The Kharagpur Data Science Hackathon (KDSH) 2026 is one of India’s most prestigious student-focused data science competitions, hosted by the Kharagpur Data Analytics Group, IIT Kharagpur, in collaboration with Kshitij, Asia’s largest techno-management festival. Now in its 6th edition, this hackathon offers participants a national platform to solve real-world analytical challenges, compete with top talent, and win prizes worth ₹4,00,000.
About Kharagpur Data Science Hackathon 2026
KDSH 2026 is a data science and analytics-focused hackathon designed to test participants’ ability to analyze data, build models, and present impactful solutions. The competition is conducted in multiple stages, beginning with an online problem-solving round and culminating in an offline finale at IIT Kharagpur.
Participants get exposure to industry-grade problem statements, peer learning opportunities, and direct interaction with experts from academia and industry.
Organising Body and Collaborations
- Organiser: Kharagpur Data Analytics Group, IIT Kharagpur
- Associated Festival: Kshitij, IIT Kharagpur
- Sponsor: Pathway
- Mode of Competition: Online + Offline (Finale)
- Location of Finale: IIT Kharagpur Campus
What is Pathway and Why It Matters
Pathway is a modern data platform that enables artificial intelligence systems to work with live and continuously updating data. It supports:
- Real-time data ingestion from 300+ sources
- Automatic data synchronization
- Live vector search and anomaly detection
- AI-driven insights from structured and unstructured datasets
Participants may encounter tools, concepts, or inspiration aligned with Pathway’s real-time data capabilities during the competition.
Team Composition Rules
- Participation Type: Individual or Team
- Team Size Allowed: Minimum 1 member, Maximum 4 members
- Cross-disciplinary teams are encouraged, provided members share an interest in data science and analytics.
Who Can Participate (Eligibility Criteria)
The hackathon is open to:
- Students with an interest in Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or Analytics
- Undergraduate, postgraduate, and research scholars from recognized institutions
- Individuals or teams capable of coding, data handling, and analytical reasoning
There is no restriction on academic discipline as long as participants can effectively work on data-driven problem statements.
Hackathon Structure and Stages
Stage 1: Online Problem Statement Round
- Start Date: 5 January 2026
- Start Time: 6:00 PM IST
- End Date: 12 January 2026
- Deadline: 04:00 PM IST
In this round, registered teams receive a detailed problem statement via email. All necessary datasets, instructions, and evaluation guidelines are shared with participants. Teams are given approximately one week to develop and submit their solutions.
Submissions are evaluated based on accuracy, approach, innovation, and clarity of results. Top-performing teams advance to the final round.
Stage 2: Offline Finale at IIT Kharagpur
- Dates: 16 January 2026 to 18 January 2026
Shortlisted teams are invited to the IIT Kharagpur campus to present their solutions during Kshitij 2026. Participants showcase their methodology, results, and impact before judges.
This stage focuses on:
- Depth of analysis
- Practical feasibility
- Presentation quality
- Technical understanding
Prize Money and Rewards
- Total Prize Pool: ₹4,00,000
- Top 3 Teams: Cash prizes awarded to winners
- Additional benefits may include recognition, certificates, and national-level exposure
Important Dates at a Glance
- Registration Deadline: 11 January 2026
- Online Round Duration: 5 January – 12 January 2026
- Offline Final Round: 16 January – 18 January 2026
Participants are advised to complete registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
How to Register for KDSH 2026
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Visit the official competition listing page (Click here to visit)
- Click on the “Register” or “Participate” button
- Log in or create an account if required
- Enter team details (team name, members, and contact information)
- Confirm registration and wait for further communication via email
Once registered, all official updates, datasets, and instructions will be shared with team leaders.
How to Submit the Solution
- Carefully read the problem statement shared via email
- Follow the prescribed submission format
- Upload files before the deadline
- Ensure code, reports, and explanations are clearly documented
Incomplete or late submissions may not be considered for evaluation.
Selection and Evaluation Criteria
Submissions are judged based on:
- Correctness and performance of the solution
- Innovation and originality
- Data handling and modeling approach
- Clarity of insights and documentation
Only the most accurate and well-explained solutions progress to the final stage.
Why You Should Participate in KDSH 2026
- Opportunity to compete with top data science talent nationwide
- Exposure to real-world analytical challenges
- Chance to present work at IIT Kharagpur
- Attractive cash prizes and recognition
- Strengthens resumes and technical portfolios
Frequently Searched Questions
Is the hackathon online or offline?
It is a hybrid event with an online preliminary round and an offline final round.
Is there any registration fee?
No registration fee is mentioned for participation.
Can first-year students apply?
Yes, as long as they have relevant interest and skills.
Is prior hackathon experience required?
No, beginners with strong analytical fundamentals are welcome.
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