SIP Regional Prodigy 2026: Over 1,200 children showcase mental arithmetic skills in Mangalagiri

Over 1,200 children aged between 5 and 14 years participated in the SIP Regional Prodigy 2026, one of India's largest mental arithmetic competitions for children, held at CK Conventions in Mangalagiri on Sunday. The event saw young participants demonstrating their ability to solve complex calculations without the use of calculators or other external aids.

The competition was inaugurated by Col. Shashikanth Thumma, Director of AIIMS Mangalagiri, in the presence of SIP Academy India Director Sibi Sekhar, New Franchisee Acquisition Head Uma Swaminathan, Regional Business Head – South and International Acquisition Head Praveen E.G., and Andhra Pradesh Head Jabeer Baig.

Addressing the gathering, Col. Shashikanth Thumma praised the participants, describing them as 'live supercomputers.' "You are human calculators, solving problems faster than calculators. This programme develops skills to solve not only mathematics problems but also life's challenges," he said.

SIP Academy India Director Sibi Sekhar highlighted the growing relevance of mental arithmetic in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). "While AI can provide answers, children still need strong cognitive abilities, logical thinking, concentration, memory and problem-solving skills. Mental arithmetic develops these foundational capabilities, enabling children to think independently and confidently," he explained.

Uma Swaminathan, New Franchisee Acquisition Head, spoke about the organisation's expansion plans in the region. "We currently operate 25 centres in Andhra Pradesh and plan to double this number to 50 in the coming years," she said.

The SIP Regional Prodigy serves as the regional championship of the annual SIP Prodigy competition and acts as a qualifying event for the national finals. Winners from the Andhra Pradesh regional competition will advance to the National SIP Prodigy 2026, scheduled to take place in Kochi in November, where nearly 5,000 children from across the country are expected to compete.

Events like these are part of a broader effort to enhance mathematical proficiency and cognitive development among young learners. Mental arithmetic training, which involves techniques such as abacus-based calculation, has gained popularity in India as a supplementary educational activity. Supporters argue that such training improves concentration, memory, and logical reasoning, while critics caution against overburdening children with competitive pressure. However, the large turnout at the regional event indicates sustained interest among parents and students in such skill-based programmes.

The competition was organised by SIP Academy India, a private institution that offers mental arithmetic and other skill development programmes for children. The organisation has a presence in multiple states across India and conducts regular regional and national level competitions.