CyberHack 2026 — 24-Hour Cybersecurity CTF, ₹51,000 Prize Pool
CyberHack 2026 is a free 24-hour cybersecurity hackathon hosted by SRMS CET&R, Bareilly, with Capture The Flag challenges, a prize pool of more than ₹51,000 and certificates for all participants.
- Funding amount
- ₹51,000 (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Application deadline
- Closed (25 Aug 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
CyberHack 2026 is a cybersecurity competition held at Shri Ram Murti Smarak College of Engineering, Technology & Research (SRMS CET&R) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. It is built as a 24-hour hackathon around Capture The Flag (CTF) style problems, where participants work against the clock to solve security puzzles, expose weaknesses in a controlled setting and collect points for every challenge they finish.
The event welcomes anyone drawn to ethical hacking and information security, from college students to working professionals. A grounding in computer science, information security or a similar discipline helps you get more out of the challenges, though the organiser keeps entry open to all. You can register on your own or as part of a team.
More than ₹51,000 sits in the prize pool and is shared among the top performers, while certificates of participation go to everyone who takes part. There is no registration fee. The event window runs from 28 July 2026 to 25 August 2026, and entries close on 25 August 2026.
SRMS CET&R is a well-known engineering institute in Bareilly that runs technical events, hackathons and skill-building activities for students, and CyberHack 2026 sits within that effort to sharpen hands-on security skills.
Highlights
- 24-hour cybersecurity hackathon hosted by SRMS CET&R, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
- Prize pool of more than ₹51,000, shared among the top-performing participants
- Capture The Flag challenges covering security puzzles and controlled exploitation
- Open to all — students and professionals, entering solo or as a team
- Free registration; every participant receives a certificate
- Entries close 25 August 2026; event window runs 28 July 2026 to 25 August 2026
Who can apply
CyberHack 2026 is an open-entry competition — the organiser has not placed any category restriction on who may register.
- Open to all applicants; no stage, sector or geography filter is applied.
- The natural audience is students and working professionals with an interest in cybersecurity.
- A background in computer science, information security or a related field is helpful, but it is not a stated requirement for entry.
- You may take part as an individual or as a member of a team; the organiser has not fixed a team size.
- Entry is free of cost, and you sign up through the official Internshala competition page.
CyberHack 2026 — 24-Hour Cybersecurity CTF, ₹51,000 Prize Pool 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 CyberHack 2026 — 24-Hour Cybersecurity CTF, ₹51,000 Prize Pool closed on 25 Aug 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
CyberHack 2026 rewards winners through competition prizes rather than investment, so nothing is diluted and no ownership stake changes hands.
- A total prize pool of more than ₹51,000, distributed among the participants who finish at the top.
- Certificates of participation for everyone, winners and non-winners alike.
- Zero entry cost — there is no registration fee.
- Hands-on CTF exposure across security puzzles and controlled exploitation exercises, plus a full 24 hours of practical, time-pressured problem solving alongside other security enthusiasts.
The organiser has not published how the prize money is split between ranks; where you land on the points table is what determines the payout.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the . Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
CyberHack 2026 has no application screening, shortlisting or interview round — assessment happens entirely through the competition itself.
- Registration: sign up free of charge before the closing date of 25 August 2026 through the official Internshala page.
- Participation: work through CTF-style challenges during the 24-hour event window, solving security puzzles and exploiting vulnerabilities in a controlled environment.
- Scoring: points accumulate as you complete challenges, and the standings are driven purely by those points.
- Outcome: the highest scorers take a share of the prize pool of more than ₹51,000, and certificates go out to all participants.
Because judging rests on points earned from challenge completion rather than a pitch deck or written submission, consistent scoring across the challenge set is what separates the winners.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to CyberHack 2026 — 24-Hour Cybersecurity CTF, ₹51,000 Prize Pool, 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
CyberHack 2026 — 24-Hour Cybersecurity CTF, ₹51,000 Prize Pool is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹51,000. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is CyberHack 2026?
It is a 24-hour cybersecurity hackathon organised by Shri Ram Murti Smarak College of Engineering, Technology & Research (SRMS CET&R) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. The competition is built around Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges that test ethical hacking, security analysis and problem solving under time pressure.
How much can I win at CyberHack 2026?
The total prize pool is worth more than ₹51,000, and it is distributed among the top-performing participants. Separately from the prizes, every participant receives a certificate of participation, so you come away with documented recognition even if you do not finish in the money.
What is the application deadline and when does the hackathon run?
Entries close on 25 August 2026. The event itself is a 24-hour hackathon whose window runs from 28 July 2026 to 25 August 2026.
Who is eligible to take part?
The competition is open to all. No stage, sector, state or entity-type restriction is applied by the organiser, so anyone with an interest in cybersecurity can register.
Do I need to be a student to join?
No. The event is open to both students and professionals who are interested in cybersecurity. It suits individuals or teams with a background in computer science, information security or a related field, but that background is not laid down as a formal entry requirement.
Can I participate as part of a team, and is there a team size limit?
Yes, you can register either individually or in a team. The organiser has not specified a team size, so you are free to decide how you want to take part.
Is there a registration fee?
No. Registration for CyberHack 2026 is free of cost.
Does the programme take equity or a stake in participants?
No. CyberHack 2026 is a competition, not an investment programme — what it hands out are cash prizes and certificates, so there is no equity dilution or ownership stake involved for anyone who takes part.
What kind of challenges will I face?
Participants work through CTF-style challenges, solving security puzzles and exploiting vulnerabilities inside a controlled environment. Judging is based on the points you earn by completing those challenges.
How are winners decided?
Winners are decided purely on points earned through challenge completion. There is no separate pitch or interview stage — the participants who accumulate the most points take a share of the prize pool, and the rest receive participation certificates.
How do I apply for CyberHack 2026?
Registration is free and is done through the official Internshala competition page for CyberHack 2026 at https://internshala.com/competitions/cyberhack-2026-srms-cetr/. Complete your sign-up before the 25 August 2026 deadline.
Is DPIIT recognition required for CyberHack 2026 — 24-Hour Cybersecurity CTF, ₹51,000 Prize Pool?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for CyberHack 2026 — 24-Hour Cybersecurity CTF, ₹51,000 Prize Pool, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Alternatives to CyberHack 2026 — 24-Hour Cybersecurity CTF, ₹51,000 Prize Pool
Not sure CyberHack 2026 — 24-Hour Cybersecurity CTF, ₹51,000 Prize Pool is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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