The Rise of Esports in Indian Higher Education

Esports, short for electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming where professional players and teams participate in organized tournaments for popular titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Valorant, and Real Cricket. In India, this phenomenon has exploded on college campuses, transforming late-night dorm sessions into pathways for professional careers. Prestigious institutions from IIT Roorkee to IIM Indore are at the forefront, fostering talent that could dominate global stages.

The integration of esports into higher education aligns with India's booming digital economy. With over 500 million gamers projected by 2026, colleges provide the perfect ecosystem—tech-savvy students, high-speed internet, and a culture of competition. This shift is not just recreational; it's minting the next generation of superstars who balance academics with pro-level play.

KRAFTON India's Campus Tour: Fueling the Esports Revolution

KRAFTON India Esports has launched an ambitious 128-college Campus Tour in its second year as of 2026, spanning Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities. This initiative embeds structured tournaments for BGMI and Real Cricket directly into college festivals, offering prize pools and scouting opportunities for pro leagues like BGMS. Top-performing student teams advance from campus-level qualifiers to regional and national finals, creating a clear "Path to Pro."

The tour addresses grassroots development by partnering with student clubs, ensuring inclusivity. For instance, events at IIT Roorkee and similar campuses have seen participation from thousands, with 30-40% of new esports talent emerging from these college ecosystems. Karan Pathak from KRAFTON notes, "About 30 to 40% of the new talent pool is coming from colleges and grassroots levels." This structured approach is growing college tournaments at 40-50% annually.

IIT Roorkee's ESports Society: Pioneering Campus Gaming

The ESports Society at IIT Roorkee (@iitresports) exemplifies how elite engineering institutes are embracing competitive gaming. Active on social media, the society organizes events like "IT TAKES TWO," duo gaming tournaments during Valentine's Week, focusing on co-op titles to build teamwork skills transferable to academics and careers.

They recruit skilled players for rosters in Valorant and other games, participating in inter-IIT and national college tournaments. This society not only hosts LAN parties but also conducts workshops on game strategies, streaming, and esports management, preparing students for industry roles.

• Regular intra-campus qualifiers for national events.
• Collaborations with sponsors like Samsung for hardware.
• Focus on games like Valorant, BGMI, and FIFA.

IIM Indore's Arena Gaming Club: Where MBAs Meet Esports

At IIM Indore, Arena (@arena_iimi) serves as the official gaming and esports club, blending management education with competitive play. They host intense LAN tournaments during fests like Ranbhoomi, attracting participants from across central India. Events feature BGMI, Valorant, and EAFC, with live streams drawing thousands of viewers.

Arena emphasizes esports as a business, offering sessions on sponsorships, analytics, and team management—skills vital for future executives. Members have progressed to semi-pro levels, showcasing how IIMs are diversifying beyond traditional finance clubs. For students eyeing sports tech careers, clubs like this provide hands-on experience; explore more at higher ed career advice.

Esports Across IITs and IIMs: A National Network

Beyond Roorkee and Indore, IIT Madras boasts Heighers eSports and the Sangam Gaming Club, running Valorant leagues and FIFA cups during Saarang fest. IIT Bombay's TEC LAN Party offers up to ₹35,000 in BGMI TDM prizes. IIT Indore's Esports Club hosts Fall Fiesta championships.

IIM Jammu's Arcade club organizes diverse esports events. These societies form a network, with inter-college rivalries fueling growth. Corporate sponsors like Google validate these efforts, providing infrastructure.

Major Tournaments Driving College Esports

Initiatives like Skoar College Cup by Times Network offer ₹30 lakh prizes in Delhi finals, drawing top universities. IICT's Esports Premier League engaged 1,000+ students from 20 colleges. NoScope Gaming's university finals feature 25 top institutions.

These events follow a step-by-step format: campus qualifiers, regional semis, national grands with pro scouts. Prize money funds gear, while exposure leads to streaming deals—top players earn ₹2 lakh monthly.

• BGMI dominates with massive participation.
• Valorant growing for strategic play.
• Real Cricket taps cricket-loving students.

Market Growth and Economic Impact

India's esports market hit USD 248 million in 2025, projected to reach USD 1.39 billion by 2035 at 18.8% CAGR. Colleges contribute significantly, with 50% new talent from tournaments. This boom creates jobs in coaching, analytics, and event management within higher ed.

Students leverage skills for sports tech startups; IIM Lucknow's Sportstech Accelerator supports gaming ventures.Browse higher ed jobs in emerging fields like this.

Challenges and Solutions in Campus Esports

Despite growth, challenges persist: uneven infrastructure, parental skepticism viewing esports as addictive, and balancing with academics. Solutions include university-backed clubs with academic credits and wellness programs.

• Invest in dedicated esports arenas.
• Curricula integrating esports management courses.
• Mental health support for competitive stress.

Government recognition as a sport aids legitimacy.

Photo by Adam Hornyak on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Superstars and Sustainability

By 2030, college esports could produce India's Olympic representatives, following Asian Games precedents. Sustainability via diverse revenue—sponsorships, merchandise, alumni pros—ensures longevity. Institutions like IITs are positioning as esports hubs, attracting international partnerships.

For aspiring gamers, join clubs early; rate professors in gaming-related fields at Rate My Professor. The fusion of higher education and esports promises a vibrant future.