Category: Hackathon

  • BNY Code Divas Challenge 2025: Eligibility, Stipend, Last Date, Application, Application Form & Prizes

    BNY Code Divas Challenge 2025: Eligibility, Stipend, Last Date, Application, Application Form & Prizes

    Introduction

    BNY Mellon is back with the 5th edition of the BNY Code Divas Challenge, an exclusive coding competition designed for talented women engineers. This challenge provides a unique opportunity for female students to showcase their programming skills, compete with top minds, and secure internships or full-time positions at BNY Technology, India. With lucrative prizes and career-defining opportunities at stake, this event is a must for aspiring women in tech.


    Challenge Overview

    The BNY Code Divas Challenge 2025 is structured to assess candidates on their coding abilities, problem-solving skills, and fundamental software engineering knowledge. The competition is confidential, and participation in Round 1 is open between February 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM IST, and February 23, 2025, at 11:55 PM IST. The total duration for this round is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

    Eligibility Criteria

    • Open to female candidates.
    • Applicants must be pursuing a BE/BTech degree.
    • Eligible batches: 2025, 2026, and 2027.
    • Plagiarism will lead to immediate disqualification.
    • Each round serves as a qualifier for the next stage.

    Challenge Format

    Round 1: The Passionate Programmer

    • Solve three programming problems in a language of your choice.
    • Time limit: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
    • Top-performing candidates will progress to the next round.

    Round 2: The 10X Engineer (Invitation Only)

    • 10 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on core software engineering concepts.
    • 1 programming question (to be solved in Java 8+ or Python).
    • 1 SQL-based problem.
    • A functional webcam is mandatory for both rounds.

    Rewards & Recognition

    BNY Mellon offers attractive prizes to top performers:

    • Winner: Gift Voucher worth INR 75,000
    • Runners-Up: Gift Vouchers worth INR 45,000 each
    • Second Runners-Up: Gift Vouchers worth INR 25,000 each
    • 10 Consolation Prizes: Gift Vouchers worth INR 10,000 each

    Career Opportunities at BNY Mellon

    Apart from prizes, the challenge serves as a gateway to internships and full-time software developer roles at BNY Mellon, with salaries ranging from INR 17.0L – INR 22.0L. Selected candidates will work on cutting-edge technologies, develop microservices, participate in Agile development, and contribute to high-impact financial solutions.

    Required Skills for Job Opportunities

    • Proficiency in programming languages: Java, C/C++, Python, JavaScript, Golang, Ruby.
    • Knowledge of frameworks: Spring, React.js, Angular.
    • Familiarity with AWS, Azure, and Cloud Platforms is a plus.
    • Strong foundation in Data Structures and Algorithms.
    • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

    About BNY Mellon

    BNY Mellon is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, overseeing more than $50 trillion in assets. Established in 1784 by Alexander Hamilton, BNY Mellon is the oldest bank in the United States, consistently evolving through innovation and technology. With a strong presence in India since 1957, the firm operates from Pune and Chennai, employing over 14,000 professionals.

    Awards & Recognitions

    BNY Mellon has been recognized for its commitment to innovation and workplace diversity:

    • Best Places to Work for Women 2021 & 2023 – Economic Times
    • 100 Best Companies for Women 2018 – Working Mother & Avatar
    • India’s Best Companies to Work 2016 & 2017 – Economic Times
    • GCC Capability Center’s Award for Learning & Development 2018

    How to Register?

    Apply Link: BNY Code Divas Challenge 2025

    Challenge Format:

    1. Registration Phase: Participants need to register before the deadline.
    2. Coding Challenge:
      • Online assessment with multiple coding problems.
      • Focuses on Data Structures, Algorithms, and Problem-Solving.
    3. Interview Rounds:
      • Shortlisted candidates proceed to technical interviews.
      • Final round includes HR and behavioral interviews.

