In anticipation of the budget session in Parliament, IIM Bangalore organized 'Nexus', a public-policy debate competition. The top five teams were chosen from across the country after a written round of policy analysis. The theme for the final was the Goods and Services Tax (GST). This much-contested reform measure was debated threadbare with each team adopting a different state's stance to simulate a real-life policy discussion.

The debate was spread across three rounds with each round focused on a particular aspect of the topic. From State-Centre revenue compensation and regulation to compliance and impact on the populace, the proposed law was analyzed in depth. With a series of rebuttal rounds and questions by the judges, the participants were seen using several facts, precedents and sheer logic to argue their way through the complex world of public policy.  

The judges for the event, Professor Charan Singh (RBI Chair at IIM Bangalore) and Prof. Vinod Vyasulu (Founder-Director, Centre for Budget and Policy Studies) were thoroughly impressed with the breadth of issues addressed by each team. The team from IIM Bangalore representing the state of Bihar was ultimately adjudged the winner. Asking participants to inculcate the idea of debating in learning, Prof. Charan Singh commented, "Debating must be central to the idea of education. It is important for students to learn concepts, explore issues and evaluate them comprehensively."