India Launches CYBER KUSHTI 2026: A Unique Cybersecurity Hackathon
The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) proudly introduced CYBER KUSHTI 2026 on August 15, a national hackathon designed to challenge participants in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. This innovative competition aims to evaluate human judgment alongside technical skills in cybersecurity assessments, guided by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of the Government of India.
Officially launched by Prof. (Dr.) M. M. Tripathi, Director General of NIELIT and Vice Chancellor of NIELIT Deemed to be University, this event aligns with the 3rd National Conference on Cyber Security, Digital Forensics and Intelligence (NCCDFI 2026). The esteemed Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC Foundation) collaborates on this initiative, with the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) contributing as the knowledge partner.
Registration for CYBER KUSHTI 2026 commenced on the launch date and will remain open until September 10, 2026. Students and independent researchers are invited to participate in teams, with no registration fee required.
Focus on Critical Judgment in Cybersecurity
Setting itself apart from traditional cybersecurity competitions that emphasize finding vulnerabilities or engaging in Capture The Flag challenges, CYBER KUSHTI 2026 places a spotlight on evaluating, prioritizing, and defending cybersecurity decisions. Each team will be given a Security Assessment Package that is intentionally flawed, which includes AI-generated findings and various security analysis outputs.
This package will consist of both genuine and fabricated findings, with some actual vulnerabilities left out, forcing teams to discern the legitimacy and urgency of issues presented. The competition rewards participants not just for identifying valid vulnerabilities but also for accurately dismissing incorrect ones.
A Fair Playing Field for All
Prof. Tripathi emphasized the importance of cultivating skills in making sound judgments regarding security assessments. He remarked that, in an era when machines produce security findings rapidly, the ability to weigh these findings effectively is crucial. The competition’s structure is designed to eliminate the advantage of costly security tools, allowing all participants to utilize any AI tools they see fit.
Further highlighting its inclusive nature, Prof. Tripathi pointed out that students from various educational backgrounds can compete on equal footing with corporate teams, underlining a notion of independence in critical thinking as a virtue in today’s tech landscape.
Competition Format and Timeline
CYBER KUSHTI 2026 is structured into three key rounds:
- Round 1 – The Akhada: An online assessment on September 15, 2026, which will filter 50 teams into the next round.
- Round 2 – The Dangal: Another online challenge on September 24, 2026, narrowing it down to 10 finalist teams.
- Final Round – The Kesari: The in-person grand finale to be held on October 9, 2026, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. Here, finalists will present their assessments while an automated analysis showcases machine produced conclusions side-by-side.
Awarding Excellence in Cybersecurity
Finalists will be judged by a distinguished panel of experts from NIELIT and ISAC, including recognized National Cyber Security Scholars. Top honors will include the title of “Cyber Kesari 2026,” alongside traditional rewards for runners-up designated as “Rustam” and “Pahalwan.” Furthermore, all participants in Round 1 will receive participation certificates, with additional recognition for notable submissions.
Ensuring a Safe Competition
The competition will be conducted within controlled environments overseen by organizers, ensuring that participants do not interact with any live systems or public infrastructures throughout the competition process.
About NIELIT and NCCDFI 2026
NIELIT has been at the forefront of digital skill development and empowerment in India’s E&ICT landscape, operating numerous centers and institutes dedicated to training individuals in these fields. The 3rd National Conference on Cyber Security, Digital Forensics and Intelligence is set to take place on October 9–10, 2026, where the convergence of cybersecurity professionals, academia, and industry will further be emphasized in the discussions.
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