    Rewards & Career Opportunities:

    • Cash Prizes for top performers.
    • Internship & Full-Time Job Offers at BNY Mellon.
    • Certificates & Recognition for all finalists.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

    1. Who can participate?
      • The challenge is open to female students graduating in 2025 and 2026 from engineering and technical backgrounds.
    2. How do I register?
      • Registration is done through the official BNY Code Divas Challenge platform.
    3. What is the difficulty level of the coding questions?
      • The questions will range from easy to hard, covering data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving skills.
    4. Is there any registration fee?
      • No, participation is completely free.
    5. What are the key skills required?
      • Proficiency in C, C++, Java, Python, along with strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
    6. What if I face technical issues during the challenge?
      • Support will be available during the contest. Contact the event organizers for assistance.
    7. When will the results be announced?
      • Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email after each round.
    8. What are the benefits of participating?
      • Opportunity to work at BNY Mellon, win exciting prizes, and network with top industry professionals.
  • Infosys HackWithInfy Hackathon 2025: Apply / Registration Link, Eligibility, Key Dates, Registration Process, and Prizes

    Infosys HackWithInfy Hackathon 2025: Apply / Registration Link, Eligibility, Key Dates, Registration Process, and Prizes

    Welcome to HackWithInfy 2025, the premier coding marathon designed to test your technical prowess and problem-solving skills. Whether you’re an aspiring software developer or a coding enthusiast, this hackathon is your gateway to exciting career opportunities with Infosys.


    🚀 What is HackWithInfy?

    HackWithInfy is an annual coding competition organized by Infosys, providing engineering students a platform to showcase their coding skills, develop impactful projects, and secure pre-placement opportunities. If you’re graduating in 2026, this is your chance to shine.


    🎯 Key Highlights

    • Eligibility: B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech/Dual Degree/MS (Research)/MCA/MSc (5 years integrated) students graduating in 2026.
    • Registration Start Date: 6th February 2025
    • Participation: Free of cost
    • Event Rounds: 2 Rounds – Qualifier & Grand Finale
    • Cash Prizes: Up to INR 3,00,000 for top performers

    📅 Important Dates

    1. Registration Window: February – March 2025
    2. Qualifier Round: April 2025
    3. Grand Finale: August 2025

    📝 How to Apply

    1. Step 1: Register Online
      Complete your registration through the link provided by your college placement officer. Make sure to fill out the Infosys Survey Form accurately. (Check with your college, Infosys is reaching out to almost all the colleges)
    2. Step 2: Qualifier Round
      Participate in a 3-hour coding assessment on the Infosys Assessment Platform (IAP).
    3. Step 3: Grand Finale
      The top 100 coders will form teams and battle it out in a 4-day hackathon.

    ⚠️ Note: Ensure you register with a single HackWithInfy account to avoid disqualification.

    There is no registration or apply link. Infosys approaches colleges for this. So check with your college placement officer. If they didn’t received any mail regarding this ask them to drop a mail to hackwithinfy@infosys.com from official TPO Mail.


    🎁 Prizes & Opportunities

    • 1st Prize: INR 3,00,000
    • 2nd Prize: INR 1,50,000
    • 3rd Prize: INR 1,00,000

    Plus, Exclusive Career Perks:

    • Pre-Placement Interviews (PPI) for roles like Specialist Programmer at Infosys.
    • Global Internship Opportunities at Infosys campuses.
    • Mentorship from Industry Experts.
    • Chance to Work on Cutting-Edge Projects.
    • Champion of Champions Award for the best individual performer.

    📊 Event Structure

    1. Round 1: Qualifier (April 2025)
      • Format: Individual participation
      • Duration: 3 hours
      • Criteria: Coding efficiency, test cases passed, and overall score
    2. Round 2: Grand Finale (August 2025)
      • Format: Team-based hackathon (teams formed by Infosys)
      • Duration: 4 days
      • Judging Panel: Infosys leaders and industry experts

    ✔️ Eligibility Criteria

    • Must be 18 years or older at the time of registration.
    • Enrolled in a recognized Indian institution (except Infosys employees and their families).
    • Graduation Year: 2026
    • One account per participant is allowed.

    ⚠️ Important Rules & Guidelines

    1. Accurate Information: Incomplete or false information will lead to disqualification.
    2. Device Requirements: Finalists must have their own laptops and a stable internet connection.
    3. No Appeals: Infosys’ decisions regarding selection and prizes are final.
    4. Data Usage: By registering, participants consent to Infosys using their information for event-related purposes.

