Open Source Hackathon

The Open Source Hackathon 2026 is a nationwide coding challenge designed to encourage developers to contribute to real-world open-source projects, collaborate with fellow innovators, and enhance their practical development skills. Powered by Unstop and supported by students and communities from IITs and NITs, this hackathon provides participants with an opportunity to work on live repositories, solve meaningful issues, and compete for exciting rewards. Eligibility: Open to all students and professionals across India. Participants must have basic knowledge of Git, GitHub, and software development workflows. Individual participation only. Participants must have an active GitHub account. Multiple registrations from the same participant are not permitted. Hackathon Format Round 1: Screening Round All registered participants will undergo an initial screening process. Participants may be evaluated based on their GitHub profile, technical background, and responses submitted during registration. Selected participants will proceed to the main hackathon round. Round 2: Open Source Contribution Round Shortlisted participants will receive repository access details through their registered email addresses. Participants will be assigned repositories and issues/tasks. They must work on the assigned tasks and submit their contributions through GitHub Pull Requests. Contributions must follow standard GitHub practices and repository guidelines. Successfully completed changes should be merged into the repository after review. Evaluation Criteria: Participants will be evaluated based on: Quality of code and implementation Innovation and problem-solving approach Impact of contribution Documentation quality Code readability and maintainability Successful merging of Pull Requests Adherence to project guidelines Rewards & Recognition Prize Pool: ₹20,000 1st Rank: ₹10,000 2nd Rank: ₹6,000 3rd Rank: ₹4,000 In addition: Participation Certificates will be provided to eligible participants. Certificates of Excellence will be awarded to top performers. Outstanding contributors may receive recognition for their open-source contributions. Rules: All submissions must be original work. Participants must only work on the repositories and tasks assigned to them. Use of plagiarized code will result in immediate disqualification. Participants must maintain professional conduct throughout the event. Any attempt to manipulate repository history, submissions, or evaluation criteria may lead to disqualification. Decisions made by the organizing team and judges will be final and binding. Late submissions will not be considered unless officially communicated. Participants are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any repository access provided. Submission Process: Complete registration. Qualify through the screening round. Receive repository details via email. Fork/clone the assigned repository. Implement the required changes. Create and submit Pull Requests. Wait for review and merge confirmation. Final evaluation and winner announcement. Complete hackathon is on Unstop. Why Participate? Gain practical open-source experience. Strengthen your GitHub profile. Learn industry-standard collaboration workflows. Compete for a ₹20,000 prize pool. Receive certificates and recognition. Connect with a community of developers from across India. Build. Collaborate. Contribute. Create Impact.