Hacker's Gambit 2026

Hackers Gambit 2026 – International Capture The Flag (CTF) CompetitionHackers Gambit 2026 is an International-Level Capture The Flag (CTF) Competition organized by JCOE Cyber Sentinels, Jaihind College of Engineering, Kuran. The event aims to bring together students, cybersecurity enthusiasts, researchers, and professionals from around the world to compete in a challenging cybersecurity competition designed to test technical expertise, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.The competition consists of two stages:Round 1 – Online Qualifier (48 Hours)Date: 2 October 2026 – 4 October 2026Time: 12:00 PM IST (2 Oct) to 12:00 PM IST (4 Oct)Mode: OnlineDuration: 48 HoursParticipants will solve real-world cybersecurity challenges across multiple categories, including:Web SecurityCryptographyReverse EngineeringDigital ForensicsBinary Exploitation (Pwn)Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)SteganographyMiscellaneous ChallengesThe online qualifier will determine the Top 15 teams, who will advance to the Grand Finale.Round 2 – Grand Finale (Offline)Date: 30 October 2026 – 31 October 2026Time: 12:00 PM IST (30 Oct) to 12:00 PM IST (31 Oct)Mode: OfflineVenue: Jaihind College of Engineering, Kuran, Maharashtra, IndiaDuration: 24 HoursThe finalists will compete in an intensive 24-hour CTF featuring advanced security challenges designed to test technical depth, teamwork, endurance, and creativity.The competition concludes with the Prize Distribution and Closing Ceremony.Eligibility:Open to participants from all countries.Students, researchers, professionals, and cybersecurity enthusiasts are welcome.Participants must comply with all competition rules and ethical hacking guidelines.No prior professional cybersecurity experience is required.Participants below 18 years of age should obtain parental or institutional consent if required by local regulations.Team Formation:Individual participation is allowed.Team participation is allowed.Maximum 3 members per team.Inter-college teams are allowed.Inter-university teams are allowed.Inter-specialization teams are allowed.International teams are allowed.Team composition cannot be changed after registrations close without prior approval from the organizing committee.Competition FormatOnline Qualifier:Jeopardy-style Capture The Flag competition.Multiple categories with varying difficulty levels.Challenges carry different point values.Dynamic scoring may be implemented.Live leaderboard throughout the competition (subject to organizer discretion).Grand Finale:Advanced Jeopardy-style CTF with higher difficulty.Additional real-world security scenarios may be introduced.Teams compete on-site under supervised conditions.Final rankings are determined based on score and challenge completion.Write-up Submission:Following the online qualifier, participants may be required to submit technical write-ups explaining their solutions for selected challenges.Write-ups will be evaluated for:Technical accuracyOriginalityProper methodologyFair play verificationFailure to submit the required write-up within the deadline may affect qualification for the Grand Finale.Rules:Participants must use only their own skills and knowledge.Sharing flags, solutions, or challenge content during the competition is strictly prohibited.Attacking the competition infrastructure or other participant systems is strictly prohibited.Denial-of-Service (DoS/DDoS) attacks are not permitted.Any attempt to compromise the CTF platform, organizers' infrastructure, or other teams will result in immediate disqualification.Automated exploitation tools are allowed only where explicitly permitted by challenge rules.Organizers reserve the right to request write-ups or additional verification for challenge solutions.Any form of plagiarism, impersonation, collusion, or unfair means will lead to disqualification.The organizing committee's decision shall be final and binding.Judging Criteria:Teams will be evaluated based on:Total points earnedNumber of successfully solved challengesCorrect flag submissionsQuality of required technical write-upsCompliance with competition rulesImportant Dates:Registration Closes: 26 September 2026Online Qualifier: 2–4 October 2026Write-up Submission: 4–6 October 2026Top 15 Teams Announcement: 10 October 2026Grand Finale (Offline): 30–31 October 2026Awards & Closing Ceremony: 31 October 2026Prizes:Cash prizes, trophies, certificates, sponsor goodies, and exclusive rewards will be announced soon.Every verified participant will receive a digital Certificate of Participation.Winners and finalists will receive certificates of achievement and other recognition.