IBM-CSJMU HACKS'26

Official Guidelines & Rules

This document serves as the official guide for all participants of IBM-CSJMU HACKS'26. Participants are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria, participation requirements, event policies, and code of conduct outlined below before proceeding with registration and participation.

📅 Important Dates & Timeline

Key milestones and schedule for IBM-CSJMU HACKS'26

Event Date
Registration Start Date 01 June 2026
Last Date of Registration 30 June 2026
Round 1 – Preliminary Round 25 July – 31 July 2026
Round 1 Result 02 August 2026
Round 2 – Grand Finale 12–13 August 2026
Prize Distribution Ceremony 15 August 2026

Presentation Template

This presentation template must be used by all participating teams during both the Preliminary Round and the Grand Finale.

📥 Download Presentation Template

1. EVENT STRUCTURE

The hackathon follows a structured, multi-round format designed to identify and support the most innovative solutions.

  • Initial Selection: All participants who register for Round 1 will be invited to the Preliminary Round. Out of these, 50 teams will be selected and invited to the CSJMU Campus for subsequent stages.
  • Competition Rounds: The main event will consist of three evaluation rounds.
  • Final Advancement: After completion of the first two rounds, only 15 teams will advance to the Final Round.

Important: Qualification for the Grand Finale is merit-based. Registration alone does not guarantee advancement.

2. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

  • Open only to currently enrolled regular students of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) and its affiliated colleges/institutes, irrespective of branch or department.
  • Passed-out students, alumni, and working professionals are not eligible.
  • Registration is completely free of cost.
  • Participants must provide valid College ID Cards or verification documents upon request.
  • Registration is not a guarantee of participation in the Grand Finale; teams must qualify through Round 1.

3. TEAM FORMATION RULES

  • Teams must consist of a minimum of 2 members and a maximum of 4 members.
  • All team members must belong to the same college/institute.
  • Participants may only be associated with one team. Multiple team registrations will result in immediate disqualification.
  • The Team Leader is responsible for completing the registration process for the entire team.
  • All information submitted during registration must be accurate and verifiable.

4. COACH RULES

  • Each team must have one mandatory Coach who is a faculty member from the same college/institute.
  • Teams without a registered Coach will not be allowed to participate.
  • The Coach serves as the official communication point between the Organizing Committee and the team.
  • Teams are advised to maintain regular communication with their Coach.
  • One Coach may guide multiple teams.

5. GENERAL GUIDELINES

  • Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements and expenses.
  • Gender-segregated resting areas will be available during the 24-hour Grand Finale.
  • Food will be provided during the Grand Finale, while refreshments will be served during the Preliminary Round.
  • Participants must bring their own laptops and necessary hardware.
  • AI tool usage is allowed provided the final submission is original and not plagiarized.
  • Leaving the venue or CSJMU Campus during the event is strictly prohibited.
  • Official event IDs and valid College ID cards must be carried at all times.
  • All participants will receive participation certificates.
  • Projects must be built from scratch. Pre-existing templates or complete projects are not permitted.
  • Participants are responsible for the safety and security of their personal belongings.
  • University Wi-Fi must be used responsibly and ethically.

6. CODE OF CONDUCT & DISCIPLINE RULES

  • Professional Conduct: Participants must maintain respectful, professional, and ethical behavior at all times.
  • Compliance: Participants must follow all instructions issued by organizers, volunteers, judges, and event officials.
  • Integrity & Disqualification: Cheating, plagiarism, unfair practices, or project copying may result in immediate disqualification.
  • Property & Decorum: Damage to university property or disruptive behavior may result in disciplinary action.
  • Final Authority: Organizers reserve the right to remove or disqualify any participant violating event rules.

7. ORGANIZER RIGHTS & FINAL AUTHORITY

  • The Organizing Committee reserves the right to modify schedules, rules, guidelines, or event structure whenever necessary.
  • Organizers may verify participant information and supporting documents at any stage.
  • Any unforeseen situation not covered in these guidelines shall be resolved by the Organizing Committee.
  • The decision of the Organizing Committee and Evaluation Panel shall be final and binding in all circumstances.