Kharagpur Data Science Hackathon: A Guide to Participation

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.

About Kharagpur Data Science Hackathon

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.

Organising Body and Collaborations

• Organiser: Kharagpur Data Analytics Group, IIT Kharagpur
• Associated Festival: Kshitij, IIT Kharagpur
• Sponsor: Pathway
• Mode of Competition: Online + Offline (Finale)
• Location of Finale: IIT Kharagpur Campus

What is Pathway and Why It Matters

Pathway is a modern data platform that enables artificial intelligence systems to work with live and continuously updating data. It supports:

• Real-time data ingestion from 300+ sources
• Automatic data synchronization
• Live vector search and anomaly detection
• AI-driven insights from structured and unstructured datasets

Participants may encounter tools, concepts, or inspiration aligned with Pathway’s real-time data capabilities during the competition.

Team Composition Rules

• Participation Type: Individual or Team
• Team Size Allowed: Minimum 1 member, Maximum 4 members
• Cross-disciplinary teams are encouraged, provided members share an interest in data science and analytics.

Who Can Participate (Eligibility Criteria)

The hackathon is open to:

• Students with an interest in Data Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or Analytics
• Undergraduate, postgraduate, and research scholars from recognized institutions
• Individuals or teams capable of coding, data handling, and analytical reasoning

There is no restriction on academic discipline as long as participants can effectively work on data-driven problem statements.

Hackathon Structure and Stages

Stage 1: Online Problem Statement Round

• Start Date: 5 January 2026
• Start Time: 6:00 PM IST
• End Date: 12 January 2026
• Deadline: 04:00 PM IST

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.

Stage 2: Offline Finale at IIT Kharagpur

• Dates: 16 January 2026 to 18 January 2026

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:

• Depth of analysis
• Practical feasibility
• Presentation quality
• Technical understanding

Prize Money and Rewards

• Total Prize Pool: ₹4,00,000
• Top 3 Teams: Cash prizes awarded to winners
• Additional benefits may include recognition, certificates, and national-level exposure

Important Dates at a Glance

• Registration Deadline: 11 January 2026 (applications closed)
• Online Round Duration: 5 January – 12 January 2026
• Offline Final Round: 16 January – 18 January 2026

Applications for the 2026 cycle closed on January 11, 2026. The next cycle is expected around the same time next year.

How to Register for KDSH

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Visit the official competition listing page (Click here to visit)
2. Click on the “Register” or “Participate” button
3. Log in or create an account if required
4. Enter team details (team name, members, and contact information)
5. Confirm registration and wait for further communication via email

Once registered, all official updates, datasets, and instructions will be shared with team leaders.

How to Submit the Solution

• Carefully read the problem statement shared via email
• Follow the prescribed submission format
• Upload files before the deadline
• Ensure code, reports, and explanations are clearly documented

Incomplete or late submissions may not be considered for evaluation.

Selection and Evaluation Criteria

Submissions are judged based on:

• Correctness and performance of the solution
• Innovation and originality
• Data handling and modeling approach
• Clarity of insights and documentation

Only the most accurate and well-explained solutions progress to the final stage.

Why You Should Participate in KDSH

• Opportunity to compete with top data science talent nationwide
• Exposure to real-world analytical challenges
• Chance to present work at IIT Kharagpur
• Attractive cash prizes and recognition
• Strengthens resumes and technical portfolios

Frequently Searched Questions

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.