India’s biggest government-backed cybersecurity competition is live. Cyber Challenge India has officially launched the FREE eRaksha Hackathon 2026, offering free participation, government-recognised certificates, cash prizes, internships, and national-level exposure.
Organised with support from Delhi Police and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), this hackathon aims to build the next generation of cyber defenders for Digital India.
With cyber attacks in India increasing rapidly, the FREE eRaksha Hackathon 2026 is a golden opportunity for students, freshers, and ethical hackers to showcase skills in AI, cybersecurity, IoT security, and deepfake detection.
Last Date to Apply: 31 December 2025
What is FREE eRaksha Hackathon 2026?
The FREE eRaksha Hackathon 2026 is a 36-hour innovation and prototype development challenge focused on defence-AI and digital security solutions.
This national-level event is being organised by eDC IIT Delhi in collaboration with CyberPeace Foundation. The objective is to develop scalable and practical cybersecurity technologies aligned with India’s national security needs.
Key Focus Areas
Participants will work on real-world cybersecurity challenges such as:
- Agentic AI for Securing Home IoT Devices using autonomous defence and threat detection
- Agentic AI for Deepfake Detection and Authenticity Verification using AI-powered systems
Who Can Apply for FREE eRaksha Hackathon 2026?
The FREE eRaksha Hackathon 2026 is open to students from technical and science backgrounds across India.
General Eligibility Criteria
- Students currently pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees
- No active academic backlogs (as required by some categories)
- Eligible academic programs include:
- B.Tech / B.E. (All Engineering Branches)
- M.Tech / M.E.
- BCA / MCA
- BSc / MSc (Science and Technology streams)
- Graduating batch generally targeted: 2026
- Team size: 2 to 5 members (some stages allow up to 3)
Individual and team participation are both allowed.
Registration Process
Registration Timeline
- Registration Opens: 22 December 2025
- Registration Closes: 31 December 2025
Applicants must submit:
- Team or individual details
- A project abstract in PPT or PDF format including:
- Problem statement
- Proposed solution
- Technology stack
- Methodology and innovation approach
Shortlisting Process
Participants and teams will be evaluated based on:
- Quality and originality of the idea
- Innovation and feasibility
- Presentation clarity and structure
Top 20 teams (maximum 60 participants) will be shortlisted for the final round.
Grand Finale at IIT Delhi
The final round of the FREE eRaksha Hackathon 2026 will be conducted at IIT Delhi.
Event Schedule
- Inauguration: 16 January 2026
- Final Hackathon Round: 16–18 January 2026
- Award Ceremony: 10 February 2026
- Award Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
FREE eRaksha Hackathon 2026 Important Dates
| Stage | Dates | Month & Year |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Period | 22–31 | December 2025 |
| Shortlisting | 1–10 | January 2026 |
| Finale | 16–18 | January 2026 |
| Award Ceremony | 10 | February 2026 |
Judging Criteria
Projects submitted under the FREE eRaksha Hackathon 2026 will be evaluated on the following parameters:
Innovation and Creativity
Originality, uniqueness, and relevance to cybersecurity challenges.
Technical Implementation and Feasibility
Practical execution, scalability, and real-world usability of the solution.
Technical Depth and Illustration
Clear explanation of workflows, diagrams, architecture, and technologies used.
Impact on Security
Effectiveness in improving digital surveillance and cybersecurity defence.
Presentation and Clarity
Clarity of explanation, logical structure, and persuasive presentation.
Benefits of FREE eRaksha Hackathon 2026
Participants of the FREE eRaksha Hackathon 2026 receive multiple career advantages:
- Free government-recognised certificate issued by MeitY and Delhi Police
- Cash prizes worth a total of ₹5 lakhs:
- ₹2 lakhs for winners
- ₹1 lakh each for runner-up teams
- Internship and placement opportunities with CERT-In, NCRB, and private cybersecurity firms
- Free training workshops covering CTF challenges, forensics, and bug bounty programs
- Mentorship from cybersecurity experts associated with IISc, DRDO, and ISRO
- Networking opportunities with over 500 recruiters and industry leaders
Previous Cyber Challenge India winners have secured salary packages ranging from ₹10 to ₹15 LPA.
Deadline Date
The last date to apply for the FREE eRaksha Hackathon 2026 is 31 December 2025.
Location
- Final Hackathon Venue: IIT Delhi
- Country: India
How to Apply for FREE eRaksha Hackathon 2026?
Interested candidates can apply online through the official Cyber Challenge India registration portal.
Apply through the official application link provided by the organisers.
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Conclusion
The FREE eRaksha Hackathon 2026 by Cyber Challenge India is a high-impact opportunity for students and freshers interested in cybersecurity and AI. With free certificates, cash prizes, internships, and government recognition, this hackathon provides strong career value.
Registrations close on 31 December 2025. Early application is recommended.
