Hackathons in India for students: where to look and how to pick

Useful takeaways from this story.

In one year I competed at IIT Roorkee, IIT Kanpur, CSJMU and a community event run by MeetKats.

Where events are announced College fest websites and their Instagram pages — technical fests at IITs, NITs and state universities run hackathons as flagship events.

Hackathon platforms and listing sites where organisers post problem statements and registration.

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The useful part

In one year I competed at IIT Roorkee, IIT Kanpur, CSJMU and a community event run by MeetKats. Where events are announced College fest websites and their Instagram pages — technical fests at IITs, NITs and state universities run hackathons as flagship events. Hackathon platforms and listing sites where organisers post problem statements and registration.

How it works

Developer communities — local groups like MeetKats in Kanpur, GDG chapters, campus clubs and LinkedIn communities such as TechVerse Enclave.
Signs of a serious event Named judges with real credentials and a published rubric.
Signs of a certificate mill A registration fee with no venue, mentors or judges named.
Plan a season, not a spree Two or three good events a semester beats ten weak ones.
Pick one that is a stretch (a bigger institute, a harder theme), one that is local and repeatable, and one in a domain you care about.

Details worth keeping

They were all different in format, seriousness and what winning meant. Prizes that are stated precisely, and a schedule that includes rest. "Participation certificate guaranteed" as the headline benefit.

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