university students and University Challenge will provide an informative, entertaining and interactive platform for college students to experience international quizzing - in what we hope will become another must-see programme from BBC World across South Asia."

The nationwide hunt for the top Indian quizzing teams started in May this year with entries from prestigious colleges across India. After written tests in centres across the country, 28 teams were finally chosen for the television rounds. University Challenge will cover the gamut of sports, theatre, technology, industries, film, music, dance, science and medicine, television, advertising, art and literature, destinations, cuisine and many other areas.