The Kharagpur Data Science Hackathon (KDSH) 2026 is one of India’s most prestigious student-focused data science competitions, hosted by the Kharagpur Data Analytics Group, IIT Kharagpur, in collaboration with Kshitij, Asia’s largest techno-management festival. Now in its 6th edition, this hackathon offers participants a national platform to solve real-world analytical challenges, compete with top talent, and win prizes worth ₹4,00,000.
KDSH 2026 is a data science and analytics-focused hackathon designed to test participants’ ability to analyze data, build models, and present impactful solutions. The competition is conducted in multiple stages, beginning with an online problem-solving round and culminating in an offline finale at IIT Kharagpur.
Participants get exposure to industry-grade problem statements, peer learning opportunities, and direct interaction with experts from academia and industry.
Pathway is a modern data platform that enables artificial intelligence systems to work with live and continuously updating data. It supports:
Participants may encounter tools, concepts, or inspiration aligned with Pathway’s real-time data capabilities during the competition.
The hackathon is open to:
There is no restriction on academic discipline as long as participants can effectively work on data-driven problem statements.
In this round, registered teams receive a detailed problem statement via email. All necessary datasets, instructions, and evaluation guidelines are shared with participants. Teams are given approximately one week to develop and submit their solutions.
Submissions are evaluated based on accuracy, approach, innovation, and clarity of results. Top-performing teams advance to the final round.
Shortlisted teams are invited to the IIT Kharagpur campus to present their solutions during Kshitij 2026. Participants showcase their methodology, results, and impact before judges.
This stage focuses on:
Participants are advised to complete registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Once registered, all official updates, datasets, and instructions will be shared with team leaders.
Incomplete or late submissions may not be considered for evaluation.
Submissions are judged based on:
Only the most accurate and well-explained solutions progress to the final stage.
Is the hackathon online or offline?
It is a hybrid event with an online preliminary round and an offline final round.
Is there any registration fee?
No registration fee is mentioned for participation.
Can first-year students apply?
Yes, as long as they have relevant interest and skills.
Is prior hackathon experience required?
No, beginners with strong analytical fundamentals are welcome.
Technical Content Writer
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