    💡 Preparation Tips

    • Practice Coding: Focus on data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving.
    • Mock Tests: Attempt sample questions shared in the practice arena.
    • Team Collaboration: For the grand finale, work on communication and teamwork skills.

    How to prepare for HACKWITHINFY

    Infosys Online Test

    Test Format

    • Duration: 3 questions to be attempted in 3 hours.
    • Cut-offs: Sectional and total cut-offs.
    • Difficulty Levels:
      • Easy: Basic aptitude, algorithms, and data structures.
      • Medium: Based on Greedy algorithms.
      • Hard: Involves Dynamic Programming.
    • Languages: C/C++, Java, Python, or JavaScript.

    How to Prepare

    Medium Difficulty – Greedy Algorithms

    • A Greedy algorithm makes the locally optimal choice at each stage.
    • Types of Greedy Algorithms:
      1. Pure Greedy Algorithms
      2. Orthogonal Greedy Algorithms
      3. Relaxed Greedy Algorithms

    Hard Difficulty – Dynamic Programming (DP)

    • Principles:
      • Break problems into subproblems and reuse calculated values.
      • Avoid repeated work through memoization or tabulation.
    • Characteristics:
      1. Overlapping Subproblems
      2. Optimal Substructure Properties
    • Methods:
      1. Top-down with Memorization
      2. Bottom-up with Tabulation
    • Examples:
      • Knapsack Problem
      • Fibonacci Numbers
      • Palindromic Subsequence
      • Longest Common Substring
      • Dijkstra’s Algorithm

    Infosys Virtual Interview

    Structure

    • Duration: Approximately 1 hour
    • Focus: Technical and behavioral assessment
    • Content: Problem-solving using your preferred programming language

    For CS/IT Students

    • Algorithms
    • Data Structures
    • Automata Theory
    • Compiler Design
    • Computer Networks
    • Operating Systems
    • Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
    • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

    For Non-CS/IT Students

    • Algorithms
    • Data Structures
    • Networks
    • Digital Electronics
    • DSP
    • Mathematics
    • OOP
    • Control Systems

    HackWithInfy Sample Questions

    1. Gym Exercise Problem – Calculate the minimum exercises to reach exhaustion.
    2. Heroes vs. Villains – Determine the minimum villains to remove for heroes to win.
    3. Rugged Terrain Road Construction – Find the minimum days needed to make the terrain strictly downward sloping.
    4. Transform Array into a Mountain – Determine the minimum elements to change to form a mountain.
    5. Interesting String Division – Maximize the number of equal contiguous pieces.
    6. Lexicographical Array Swap – Find the smallest lexicographical array possible after at most one swap within a distance K.

    🤔 FAQs

    Q1: Is there any registration fee?
    A: No, participation is completely free.

    Q2: Can students from any stream participate?
    A: Only engineering and related technical streams are eligible.

    Q3: How do I prepare for HackWithInfy?
    A: Utilize the practice arena, work on problem-solving, and brush up on your coding skills.

  • Google Summer of Code 2025: Important Dates, Eligibility Criteria, Stipends, Application Guide & How to Apply

    Google Summer of Code 2025: Important Dates, Eligibility Criteria, Stipends, Application Guide & How to Apply

    Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is an annual program sponsored by Google that aims to introduce new contributors to open source software development. Since its inception in 2005, GSoC has welcomed over 21,000 participants who have collaborated with more than 1,000 open source organizations. The program offers a unique opportunity for individuals to work on real-world projects under the guidance of experienced mentors, thereby enhancing their coding skills and contributing to the open source community. (Google Open Source Blog)

    Important Dates for GSoC 2025

    To successfully participate in GSoC 2025, it’s crucial to be aware of the program’s timeline:

    DateEvent
    January 27 – February 11Mentoring organizations submit applications to Google.
    February 27Accepted mentoring organizations are announced.
    February 27 – March 24Prospective contributors discuss application ideas with mentoring organizations.
    March 24 – April 8Contributor application period.
    May 8Accepted contributor projects are announced.
    May 8 – June 1Community Bonding Period: Contributors familiarize themselves with their organizations.
    June 2Coding officially begins.
    July 14 – July 18Midterm evaluations for standard 12-week coding projects.
    August 25 – September 1Final week: Contributors submit their final work product and mentor evaluations.
    September 1 – September 8Mentors submit final contributor evaluations.

