Welcome to the BCQC. This stands for the Boat Club Quiz Club. We promote quizzing in Pune, India.
The BCQC is a volunteer group of avid quizzers based in Pune who conduct informal sessions, formal quizzes, and also share information on quizzes in Pune and around India. We also host written quizzes conducted by quiz clubs from India and from outside India.
New to an informal quiz session or have questions about sessions?
The BCQC meets regularly, usually during informal sessions. Each session is conducted by one or more volunteer quizmasters. Sometimes, there is a specific theme, such as sports or entertainment, but most often, quizzes feature a mixed bag of topics. In a typical session, the quizmaster will go through a set of questions in one single round. Most sessions are about 90 to 120 mins long. Informal sessions are free (i.e. there is no charge).
Do I need to have a team?
There are no pre-formed teams. Teams are made on the spot from among all present. Everyone gets a chance to be part of a team, regardless of educational or corporate affiliation.
Age-restrictions?
Currently, most participants are professionals or students (typically UG and above).
Younger participants (below 16) are welcome, if accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Please note that most questions are at an 'open quiz' level, which assumes a certain level of prior general knowledge, and thus may be challenging for anyone below 16. QMs will do their best to engage all age groups present, but please expect most quizzes to be ideal for those who are already college or open quizzers.
What does 'open quizzing' mean?
If you've quizzed in school, you'll know that most quizzes at that level are short and straightforward tests of memory, and are restricted to school students, typically aged 15 and below. Open quizzes are by definition open for all ages, but tend to be oriented towards older participants in terms of topics and assumption of prior knowledge. Questions are also a little more longer and more complicated than questions at school or junior college level. Questions typically contain several hidden clues, requiring participants to 'work out' an answer, rather than rely merely on good memory.
There are several open quiz clubs across India, which share this approach to quizzing. If you have enjoyed quizzing at any of these, you will find the BCQC to be a natural home for your quizzing.
I've never been to an open quiz before. Should I participate?
Yes, you are welcome to join us for a session. As with joining any new hobby group with established traditions and philosophies, you may find it a little steep at first. We will try our best to make you feel at home and also help you understand how this kind of quizzing works.
If you enjoy reading or thoughtful media consumption, do not mind bad jokes and puns, and like being among curious people, you should find BCQC sessions to be good fun even though you don't always get answers to most of the questions at first. All of us have been through this quizzing learning curve and have come out of it with discoveries, friends, and happy memories.
In what language will sessions be held?
In English.
Where are BCQC's sessions held?
We hold them at different venues. Details are posted along with quiz announcement details.
Are there any prizes? Are the events very competitive?
There are no prizes at stake for informal sessions. These sessions are not competitive, and any victories are merely for bragging rights (which expire within seconds).
Quizzes are held in a friendly and an atmosphere of amateur sport, so we discourage any unnecessary competitive behaviour, intemperate language, gamesmanship, or obnoxiousness of any kind.
We conduct competitive Open Quizzes and also co-host competitive quizzes by other groups. Those are more formally regulated and conducted, but the spirit remains the same.
How do I become a BCQC member?
Currently, there is no formal membership process or prior registration. Events are announced on WhatsApp. Write to us at thebcqc@gmail.com to get the WhatsApp group details. Follow us on Instagram here.
Are you affiliated with a real Boat Club?
The BCQC traces its origins from quizzing at the College of Engineering's Boat Club, hence the name. We are not associated formally with COEP or with the RCBC, Pune. Some quizzes are still held at the Boat Club, COEP.
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