NIELIT Launches National Cyber Security And AI Hackathon ‘Cyber Kushti 2026’

The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has officially launched a nationwide cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI) competition titled Cyber Kushti 2026. Drawing inspiration from traditional Indian wrestling culture, the initiative aims to spotlight critical digital defense skills across the country. Focus on Human Judgment in Cyber Defense According to the Ministry of Electronics and IT, the primary objective of Cyber Kushti 2026 is to evaluate and recognize the critical role of human judgment in cybersecurity assessments. While automated tools and AI continue to reshape the threat landscape, the initiative highlights the necessity of sharp human intellect and strategic decision-making in identifying and mitigating complex security vulnerabilities. Eligibility and Participation Details The hackathon is structured to encourage broad participation across the tech and academic communities: Eligibility: Open to both college students and independent researchers across India. Team Size: Participants must register in teams comprising exactly three members. Entry Fee: Participation is completely free of charge. Important Dates Registration Start Date: August 15, 2026 Registration Deadline: September 10, 2026 Aspiring participants are required to complete their team submissions through the official portal before the September deadline. Unique Cultural Honors and Titles In a departure from conventional tech competition awards, Cyber Kushti 2026 integrates titles and honors inspired by traditional Kushti (Akhara) heritage: Winning Team: Will be conferred the title of ‘Cyber Kesari 2026’ and presented with a traditional ceremonial Gada (mace). Runners-Up: Will be awarded the prestigious titles of ‘Rustam’ and ‘Pahalwan’. Conclusion With Cyber Kushti 2026, NIELIT and the Ministry of Electronics and IT aim to foster high-level technical talent and encourage robust cybersecurity practices among young professionals and researchers nationwide.