    How Does GSoC Work?

    GSoC is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience:

    1. Mentoring Organizations Application: Open source organizations apply to participate in GSoC. Once selected, they list project ideas and assign mentors to guide contributors.
    2. Contributor Application: Interested individuals apply to the program by submitting proposals to the selected organizations.
    3. Community Bonding Period: Accepted contributors spend time understanding the organization’s culture, codebase, and setting up their development environment.
    4. Coding Period: Contributors work on their projects under the mentorship of experienced developers, adhering to predefined timelines and milestones.
    5. Evaluations: Mentors assess contributors’ progress during midterm and final evaluations to ensure objectives are met.

    Eligibility Criteria for GSoC 2025

    To be eligible for GSoC 2025, applicants must:

    • Be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
    • Be a student or a beginner in open source software development.
    • Be eligible to work in their country of residence during the program’s duration.
    • Reside in a country not currently embargoed by the United States.

    Stipend Details

    GSoC provides contributors with a stipend upon successful completion of evaluations. The stipend amount varies based on the country of residence and the project’s complexity. Detailed information about stipends can be found on the official GSoC website.

    How to Prepare for GSoC 2025

    Preparation is key to a successful GSoC experience:

    1. Explore Organizations: Review the list of accepted mentoring organizations and identify those that align with your interests and skills.
    2. Engage Early: Reach out to organizations to discuss project ideas and seek guidance. Early communication demonstrates initiative and interest.
    3. Develop a Strong Proposal: Craft a detailed proposal outlining your project plan, objectives, and timelines. Seek feedback from mentors to refine your proposal.
    4. Enhance Your Skills: Familiarize yourself with the organization’s codebase, tools, and technologies to ensure you’re well-prepared for the coding phase.

    How to Apply

    To apply for GSoC 2025:

    1. Register: Sign up on the official GSoC website during the application period: https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com
    2. Submit Proposal: Upload your project proposal to the GSoC portal before the application deadline.
    3. Await Feedback: Organizations will review proposals and may reach out for further discussions or clarifications.
    4. Acceptance Notification: Accepted contributors will be notified and can begin the Community Bonding Period.

    For comprehensive information, including detailed timelines, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, visit the official GSoC website.

    Participating in GSoC 2025 is a valuable opportunity to contribute to open source projects, collaborate with experienced mentors, and enhance your software development skills. Start preparing early to make the most of this enriching experience.

  • Flipkart Girls Wanna Code 6:  Eligibility, How to Apply, Prizes, Dates, Rounds

    Flipkart Girls Wanna Code 6: Eligibility, How to Apply, Prizes, Dates, Rounds

    About the Girls Wanna Code

    <Girls Wanna Code/> is a Flipkart initiative launched in 2018 with the goal of promoting women’s talent in technology and offering them opportunities to work alongside the brightest minds in India’s tech industry.

    This unique upskilling program aims to create a more balanced and inclusive tech ecosystem. As an organization, we are committed to addressing the underrepresentation of women in the tech field and work to bridge the skill gap, making women more industry-ready.

    To support this cause, the program focuses on women-only tech campuses across India, which have often been overlooked. Over the years, GWC has successfully trained young women who have secured tech roles not only at Flipkart but also at some of the top companies in the country.

    Eligibility:

    <Girls Wanna Code/> 6.0 is open to all female engineering students enrolled in full-time B.Tech./B.E. (3rd and 4th year) or M.Tech./M.E. (all years) programs across various branches, from a selected list of women-only colleges across India.

    Once you join the Scholar Cohort, based on the initial online test, you will receive a detailed plan outlining 4 learning modules. These modules will include a mix of self-paced assignments and facilitated sessions with industry experts from Flipkart, who will guide you through real-life problem statements. You will also be assigned a mentor to assist with query resolution and assignments, helping you develop a deeper understanding and truly enhance your skills.

    After completing each module, there will be an assessment. Upon completing all 4 modules, we will evaluate the cumulative scores and select the Top 30 performers. These candidates will be invited to visit the Flipkart Headquarters (sponsored by Flipkart) and will also receive direct interview opportunities for SDE roles (both internship and full-time).

