Talentd

Tag: 2026

  • The Big Code 2026 Hackathon: Dates, Eligibility & Prizes

    The Big Code 2026 Hackathon: Dates, Eligibility & Prizes

    Think your coding skills can stand up to the brightest minds in the country? The Big Code 2026 hackathon by Google is giving you that stage. It’s intense, it’s competitive, and honestly, it’s one of the few national challenges where pure skill decides winners.

    Here’s the thing, registrations close on March 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM IST. Miss that, and you’ll have to wait another year.

    At-a-Glance: The Big Code 2026

    EventDetails
    OrganizerGoogle (powered by HackerEarth)
    TypeNational coding challenge & AI hackathon
    Registration DeadlineMarch 12, 2026 (11:59 PM IST)
    Challenge DatesMarch 14, 2026 – April 18, 2026
    Eligibility1st, 2nd, pre-final year engineering students (2027, 2028, 2029 grads) from circuit branches in AICTE/UGC recognized universities
    Prize Pool₹6,00,000 cash + Pixel devices + certificates
    Finale LocationGoogle office, Bengaluru

    The Big Code 2026 Eligibility

    Not everyone can jump in. To qualify:

    • Student Status: Must be a full-time engineering student in India, studying in 1st, 2nd or pre-final year (2027, 2028, 2029 graduates).
    • Course: Circuit branches only (CS, IT, ECE, EEE, allied fields). Bachelors, Masters, Integrated Dual Degrees accepted.
    • Age: 18 years or older.
    • University: Must be enrolled in AICTE/UGC recognized university.
    • Individual Entry: No team registrations — it’s a solo challenge.
    • Exclusions: Google/HackerEarth employees, interns, contractors, and immediate family members are not eligible.

    Quick heads-up: Google can verify eligibility anytime. Keep your college ID and government ID handy.

    Challenge Stages & Dates

    The competition runs across multiple elimination rounds over five weeks:

    Qualifying Round

    March 14–15, 2026. MCQs + coding tasks. Speed and precision matter. Top 15,000 advance.

    Round 1

    Algorithmic coding problems for the top 15,000. Designed to test core CS fundamentals.

    Round 2

    Advanced coding assessment for top 1,500. Complex problems that push your problem-solving limits.

    Final Hackathon

    Top 50 face a 48-hour AI-themed hackathon. Build a prototype to solve a given AI problem. Top 15 present live at Google Bengaluru.

    Prizes & Rewards

    • ₹6,00,000 total cash awards for top 10 performers.
    • Pixel devices for top 50 finalists.
    • Certificates of achievement for winners and runners-up.
    • Live presentation at Google office for top 15.

    Honestly, the Pixel device perk alone is tempting — but the recognition is the real win.

    How to Apply for The Big Code 2026

    1. Check Eligibility – Make sure you meet all criteria listed above. If you’re in a non-circuit branch, this isn’t your challenge.
    2. Prepare Your Resume – Update it and save as PDF. Without this, your registration won’t be processed.
    3. Register Online – Go to the official application page and fill in your details before March 12, 2026 (11:59 PM IST).
    4. Add Secondary Email – Use your personal email as primary, university email as secondary to avoid missed communications.
    5. Submit Once – One entry per participant. Multiple registrations lead to immediate disqualification.
    6. Watch Your Inbox – The Big Code team will email confirmed participants after the deadline.

    Pro Tips for Participants

    • Practice both speed and accuracy — qualifying round rankings depend on completion time and low plagiarism percentage.
    • Simulate coding under time pressure before the real rounds.
    • For the finale, brush up on AI fundamentals and prototype building.
    • Keep checking your email; missing an update could cost you a round.

    FAQs

    Who can participate in The Big Code 2026?

    1st, 2nd, pre-final year engineering students (2027, 2028, 2029 grads) from circuit branches in AICTE/UGC recognized universities.

    What are the challenge dates?

    March 14, 2026 to April 18, 2026. Registration closes March 12, 2026.

    What prizes are offered?

    ₹6 lakh cash pool, Pixel devices for top 50, certificates, and live presentation opportunity for top 15.

    Is there an employment guarantee?

    No. Participation or winning does not imply any job or internship offer from Google.

    How will ties be resolved?

    By fastest completion time, then lowest plagiarism percentage.

    Can I register with my college email?

    Yes, but add a secondary email to ensure smooth communication.

    Where can I ask questions?

