5 January 2026 – 18 January 2026 (online round followed by offline finale at IIT Kharagpur)
Undergraduate, postgraduate, and research students interested in Data Science, Machine Learning, AI, or Analytics can participate individually or in teams.
The Kharagpur Data Science Hackathon (KDSH) is one of India’s most prestigious student-focused data science competitions. It is hosted by the Kharagpur Data Analytics Group, IIT Kharagpur, in collaboration with Kshitij, Asia’s largest techno-management festival. The 2026 edition, its 6th, offered participants a national platform to solve real-world analytical challenges, compete with top talent, and win prizes worth ₹4,00,000.
Applications for the 2026 cycle closed on January 11, 2026. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year. While you wait for the next cycle to open, review the eligibility criteria and start preparing your documents and skills. Being ready ensures you can apply as soon as registration opens.
KDSH 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 received a detailed problem statement via email. All necessary datasets, instructions, and evaluation guidelines were shared with participants. Teams were given approximately one week to develop and submit their solutions.
Submissions were evaluated based on accuracy, approach, innovation, and clarity of results. Top-performing teams advanced to the final round.
Shortlisted teams were invited to the IIT Kharagpur campus to present their solutions during Kshitij 2026. Participants showcased their methodology, results, and impact before judges.
This stage focuses on:
Applications for the 2026 cycle closed on January 11, 2026. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year.
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.
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