    For the remaining cohort members, there will be a final assessment, after which they will be eligible for the interview process for the same roles. The interviews will be conducted virtually.

    Rules:

    • <Girls Wanna Code/> 6.0 is open to only select institutes.
    • Only female students in their 3rd and 4th year (B.tech) & 1st and 2nd year (M.tech) are allowed to participate in this competition.
    • The participating students can be from any specialization/ domain.
    • Students must register for the test on the Unstop platform as individuals.
    • Plagiarism is strictly prohibited during the online coding challenge. Any cases of plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification of the concerned candidates.

    Stages:

    Girls Wanna Code  6.0 will be conducted in 4 stages:

    1. Online Coding Challenge:

    After registering for 6.0 on the Unstop platform, participants will take an online coding challenge to test their basic coding skills. Based on their scores, selected students will advance to the next stage.

    • Duration: 90 minutes
    • Participants must log in from a desktop or laptop to attempt the coding round.

    2. #GWC Learning Cohorts:

    Students who pass the first round will be grouped into cohorts and enrolled in an immersive learning program led by Flipkart experts.

    • The program includes 4 modules designed to teach the skills needed to succeed in interviews at top tech and product companies.
    • After each module, students will take online tests to assess their understanding.
    • Participants will have exclusive access to Flipkart mentors, who will guide them throughout the program.

    3. Final Evaluation:

    After completing the learning program, participants will undergo a final evaluation based on the curriculum covered during the program.

    4. Headquarters Immersion for Top 30:

    The top 30 performers will be invited to Flipkart Headquarters to meet our leaders and receive certification.

    • These top performers will be granted direct access to the interview process for both internship and full-time roles at Flipkart.
    • The remaining participants will also have the opportunity to interview, based on a final assessment covering the program’s curriculum.

    Rewards:

    • Pre-Placement Interview (PPI) opportunities for internships and full-time roles at Flipkart, with an attractive stipend of ₹1 lakh per month and a CTC of ₹32.67 LPA.
    • Exclusive cohort participation, with industry-relevant training and mentorship from Flipkart experts.
    • Application-based learning sessions and self-paced assignments.
    • Extensive mentorship from Flipkart Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
    • Top performers will be invited to visit Flipkart Headquarters in Bangalore (sponsored by Flipkart).
    • Networking opportunities with peers from across the country and the chance to join a supportive community.
    • Exclusive Flipkart goodies for participants.

    Stages and Timelines

    • Online Coding Challenge
      After registering for Girls Wanna Code 6.0 on the Unstop platform, participants will take a 90-minute online coding challenge to assess their basic coding skills. Based on their performance, students will be shortlisted to proceed to the next stage.

    Start: 28th January 2025, 12:00 PM IST
    End: 28th January 2025, 10:00 PM IST

    •        Profile Verification

    Shortlisted candidates must submit additional information for the verification process, which is mandatory for all shortlisted students.

    Start: 29 Jan 25, 10:00 AM IST
    End: 31 Jan 25, 10:00 PM IST

    • #GWC Learning Cohorts

    Selected students from the first round join cohorts for an immersive learning program led by experts. The program consists of 4 modules focusing on interview skills for top tech companies. After each module, students take online tests to gauge their understanding. Cohort members receive exclusive mentorship from throughout the program.

    • Final Evaluation

    After the cohort, a final evaluation will be conducted based on the curriculum. The top 30 performers will be invited to Headquarters to meet leaders, receive certification, and get direct interview access for full-time roles and internships. The rest of the cohort can also qualify for interviews by clearing the final assessment.

    How to Apply?

    If you’re an interested candidate, you can apply for Flipkart Girls Wanna Code 6.0 [Online; CTC of ₹32.67 LPA + Free goodies].

    Apply Now for 2025:

  • Deloitte Hackathon 2025: Prizes, Eligibility, Registration, How To Apply

    Deloitte Hackathon 2025: Prizes, Eligibility, Registration, How To Apply

    Hacksplosion is Deloitte India’s first electrifying hackathon, bringing together the sharpest minds from campuses across India. Unleash your brilliance and create solutions that redefine impact.

