SIH 2026 is Officially Live
The Smart India Hackathon 2026 launched on August 21, 2026. Organized by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC) and AICTE, SIH 2026 is India’s largest national-level product development competition. University students across India are invited to develop innovative software and hardware prototypes for real-world civic, industrial, and ministerial challenges.
Estimated Timeline & Key Milestones
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| August 2026 | SPOC registration closing, official release of problem statements, YouTube launch |
| September 2026 | Institutions conduct internal hackathons to shortlist and nominate teams |
| October – November 2026 | Online evaluation, pre-screening of idea PPTs, shortlisting of national finalists |
| December 2026 | 36-hour non-stop Grand Finale at nodal centers across India |
Team Composition Rules (Strict)
- Team Size: Exactly 6 student members from the same institution
- Gender Diversity: Minimum 1 female member per team (mandatory)
- Mentorship: Teams can select 1-2 faculty or industry mentors for guidance
- Cross-department: Members can be from different departments within the same institution
How to Participate (Step by Step)
- SPOC Activation – Ensure your college has registered its designated Single Point of Contact (SPOC) on the official SIH portal. If your college doesn’t have one, talk to your HOD or Dean.
- Problem Statement Selection – Browse the corporate and public sector challenges published on the official portal. Read our guide on choosing the right problem statement.
- Internal Hackathon – Register and win your college’s internal hackathon to receive an official nomination from your SPOC. Tips to clear the internal round.
- National Submission – The SPOC uploads your team’s idea PPT and video demonstration for final screening.
- Grand Finale – If shortlisted, attend the 36-hour non-stop hackathon at a nodal center in December.
Prepare Now
The best teams start preparing BEFORE problem statements are released. Here’s how: