MUMBAI: NDTV has tied up with broadband and telephone services company Airtel to present a reality contest named 'Airtel Scholar Hunt Destination UK'.

The show scheduled to go on air from 14 July 2007, proposes to select the best from the Indian student community in the country and offer them five scholarships to British universities in subjects as diverse as Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, Management, Computing Science, Biomedical Science and Engineering. 'Airtel Scholar Hunt Destination UK' specifically targets students who will complete their Senior Secondary (Class XII) education this April.

Hosted by Arun Thapar, the show is structured around a multi-stage contest that places a high premium on academic excellence. As it progresses, the contest becomes more subject specific and intellectually grueling to ensure that the winners have a sound knowledge base and aptitude for the chosen subjects.

On the launch of this innovative scholar hunt reality show to be produced by NDTV, NDTV Media CEO Raj Nayak said, "Reality shows have been a huge success in the past and we have been toying with the idea for over a year. But it was important for us to bring in a reality show that fits in with the profile and image of the channel and that's how we narrowed down on education.

He further added that parents may have reservations on their children participating in a glamour related talent hunt but no parent will ever have an objection for their children getting an opportunity for good education. "We believe this program will give an opportunity for students across the country not only to be a part of a reality show but also to fulfill their dream of studying abroad."

Adding to this, NDTV 24X7 Managing Editor Sonia Singh, said, "It is NDTV's constant endeavour to present novel programmes that excite our viewers and we are targeting the next gen in this reality show. This scholar hunt offers students a chance to excel in a fair competition. Not only will this show thrill the younger generation, it will also challenge their minds and offer them a promising future."

Based on their performance, the winners will bag scholarships to renowned universities like Cardiff University, Leeds University, Middlesex University, Sheffield University and Warwick University for either a Bachelor's or a Master's degree. In addition to sponsoring the scholarships and stipend for living expenses, the participating British Universities will assist in developing the specifics of the quiz and task rounds, so that the contest questions reflect their exacting admission requirements.