    Email the-big-code-challenge-india@google.com. Expect replies within 24–48 hours.

  • IIT Roorkee SPARK Internship 2026: Eligibility, Stipend & Dates

    IIT Roorkee SPARK Internship 2026: Eligibility, Stipend & Dates

    Every year, thousands of students dream about stepping into an IIT lab for real research work. The IIT Roorkee SPARK Internship 2026 is one of those rare chances where that dream isn’t just possible, it’s funded. With a weekly stipend of ₹3000 and access to world-class facilities, this program attracts some of the brightest minds across India.

    Here’s the thing, seats are limited and the competition is tough. The application portal is already live, and it shuts on 8 March 2026 at 23:59. Miss that, and you’ll have to wait another year.

    SPARK Internship 2026 At-a-Glance

    Detail Information
    Organising Institute IIT Roorkee
    Program Name SPARK Fellowship Internship
    Stipend ₹3000/week
    Duration 6-8 weeks (starting 20 May 2026)
    Application Deadline 8 March 2026, 23:59
    Eligibility UG students with ≥2 semesters completed and ≥1 semester remaining after summer 2026
    Selection Announcement On or before 10 April 2026

    IIT Roorkee SPARK Internship 2026 Eligibility

    Not everyone can apply. The program is strict about who gets in. You must be currently enrolled in one of these degrees:

    • B.Arch
    • B.E./B.Tech
    • BS-MS
    • M.Sc

    Plus, you should have completed at least two semesters before summer 2026 and still have a semester left afterwards. CGPA cut-offs are non-negotiable:

    • IITs / IISc: CGPA ≥ 7.5
    • NITs / IISERs / NISER: CGPA ≥ 8.0
    • Other institutes: CGPA ≥ 8.5

    Honestly, I’ve seen students try to argue about relaxing CGPA criteria, but IIT Roorkee has made it clear — no exceptions.

    ₹3000/Week Stipend Details

    The stipend, ₹3000 per week, is paid for the entire internship duration. For a 6-week stint, that’s ₹18,000; for 8 weeks, ₹24,000. This is institute-funded, which means you’re not dependent on external sponsors.

    Accommodation and mess facilities are available in the Bhawans at hostel rates. Interns also get a temporary institute ID to access library, sports, medical, computer centre, internet, and departmental research facilities.

    How to Apply for SPARK Internship 2026

    1. Step 1: Check Eligibility – Verify your degree, semester count, and CGPA meet the criteria. If not, there’s no point applying.
    2. Step 2: Prepare Documents – You’ll need your last semester marksheet, a photograph, a 250-word research statement, and a 1-2 page resume. Students from other institutes should also prepare a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
    3. Step 3: Register on the Portal – Head over to the official application page and fill in your details before the deadline closes.
    4. Step 4: Select Faculty Preferences – Choose five faculty members from the available list who you’d like to work with.
    5. Step 5: Submit – Once you’ve uploaded files and set priorities, your application is considered submitted. Remember, you can’t change files after uploading.

    Quick heads-up: The portal doesn’t have an acknowledgment feature. If you’ve uploaded everything and chosen faculty, you’re good.

    Selection Process

    The selection committee evaluates all credentials — CGPA, research statement, resume, and faculty preferences. Decisions will be announced on or before 10 April 2026. No requests for extra info or reconsideration are entertained.

    Pro Tips for Applicants

    • Keep your PDFs under 200 kB; oversized files won’t upload.
    • Write a research statement that reflects genuine curiosity and clarity, not generic fluff.
    • Mark 8 March on your calendar; every year, students miss this deadline.
    • If converting percentage to CGPA, follow your institute’s method or simply divide percentage by 10.

    SPARK Internship 2026 FAQs

    Are final-year B.Tech students eligible?

    No. You must have at least one semester remaining after summer 2026.

    Can I take leave during the internship?

    No. Leave is not permitted for the 6-8 week duration.

    What is a research statement?

    A short write-up on your motivation for research, any prior experience, and areas of interest. It doesn’t need to mention a specific project.

    When will results be announced?

    On or before 10 April 2026.

    Can CGPA criteria be relaxed?

    No. The minimum CGPA requirement is fixed and non-negotiable.

    What facilities will interns get?

    Accommodation, mess, library, sports, medical, computer centre, internet, and departmental research facilities.

    How do I convert percentage to CGPA?

    Follow your institute’s guideline or divide percentage by 10.