The first stage takes place on Sunday with the following rules and guidelines:

It consists of 12 questions across three levels:

• Level 1: 4 questions, 3 minutes per question. Correct answer: 8 points, Wrong answer: -1 point

• Level 2: 4 questions, 4 minutes per question. Correct answer: 10 points, Wrong answer: -2 points

• Level 3: 4 questions, 5 minutes per question. Correct answer: 12 points, Wrong answer: -3 points

Note: For each unanswered question, -1 point will be deducted from all teams that didn't provide an answer. This means if one team gives a wrong answer and other teams don't answer at all, the teams without answers will each receive -1 point.

Note: The first and second place teams from each of the three groups will advance to the next stage.

If two teams in the same group have the same number of points, the team that advances will be determined by the following criteria (in order):

• The team that correctly answered the most questions

• The team that correctly answered the most Level 3 questions

• The team with the fewest point deductions due to unanswered questions

• If the teams are still tied after the above three criteria, a 5-question playoff round will be organized for them