Hackathons for beginners (2026)
Your first hackathon is about finishing, not winning. These hackathons are free, online and open to students, so there is nothing to lose by trying.
A simple plan: pick a problem you understand, keep the scope small, build one feature that works end to end, and spend the last hours on a clear demo. Read how to win a hackathon and what is a hackathon before you start.
Open and upcoming
ML Challenge Hack4Hack 2026
A two-round machine-learning challenge. A 24-hour Round 1 starts when the problem statement and dataset go live on 22 Oct; the top 100 get a new problem and dataset for 3 days.
Datathon by Hack4Hack · Online · ₹1L in prizes · Free · Registration closes 20 Oct 2026
AgentX Hackathon 2026
Build AI agents that get real work done. 24 hours, online. Free to register.
Hackathon by Hack4Hack · Online · ₹3.75L in prizes · Free · Registration closes 30 Oct 2026
Frequently asked questions
Can I join a hackathon with no experience?
Yes. Many teams have first-timers. Join a team with at least one person who has built something before, and take on research, design or the presentation if you are new to coding.
What should I learn before my first hackathon?
Git and GitHub, one language well (Python or JavaScript), and how to deploy a simple app. Everything else you can learn during the event.
Will I get a certificate?
Every team that submits a project gets a participation certificate when the hackathon ends, and winners get a certificate of achievement. Some organizers add their own certificates too.