Purpose & Acceptance of Terms

This document lays out the rules, intellectual property terms, data confidentiality expectations, and AI usage guidelines that apply to the Hackathon ("Terms").

It applies to everyone taking part in the Hackathon as applicants and registered participants (referred to as "Participants" in this document).

By registering for or taking part in the Hackathon, you're agreeing to these Terms, which may be updated from time to time as needed.

Eligibility & Participation

Participation is open exclusively to eligible candidates from Delhi NCR colleges, with eligibility verified at the time of registration through College Roll Number / ID.

Participation is individual only. Each Participant registers, submits, and is evaluated on their own, and is responsible for their own submission and conduct.

Registration & Event Timeline

Participants must complete registration and eligibility verification by the date shared by the organizer. Key dates — registration close, Synopsis submission, Build code submission, Spotlight and results — will be published through official Hackathon communication channels of the company.

Support During the Hackathon

We know you might hit a wall or have a quick technical question while building — that's completely normal.

During the Hackathon, our team will be available over email to help point you in the right direction. Think of this as light-touch email support rather than hands-on coding help.

Rules & Guidelines

5.1 Plagiarism & Originality

Your submission should be entirely your own work, built during the official Hackathon execution window — please don't reuse or lightly tweak something you built earlier and pass it off as new.

If you use AI tools (code assistants, LLMs, etc.) while building, that's absolutely fine — just declare it using the same in a document which you can submit in the Coding leg of the Hackathon.

If plagiarism is found — at any stage, even after results are announced — your participation will be terminated with immediate effect.

5.2 Prohibited Content

Submissions must not include any of the 8 restricted content categories (see the Prohibited or Restricted Content list). Repositories are scanned during evaluation, and anything found in commit history can invalidate a submission. This list is available to registered participants who have been shortlisted for the Coding round of the Hackathon.

5.3 Responsible Use of AI Tools

If you use AI tools during the Hackathon, please make sure to:

• Stay fully responsible for any AI-generated code or content in your submission — including its accuracy, security, and originality;
• Review and test any AI-generated code or content before relying on it;
• Not use AI tools to generate harmful, malicious, illegal, or unauthorized content;
• Not upload Confidential Information (see Section 9) or personal/sensitive data into any AI tool that hasn't been approved for use in the Hackathon; and
• Follow the applicable third-party terms of any AI tool you use.

Evaluation & Judging

6.1 Evaluation Protocol

Each stage is judged on its own rubric — see the Synopsis Evaluation Criteria and Code Evaluation Criteria for the full weighted breakdown, visible to registered and shortlisted participants for the specific round of the Hackathon. Higher-level information is visible on the public page of the Hackathon portal.

6.2 Finality of Decisions

All decisions relating to eligibility, evaluation, scoring, and results are final. We won't be able to respond to individual queries about specific scores or rankings (for other concerns, see Section 12).

Violations & Disqualification

Plagiarism, false eligibility information, prohibited content, or any other breach of these Terms may lead to disqualification at any stage — including after results are announced.

Intellectual Property

8.1 Ownership of Submissions

You keep ownership of your submitted code and solution ("Submission"). We evaluate Submissions purely for the purpose of this Hackathon and don't claim ownership of any Submission, except where separately agreed in writing with winning Participants.

8.2 Background Intellectual Property

Any pre-existing IP you bring into or use during the Hackathon ("Background IP") stays owned by you or its rightful owner. Nothing here transfers ownership of Background IP — it's licensed to the Hackathon only to the extent needed to evaluate your Submission.

8.3 Open-Source Usage

Use of open-source libraries or components is permitted with proper attribution. You're responsible for ensuring compliance with the applicable license terms of any component you use.

8.4 License to Organizer

By submitting an entry, you grant the organizer a limited, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to review, evaluate, and internally showcase your Submission for purposes connected to the Hackathon.