    Important Dates:


    Eligibility criteria and team formation
    •The hackathon is open to undergraduate sixth-semester engineering students enrolled in the educational institutions (only for select institutes) mentioned in the drop-down list of the registration page.
    •Participation is team-based (minimum four members per team – maximum five members per team).
    •A team will be recognized once at least four members have registered and successfully joined the team.
    •No changes in the composition of the team will be possible once you register.
    • Each participant can only be part of one team.
    • Teams can include students from different colleges or institutions, provided that all participating colleges are eligible for registration.
    •Cross-disciplinary teams are allowed and encouraged.
    • All participants must be Indian citizens, residing in India only, and above 18 years of age on the date of the participation.
    • Participants should not have a criminal conviction or an arrangement or a contract that prevents them from participating in the competition.
    • Participants should mandatorily have proof of age, address proof, and college identity proof when requested by Deloitte India. These will be required to confirm the eligibility of the participants.

    Registration guidelines
    • All participants/teams must register through the official microsite during the registration window. The link will be deactivated after 11:59 p.m. on the specified date.
    • Participants must provide accurate and complete details during registration. Any discrepancies may lead to disqualification.

    Apply Also: TCS HackQuest Season 9: Prizes, Registration, and Key Dates You Need to Know


    Team based registration
    • A team leader must be nominated to coordinate submissions and communication.
    • The Team Leader will need to register first, and then send email invitations to teammates.
    • Each teammate will need to register via the link in the invitation email before choosing to join or decline the team.
    • A team will be recognized once at least three members have registered and successfully joined the team.
    • Late registrations will not be entertained under any circumstances.
    • Composition of teams, once submitted, must remain unchanged.


    Submission guidelines
    • All submissions must be made via the microsite within the specified deadline.
    • Follow the prescribed format and submission criteria for each round.
    • Ensure that all files are named appropriately (e.g., TeamName_Round2.pdf).
    • Submissions must be your original work. Plagiarism will lead to immediate disqualification.


    Code of conduct
    • All participants are expected to maintain a respectful and collaborative environment.
    • Any form of harassment, discrimination, or unethical behaviour will result in disqualification.
    • Participants must adhere to the event’s schedule and deadlines.
    • Use of prohibited tools or plagiarism is strictly forbidden and will lead to disqualification

    Prizes

    Rewards: Prizes worth INR 1.5 Lakhs and Internship Opportunity


    Contest Details
    Webinars:
    • Attendance in the webinars is strongly recommended as they will cover essential instructions, guidelines, and themes.
    • Webinars will also include Q&A sessions with the organising team and domain experts.


    Round 1: Individual coding challenge
    •Participants must attempt the coding challenge individually.
    •The cumulative scores of all team members will determine team eligibility for the next round.
    •The challenge will be virtual, have a fixed duration, and must be completed within the stipulated time.


    Round 2: Theme-based solution submission
    •Shortlisted teams from round one will select a theme or a problem statement from the provided list.
    •Teams must submit their solution in the prescribed format (e.g., PDF/ PPT).
    •Adhere to the word and slide limits specified for submissions.


    Round 3: Final round discussion
    •Shortlisted teams will present their solutions virtually or physically to an expert jury.
    • Presentations must address:
    • Problem statement and solution approach
    • Technical implementation and innovation
    • Potential impact and scalability
    • Teams should prepare for a Q&A session following their presentation

    How to Apply?

    If you are an Interested Candidate:

    https://mycareernet.in/mycareernet/contests/Deloitte-India-Hacksplosion-219

  • TCS HackQuest Season 9: Prizes, Registration, and Key Dates You Need to Know

    TCS HackQuest Season 9: Prizes, Registration, and Key Dates You Need to Know

    Hack Glance

    TCS HackQuest Season 9 is the ultimate cyber arena for students to showcase their cybersecurity brilliance, offering an exceptional platform to hone their skills and gain industry recognition.

    • Prizes: Worth up to INR 5 Lakhs
    • Opportunities: Interview with TCS Cybersecurity Center of Excellence
    • Merits: Certifications and exclusive merchandise for top performers
    • Important Dates:
      • Registration End Date: 23rd January 2025, Thursday
      • Round 1 Date: 25th January 2025, Saturday (10 AM to 4 PM IST)
    • Contact: For queries, email careers@tcs.com
    • Registration Requirement: Valid TCS NextStep reference ID (CT/DT number). Register on TCS NextStep in the ‘IT’ section (Not BPS) if you don’t have one.

