HackDUCS Hackathon — ₹22,000 Prize Pool for Student Teams — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about HackDUCS Hackathon — ₹22,000 Prize Pool for Student Teams — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a winning team take home at HackDUCS?
The overall prize pot is ₹22,000 and it is split across the three best teams. The winner receives ₹10,000, the runner-up ₹7,000 and the third-placed team ₹5,000, and each of the three also gets goodies. On top of that, every participant receives a certificate and lunch is provided on the day of the offline round.
Who is eligible to take part in HackDUCS?
Entry is limited to students who are currently enrolled at a college or university in India. Your institution does not matter — any college or university counts. You cannot enter on your own; participation is exclusively team-based, with 2 to 4 members per team.
What is the registration deadline?
Registration closes on 18 April 2026. Teams sign up through the official Unstop listing for the event, and joining the official WhatsApp group is a good idea if you want updates as the date approaches.
Do we need DPIIT or MSME registration to apply?
No. HackDUCS is a student competition, so the startup-registration requirements you would normally see for a government scheme, such as DPIIT recognition or an MSME/Udyam certificate, do not apply here. Being an enrolled student with a team of 2 to 4 members is all that is needed.
Does the hackathon take equity in our project?
No. The awards are competition prizes rather than an investment, so no equity or ownership share changes hands. Your team retains full rights over whatever it builds.
What has to be submitted in Round 1?
Each team files a presentation (PPT) that explains the problem it is tackling, the solution it proposes and the approach behind it. You also need to share a working link to your live project along with a GitHub repository. The project must have been built no earlier than 15 April 2025 — older work will not be accepted.
What happens if our team gets shortlisted?
The 30 best entries from Round 1 are invited to the offline hackathon at the DoCS department on the Delhi University campus. There, each team is handed a surprise feature that it has to add to its existing build, with judging for that phase starting at 3:00 PM. Only eight teams then progress to the final presentations, which begin at 4:30 PM, and the results and closing ceremony follow at 6:00 PM.
Which domains or tracks can we build in?
You can pick from Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Web3, Cybersecurity, Social Impact or Open Innovation. Teams are free to choose whichever track best fits their idea.
Is the hackathon online or offline?
It is hybrid. Round 1, the submission stage, is handled entirely online, so teams can take part from anywhere in India. Round 2 is held in person at the Department of Computer Science, University of Delhi, and only the shortlisted teams travel for it.
How do we apply?
Registrations go through the official Unstop page for HackDUCS: https://unstop.com/hackathons/hackducs-hackathon-sankalan-2026-department-of-computer-science-docs-university-of-delhi-du-1675589. Teams are also encouraged to join the official WhatsApp group so they receive real-time updates and announcements.
How do I apply for HackDUCS Hackathon — ₹22,000 Prize Pool for Student Teams?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
← Back to HackDUCS Hackathon — ₹22,000 Prize Pool for Student Teams overview