NexHack 2.0 — 36-Hour National AI Hackathon, ₹21,000 Prize Pool — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions founders most often ask about NexHack 2.0 — 36-Hour National AI Hackathon, ₹21,000 Prize Pool — who qualifies, the funding amount, required documents and how the application works.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is NexHack 2.0?
It is a 36-hour AI hackathon run at national scale by NexVerse-IITM New Delhi. Participants get one 36-hour window to build an AI solution, with industry experts mentoring them along the way and then judging the output. It is a competition, so what you take away is prize money, feedback and a finished prototype rather than funding.
How much prize money is on offer?
There is a total cash prize pool of ₹21,000, which is shared among the winners selected by the judging panel. The organisers have not published a breakdown of how that pool is split between winning entries.
When does registration close, and when does the hackathon take place?
Entries close on 31 July 2026. The wider event calendar runs from 1 July to 26 September 2026, and the core 36-hour build period falls somewhere inside that window.
Who is eligible to participate?
Anyone who is an Indian national can take part. The organisers explicitly welcome students, developers and AI enthusiasts from across India, and there is no stated restriction based on your course, qualification, employer or experience level.
Do I need to have a team before I apply?
No. You can join as an individual and put a team together on the spot at the event, or you can register with a team you have already assembled. No specific team size is mentioned, so there is no stated minimum or maximum number of members.
Do I need DPIIT recognition or MSME registration to apply?
No. The eligibility stated for NexHack 2.0 is Indian nationality, and nothing in the requirements calls for DPIIT recognition, MSME or Udyam registration, or an incorporated company. It is an individual- and team-level competition rather than a scheme for registered businesses.
Does NexHack 2.0 take any equity in my project?
No. This is a hackathon with cash prizes, not an equity investment. Winners receive prize money without giving up any stake, and there is nothing to repay — the award is non-dilutive.
How will my project be judged?
A panel of industry experts reviews the solutions built during the hackathon. The published criteria are innovation, real-world impact and technical implementation, so a genuinely new idea that is well engineered and solves a real problem scores best.
How and where do I apply?
Registration is done through the official NexHack 2.0 competition page on Internshala, at https://internshala.com/competitions/nexhack-2-0/, and it must be completed before the 31 July 2026 deadline.
What is the application deadline for NexHack 2.0 — 36-Hour National AI Hackathon, ₹21,000 Prize Pool?
The application deadline for NexHack 2.0 — 36-Hour National AI Hackathon, ₹21,000 Prize Pool is Closed (31 Jul 2026). Deadlines can be revised, so reconfirm on the official source before applying.
How do I apply for NexHack 2.0 — 36-Hour National AI Hackathon, ₹21,000 Prize Pool?
Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.
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