8.5 Non-Infringement

You confirm that your Submission is your own original work (or properly licensed/attributed where third-party or open-source components are used), and doesn't infringe anyone else's IP rights.

Data Confidentiality

9.1 Confidential Information

During the Hackathon, you may get access to or become aware of information that's confidential or not publicly available.

9.2 Handling of Data and Credentials

If you're given datasets, APIs, test environments, credentials, or other technical resources, please use them only for the intended Hackathon purpose.

During the Hackathon, please don't:

• Try to access systems, accounts, data, or environments beyond what's been specifically provided to you;
• Bypass or attempt to bypass security controls, authentication, or access restrictions;
• Use provided credentials for anything outside their intended purpose;
• Share your credentials with anyone else;
• Access production systems or real customer data unless specifically authorized in writing; or
• Copy, retain, or reuse Hackathon-provided data or materials after the event for unrelated purposes.

Information Security

Beyond Section 9.2, please don't introduce malware or malicious code, or do anything intended to disrupt, damage, or degrade Hackathon systems, networks, or data.

If you spot a security vulnerability in Hackathon-provided systems, please report it promptly to hackathon@contata.com, and avoid exploiting, probing further, or sharing the vulnerability with anyone else.

Organizer's Rights, Liability & Governing Law

11.1 Organizer's Rights

We reserve the right to modify these Terms, the event timeline, or format, and to postpone, suspend, or cancel the Hackathon where reasonably necessary — including for reasons beyond our control. We'll let you know of any material changes through official Hackathon communication channels wherever practical.

11.2 Liability

To the extent permitted by law, the organizer won't be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential loss arising from participation in the Hackathon — including loss of data, technical failures, or changes, cancellations, or postponements of the event.

11.3 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of India, and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts at Delhi.

Grievance & Contact

If you have any concern or grievance of any kind — related to privacy, confidentiality, security, misuse of systems, conduct, or anything else about the Hackathon — please feel free to write to us, and we'll get back to you in a timely manner.

Eligibility

Who can participate?

This hackathon is open to students who are 2025 & 2026 pass-outs, or going to pass out in 2027, subject to the full eligibility rules published on the main event page.

Can students from any college/location participate?

No. Participation is limited to students from colleges located within Delhi NCR — specifically Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurugram.

What streams are eligible?

Only students from B.Tech, B.E., and MCA streams are eligible.

Can I participate as an individual, or do I need a team?

This is a solo hackathon — team participation is not allowed. You register and submit individually.

I don't fall in the 2025–2027 pass-out range. Can I still apply?

No. Eligibility is strictly limited to 2025, 2026, and 2027 pass-outs, with no exceptions.

Registration

What information do I need to register?

To register, you'll need to provide: full name, phone number, email address, college roll number / ID, and college name. Your college must be located within an eligible Delhi NCR location — see the Eligibility section above for the full list of eligible cities.

Round 1 — Synopsis

What is the Synopsis round?

It is the first evaluation round. You submit a synopsis — text-based information describing your understanding of the challenge, proposed solution, data, architecture, AI approach, expected impact, and risks. This is an online form which you access once you register for the Hackathon.

Is the synopsis a full technical design document?

No. It should be concise and focused, though it does include a short section on your technical approach. Evaluators want to understand your thinking and whether your approach is feasible — not a complete design spec.

How will the synopsis be evaluated?

It will be evaluated on problem understanding, proposed technical approach, AI judgment, feasibility, expected impact, risk awareness, innovation, and communication. Shortlisting for the next step — Round 2 (Build Submission) — is based on this evaluation.

Round 2 — Code Submission

What must I submit?

Submit your source code through your registered GitHub repository, along with supporting documents such as a README, setup instructions, tests, assumptions, AI-tool disclosure, and known limitations.

Do I need to upload a ZIP file?

No. Your final repository commit is captured automatically via the registered GitHub URL. The same repository is also used to retrieve any other required documents.

Can I use AI coding tools?

