Careers of the Future Hackathon — ₹5L Prize Pool for Students
LIT School's multi-track hackathon for students in Classes 10–12, undergraduates and 2026 Class 12 pass-outs — ₹5,00,000 in prizes, internships, and an offline final in Bangalore.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (2 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
LIT School organises the Careers of the Future Hackathon, a hands-on competition that helps students figure out which future career suits them by tackling real-world challenges. The programme runs on a three-part idea — Learn. Innovate. Transform. Participants put concepts into practice, build something of their own, and then hear back from people already working in industry.
Every participant picks a single career track to work on. The options include AI Filmmaker, AI SaaS Builder, Creatorpreneur, D2C Entrepreneur, Cloud Kitchen Entrepreneur, Creative Agency Owner, Quick Commerce Entrepreneur, and Impact Entrepreneur. Each track carries its own brief and its own submission format, so what you actually produce depends on the track you select.
The competition moves through phases. It opens with an online screening round that verifies each applicant's profile. Those who clear it enter a submission phase and build out their chosen challenge. Shortlisted participants then travel to LIT School in Bangalore for an offline round, presenting live in front of judges, mentors, and industry representatives. For that round, the organisers arrange accommodation, travel to and from the venue, and food.
A total prize pool of ₹5,00,000 is spread across 10 events, and winners also pick up internship opportunities with organisations such as Dabur, Ogilvy, Swish, Bhanzu, Vedantu, and Astrotalk. Registration closes on 2 July 2026, and applications go through the programme's Unstop listing.
Highlights
- ₹5,00,000 total prize pool distributed across 10 events
- Per-event prizes: ₹30,000 for the winner, ₹15,000 for first runner-up, ₹5,000 for second runner-up
- Eight career tracks, including AI Filmmaker, AI SaaS Builder, Creatorpreneur and Impact Entrepreneur
- Open to Classes 10–12 students, undergraduates and 2026 Class 12 pass-outs; recommended age 17–21
- Offline round at LIT School, Bangalore, with accommodation, travel and food arranged by the organisers
- Winners receive internships with Dabur, Ogilvy, Swish, Bhanzu, Vedantu and Astrotalk
Who can apply
Who can apply
- Students currently studying in Classes 10, 11 or 12
- Undergraduate students at a school, college or university
- Anyone who passed Class 12 in 2026
- Learners enrolled in any other recognised learning programme
The recommended age band is 17 to 21 years. Students from every academic background are welcome, and no prior professional experience is needed — this is aimed at people still exploring their options.
Participation rules
Entry is open to individuals only, so you cannot apply as a team. Participants must bring their own laptop or whatever devices their chosen track requires.
Careers of the Future Hackathon — ₹5L Prize Pool for Students is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for Careers of the Future Hackathon — ₹5L Prize Pool for Students closed on 2 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Prize pool
The hackathon carries a total prize pool of ₹5,00,000, distributed across 10 events. Prizes are awarded per event:
- Winner: ₹30,000
- First Runner-Up: ₹15,000
- Second Runner-Up: ₹5,000
Internships
Winners receive internship opportunities with leading organisations, including Dabur, Ogilvy, Swish, Bhanzu, Vedantu, and Astrotalk.
Support for the offline round
For the offline round at LIT School, Bangalore, the organisers arrange accommodation, travel to and from the venue, and food for participants.
As this is a prize competition rather than an investment programme, no equity or ownership stake is involved.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
1. Online screening round
Applications start with an online screening step, in which the LIT School team verifies your profile.
2. Submission phase
Applicants who clear the screening work on the challenge attached to their chosen career track and prepare their submission in the required format.
3. Offline round at LIT School, Bangalore
Shortlisted participants are invited to campus to present their work live before mentors, judges, and industry representatives. Accommodation, travel to and from the venue, and food are arranged by the organisers for this round.
Shortlisting is handled on a rolling basis rather than in one single batch.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Careers of the Future Hackathon — ₹5L Prize Pool for Students, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
Careers of the Future Hackathon — ₹5L Prize Pool for Students is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much prize money does the Careers of the Future Hackathon offer?
The total prize pool is ₹5,00,000, spread across 10 events. Within each event, the winner receives ₹30,000, the first runner-up gets ₹15,000, and the second runner-up gets ₹5,000.
Who is eligible to take part?
The hackathon is open to students currently in Classes 10, 11 or 12, to undergraduate students, and to anyone who passed Class 12 in 2026. Applicants studying in any other recognised learning programme can also apply. The recommended age range is 17 to 21 years, students from all academic backgrounds are welcome, and no prior professional experience is required.
What is the last date to register?
Registration closes on 2 July 2026. Applications are submitted through the programme's Unstop listing, so it is worth registering well before the cut-off.
Can I apply as part of a team?
No. Participation is individual only, so each applicant enters on their own rather than as part of a group or team.
Which career tracks can I choose from?
You pick one track from AI Filmmaker, AI SaaS Builder, Creatorpreneur, D2C Entrepreneur, Cloud Kitchen Entrepreneur, Creative Agency Owner, Quick Commerce Entrepreneur, and Impact Entrepreneur. Each track has its own brief and submission format, so the work you produce depends on your choice.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to apply?
No. There is no DPIIT or MSME registration requirement here — this is a student competition rather than a government startup funding scheme. Eligibility rests on your current course of study and the recommended age band.
Does the hackathon take equity in my project or idea?
No. This is a prize competition, not an investment. Winners receive cash prizes and internship opportunities, and no equity or ownership stake is taken in anything you build.
What happens after I register?
You first go through an online screening round where the LIT School team verifies your profile, and you should expect a verification call. From there, shortlisted candidates move into the submission phase and eventually to the offline round. Shortlisting happens on a rolling basis rather than all at once.
What should I bring to the hackathon?
Participants must bring their own laptop and any other devices their chosen track requires, since equipment is not provided.
How do I apply, and is travel or accommodation covered?
Applications are made through the Unstop listing before the 2 July 2026 deadline. For the offline round at LIT School, Bangalore, the organisers arrange accommodation, travel to and from the venue, and food.
Alternatives to Careers of the Future Hackathon — ₹5L Prize Pool for Students
Not sure Careers of the Future Hackathon — ₹5L Prize Pool for Students is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
Questions from founders
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