    Overview

    TCS HackQuest, hosted by the TCS Cybersecurity Unit, is a premier ethical hacking competition aimed at identifying talented individuals passionate about cybersecurity. The event, rooted in the “Catch the Flag” (CTF) format, invites students to tackle real-world security challenges, providing a dynamic and practical learning experience. Participants will have the chance to demonstrate their problem-solving abilities, innovative approaches, and technical expertise.


    Why HackQuest?

    In an era where technological advancements and increased digital focus expose organizations to greater security risks, HackQuest seeks to:

    • Identify and nurture cybersecurity talent through competitive challenges.
    • Foster a global community of ethical hackers capable of addressing advanced cybersecurity threats.
    • Build a resilient and trustworthy cyber landscape, ensuring sustainable security solutions for diverse industries.

    Contest Structure

    HackQuest is conducted in two main rounds:

    Round 1: Online CTF Challenge
    • Duration: 6 hours
    • Categories: Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert
    • Objective: Solve challenge statements, capture flags, and submit detailed reports.
    • Evaluation Criteria: Flags captured, report quality, and approach.

    Participants must upload their reports on the platform within the deadline to qualify for further rounds. This stage is designed to test a wide range of skills, from technical proficiency to strategic thinking.

    Round 2: Advanced Evaluation
    • Conducted via Microsoft Teams/Webex or in-person at TCS premises.
    • Activities:
      1. Penetration Testing: Solve advanced hosted challenges in areas such as system exploitation, mobile security, and digital forensics.
      2. Case Explanation: Present and explain solutions to a jury panel.
    • Evaluation Criteria: Technical accuracy, approach, and presentation skills.

    Eligibility

    The contest is open to students graduating in 2025 from recognized institutions in India with degrees such as:

    DegreeExamples of Specializations
    B.Tech/B.E.Engineering Disciplines
    M.Tech/M.E.Advanced Engineering
    BCA/MCAComputer Applications
    B.Sc/M.ScScience Streams

    Participants must provide necessary documents to verify their eligibility and academic credentials.


    Registration Process

    1. Visit HackQuest Website.
    2. Create a TCS NextStep reference ID (CT/DT number) via TCS NextStep.
    3. Use the reference ID to complete the HackQuest registration.
    4. Secure the unique credential provided for participation (do not share).

    Key Guidelines
    CriteriaDetails
    ParticipationIndividual only; team entries not allowed.
    FeesNo participation or registration fees.
    ToolsUse recommended tools; avoid excessive traffic-generating tools.
    ReportsMust be original and adhere to provided templates.
    ComplianceViolations may result in disqualification.

    Domains of Expertise

    Participants with knowledge in the following domains will have an advantage:

    • Application Security
    • Network Security
    • Ethical Hacking
    • Digital Forensics
    • Threat Hunting
    • Malware Analysis/Reverse Engineering

    Certifications like Security+, CEH, and ISO 27001 are beneficial but not mandatory. A solid grasp of cybersecurity principles and practical application skills will be key to success.


    Prizes and Opportunities
    RewardDetails
    Cash PrizesTotal worth up to INR 5 Lakhs.
    Job OffersPotential Ninja or Digital roles at TCS.
    CertificationMerit certificates for top performers.
    InteractionEngage with TCS leadership during award ceremonies.
    Exclusive RolesExceptional performers may work with TCS Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence.

    Evaluation Criteria
    Round 1:
    • Flags captured.
    • Quality of report.
    • Creativity and problem-solving approach.
    Round 2:
    • Technical precision during penetration testing.
    • Explanation and defense of solutions.
    • Depth of understanding showcased through detailed analysis.

    Important Rules
    • Submissions must be original and free of plagiarism.
    • Content violating laws or promoting discrimination is prohibited.
    • Participants are expected to adhere strictly to all ethical guidelines.
    • TCS reserves the right to modify contest rules and reject submissions that do not meet standards.

    Register Now for TCS Hackquest : https://tcshackquest.tcsapps.com