TCS HackQuest Season 9: Prizes, Registration, and Key Dates You Need to Know

Hack Glance

TCS HackQuest Season 9 is the ultimate cyber arena for students to showcase their cybersecurity brilliance, offering an exceptional platform to hone their skills and gain industry recognition.

• Prizes: Worth up to INR 5 Lakhs
• Opportunities: Interview with TCS Cybersecurity Center of Excellence
• Merits: Certifications and exclusive merchandise for top performers
• Important Dates:
  • Registration End Date: 23rd January 2025, Thursday
  • Round 1 Date: 25th January 2025, Saturday (10 AM to 4 PM IST)
• Contact: For queries, email careers@tcs.com
• Registration Requirement: Valid TCS NextStep reference ID (CT/DT number). Register on TCS NextStep in the ‘IT’ section (Not BPS) if you don’t have one.

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Overview

TCS HackQuest, hosted by the TCS Cybersecurity Unit, is a premier ethical hacking competition aimed at identifying talented individuals passionate about cybersecurity. The event, rooted in the “Catch the Flag” (CTF) format, invites students to tackle real-world security challenges, providing a dynamic and practical learning experience. Participants will have the chance to demonstrate their problem-solving abilities, innovative approaches, and technical expertise.

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Why HackQuest?

In an era where technological advancements and increased digital focus expose organizations to greater security risks, HackQuest seeks to:

• Identify and nurture cybersecurity talent through competitive challenges.
• Foster a global community of ethical hackers capable of addressing advanced cybersecurity threats.
• Build a resilient and trustworthy cyber landscape, ensuring sustainable security solutions for diverse industries.

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Contest Structure

HackQuest is conducted in two main rounds:

Round 1: Online CTF Challenge

• Duration: 6 hours
• Categories: Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert
• Objective: Solve challenge statements, capture flags, and submit detailed reports.
• Evaluation Criteria: Flags captured, report quality, and approach.

Participants must upload their reports on the platform within the deadline to qualify for further rounds. This stage is designed to test a wide range of skills, from technical proficiency to strategic thinking.

Round 2: Advanced Evaluation

• Conducted via Microsoft Teams/Webex or in-person at TCS premises.
• Activities:
  1. Penetration Testing: Solve advanced hosted challenges in areas such as system exploitation, mobile security, and digital forensics.
  2. Case Explanation: Present and explain solutions to a jury panel.
• Evaluation Criteria: Technical accuracy, approach, and presentation skills.

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Eligibility

The contest is open to students graduating in 2025 from recognized institutions in India with degrees such as:

Degree	Examples of Specializations
B.Tech/B.E.	Engineering Disciplines
M.Tech/M.E.	Advanced Engineering
BCA/MCA	Computer Applications
B.Sc/M.Sc	Science Streams

Participants must provide necessary documents to verify their eligibility and academic credentials.

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Registration Process

1. Visit HackQuest Website.
2. Create a TCS NextStep reference ID (CT/DT number) via TCS NextStep.
3. Use the reference ID to complete the HackQuest registration.
4. Secure the unique credential provided for participation (do not share).

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Key Guidelines

Criteria	Details
Participation	Individual only; team entries not allowed.
Fees	No participation or registration fees.
Tools	Use recommended tools; avoid excessive traffic-generating tools.
Reports	Must be original and adhere to provided templates.
Compliance	Violations may result in disqualification.

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Domains of Expertise

Participants with knowledge in the following domains will have an advantage:

• Application Security
• Network Security
• Ethical Hacking
• Digital Forensics
• Threat Hunting
• Malware Analysis/Reverse Engineering

Certifications like Security+, CEH, and ISO 27001 are beneficial but not mandatory. A solid grasp of cybersecurity principles and practical application skills will be key to success.

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Prizes and Opportunities

Reward	Details
Cash Prizes	Total worth up to INR 5 Lakhs.
Job Offers	Potential Ninja or Digital roles at TCS.
Certification	Merit certificates for top performers.
Interaction	Engage with TCS leadership during award ceremonies.
Exclusive Roles	Exceptional performers may work with TCS Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence.

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Evaluation Criteria

Round 1:

• Flags captured.
• Quality of report.
• Creativity and problem-solving approach.

Round 2:

• Technical precision during penetration testing.
• Explanation and defense of solutions.
• Depth of understanding showcased through detailed analysis.

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Important Rules

• Submissions must be original and free of plagiarism.
• Content violating laws or promoting discrimination is prohibited.
• Participants are expected to adhere strictly to all ethical guidelines.
• TCS reserves the right to modify contest rules and reject submissions that do not meet standards.

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Register Now for TCS Hackquest : https://tcshackquest.tcsapps.com