CYBER KUSHTI 2026: Registration, Eligibility, Dates & Details

# CYBER KUSHTI 2026: NIELIT Hackathon Registration, Eligibility, Dates and Three Competition Rounds

If cybersecurity is something you enjoy learning about, CYBER KUSHTI 2026 is an event worth knowing about. The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) has announced this national-level hackathon with a focus on cyber security and artificial intelligence.

The event was launched on 15 August 2026 and is being held in connection with the 3rd National Conference on Cyber Security, Digital Forensics and Intelligence (NCCDFI 2026).

Unlike a competition where participants simply answer questions, CYBER KUSHTI has been designed around analysing security-related information and making technical decisions. That makes careful observation and reasoning important throughout the competition.

What is CYBER KUSHTI 2026?

CYBER KUSHTI 2026 is a national cybersecurity hackathon for eligible Indian students and independent researchers. The competition is particularly interesting because participants are not expected to depend only on ready-made answers. They have to examine information, identify problems and support their technical choices.

The competition has been divided into three stages. The organisers have named these rounds Akhada, Dangal and Kesari.

Who Can Apply for CYBER KUSHTI 2026?

The hackathon is open to Indian students and independent researchers who are 16 years old or above. Participants have to form a team of three before taking part.

• Eligible participants: Indian students and independent researchers
• Age requirement: 16 years and above
• Team requirement: 3 members
• Registration fee: Free
• Registration period: 15 August to 10 September 2026

Students who are planning to participate should not wait until the final day to check the requirements. It is better to read the official instructions carefully while forming the team and completing the registration.

CYBER KUSHTI 2026 Competition Pattern

There are three levels in the competition. The first two are online, while the final stage is planned as an in-person event in New Delhi.

Level 1 — Akhada

The first round, Akhada, starts on 15 September 2026.

Teams will receive a Security Assessment Package containing deliberately flawed findings. Their job will be to go through the material and work out what is actually correct.

There is an added twist: the package will contain both genuine findings and false findings generated by AI. Participants therefore need to check the information instead of assuming that every finding is accurate.

Level 2 — Dangal

The second stage is named Dangal and is scheduled for 24 September 2026.

Only the top 50 teams from the earlier stage will reach this round. The challenge will involve adversarial reasoning in a cybersecurity setting, so participants will need to think beyond the obvious answer and consider how a security situation could be approached from different angles.

Level 3 — Kesari

The final round is called Kesari. It is scheduled to take place physically in New Delhi on 9 October 2026.

At this stage, finalist teams will have to defend the technical decisions they made. In simple terms, participants should be prepared to explain not only what they decided, but also why they decided it.

That makes communication and clear technical reasoning especially important in the final round.

CYBER KUSHTI 2026 Important Dates

NIELIT, MeitY, ISAC and CERT-In: Who Are the Key Organisations?

CYBER KUSHTI 2026 is connected with several organisations working in the technology and cybersecurity space. Understanding their roles can also be useful for students preparing for competitive examinations.

NIELIT

NIELIT stands for National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology. It is an autonomous scientific society under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

MeitY

MeitY is the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Union ministry associated with India's electronics and information technology policies and programmes.

ISAC Foundation

The hackathon is being co-organised with the Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) Foundation under the National Security Database (NSD).

CERT-In

CERT-In stands for Indian Computer Emergency Response Team. It has been named as the Knowledge Partner for CYBER KUSHTI 2026.

What Makes the Hackathon Different?

One of the more interesting parts of CYBER KUSHTI 2026 is the use of AI-generated false findings in the first round. Participants are expected to examine the information and decide whether a finding is reliable.

For students, this is a useful lesson beyond the competition itself. AI can help with research and technical work, but important information still needs to be checked. In cybersecurity, accepting an incorrect finding without verification can lead to a wrong conclusion.

The final round adds another practical element. Teams must be able to stand behind their technical choices and explain their reasoning in front of the organisers.

Important Points to Remember for Competitive Exams

Where Should Students Check for Updates?

Dates and competition instructions can be updated by organisers. Students should therefore use official websites when checking registration information or any later announcement.

• Official NIELIT Website
• Official MeitY Website
• Official CERT-In Website

CYBER KUSHTI 2026

CYBER KUSHTI 2026 is built around a simple idea: cybersecurity is not only about knowing technical terms. Participants also need to question information, spot incorrect findings and explain the reasoning behind their decisions.

With three stages — Akhada, Dangal and Kesari — the competition gradually moves from an online assessment to a final face-to-face technical challenge. For eligible students and independent researchers, the first thing to remember is the 10 September 2026 registration deadline.

Note: The information in this article is based on the event details provided for CYBER KUSHTI 2026. Participants should check the latest official notification before registration, as organisers may update dates, rules or other event-related information.