Top Hackathons in India 2026 — Student Coding Competitions

India has become one of the world's most active hackathon ecosystems, with hundreds of events held every year across colleges, tech companies, and government initiatives. Whether you're a first-year student or a final-year engineer, there's a hackathon for you.

Featured: Craftathon 2026

Craftathon is a 36-hour hackathon at Gandhinagar University, Gujarat. Teams of 2–4 students compete across five technology biomes — EdTech, DefenseTech, GreenTech, SafetyTech, and HealthTech — for prizes up to ₹50,000. It features mentorship from industry experts and certificates for all participants.

Other Major Hackathons in India

Smart India Hackathon (SIH)

India's largest hackathon, organized by the Ministry of Education. SIH features both software and hardware editions, with problem statements from government ministries and industry partners. Open to all college students.

HackWithInfy (Infosys)

A coding competition by Infosys for engineering students. Top performers get pre-placement offers and internships. Multiple rounds including online coding and a hackathon finale.

IIT and NIT Tech Fest Hackathons

Most IITs and NITs host hackathons as part of their annual tech fests. Events like Techfest (IIT Bombay), Shaastra (IIT Madras), and Pragyan (NIT Trichy) feature competitive hackathon tracks.

MLH (Major League Hacking) India

MLH partners with colleges across India to run official hackathons. These events follow a standardized format and offer global recognition and prizes.

How to Choose the Right Hackathon

Theme alignment — Pick a hackathon whose themes match your skills and interests
Prizes and opportunities — Look beyond cash prizes for mentorship, internships, and networking
Team requirements — Check team size limits and whether cross-college teams are allowed
Format — Decide between online, in-person, or hybrid events

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top hackathons in India for 2026?

Top hackathons in India for 2026 include Craftathon (Gandhinagar University), Smart India Hackathon (SIH), HackWithInfy (Infosys), and various IIT/NIT-hosted hackathons. Each offers unique themes, prizes, and networking opportunities.

How do I find hackathons near me in India?

You can find hackathons through platforms like Devfolio, Unstop, and college tech fest announcements. Follow hackathon communities on LinkedIn and WhatsApp for real-time updates.

Are hackathons free for students in India?

Many hackathons in India are free or have a nominal registration fee. Craftathon and Smart India Hackathon are examples of student-friendly events. Check each event's registration page for fee details.