Yes, AI coding tools may be used as per the event's Responsible use of AI tools policy. Refer to the Terms & Conditions link in the website footer for detailed guidelines and restrictions.

Can I use any programming language or framework?

Yes, within the supported tech stack. See the Tech Stack section on the main event page for the current list of supported languages, databases, and frameworks.

Are there code-size limits?

Yes. The maximum source code size is 10,000 lines of code (LOC), and other limits on file count and execution time apply as published. These limits exist to ensure fair and secure evaluation; staying within them does not by itself affect your score.

What if I face a technical issue close to the submission deadline?

Contact the event helpdesk immediately, before the deadline passes — do not wait until after. Extensions are granted at the organizers' discretion only and are not guaranteed.

Can I switch my problem statement after Round 1?

No. Once you are shortlisted for Round 2 (Code Submission), your problem statement is locked and cannot be changed. Please note that there is only one problem statement defined for this Hackathon.

Round 3 — Spotlight (Panel Interview)

What is the Spotlight round?

Spotlight is the final evaluation round, held after Round 2 (Code Submission). It is an in-person panel interview where shortlisted candidates present and discuss their submitted solution with a panel of judges. The winner is declared based on this round.

Who is invited to the Spotlight round?

Only candidates shortlisted after Round 2 (Code Submission) are invited to Spotlight.

Is the Spotlight round online or in person?

Spotlight is conducted in person at our Noida location. Address and other details will be provided to eligible candidates in time.

When and how will I get the details for my Spotlight interview?

Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the schedule, venue, and other logistics after Round 2 results are announced. They will be given a minimum of 3 days' notice to make themselves available.

What should I bring or prepare for the Spotlight round?

Bring a valid government-provided photo ID, college-provided ID/certificate (actual or provisional), and be ready to present and discuss your submitted solution live. You may also bring additional items — laptop, printed documents, resume, etc. — to support your submission.

What if I can't travel to the venue for my Spotlight interview?

Since Spotlight is an in-person round, candidates are expected to attend at the venue.

How is the winner decided?

The winner is declared based on your performance in the Spotlight panel interview along with your performance in the previous rounds, as well as how you present and defend your solution before the panel.

Evaluation and Hiring

Is the most innovative idea guaranteed to win?

No. Winners are selected using the published criteria, with functional correctness and engineering quality carrying substantial weight. Parameters and their weightages are shared on the website once registration is complete and you're inside the logged-in pages.

Does a good presentation compensate for non-working code?

No. Your solution must meet the mandatory functional and technical gates — a good presentation alone is not sufficient.

Will AI-generated code be penalized?

Responsible, disclosed AI use is permitted. You remain responsible for the correctness, security, and originality of your code. See the Terms & Conditions for full rules on plagiarism and licensing.

What happens to my code after I submit it?

Your repository is accessed by organizers solely for evaluation and will not be made public without your consent. IP ownership terms are covered in the Terms & Conditions.

Does participating guarantee a job?

No. Strong performers may be invited to technical interviews or considered for relevant roles, subject to fitment and the organization's normal hiring process.

Support and Logistics

Where can I find the event dates, prizes, and other details?

All dates, format, prizes, and the tech stack are published on the main event page — please refer there for the latest information.

Do I need prior professional or AI experience to participate?

No prior professional AI experience is required. The hackathon is open to eligible final-year students and recent graduates as described in the Eligibility section — enthusiasm to learn and build matters most.

How do I get help during the event?

Support will be available via email at hackathon@contata.com, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM IST daily, starting from the registration date through the end of the event — covering all three rounds; dates given on the event's public page. Queries can be submitted at any time of day or night; any query received after 9:00 PM will be responded to the following day during support hours.

How and when will results be announced? Will I receive a certificate?

The results announcement date is given on the website's public page. All participants who take part in the Spotlight panel interview round will receive a certificate of participation. Winners — Grand Prize, 1st Runner-Up, 2nd Runner-Up, and Consolation Prize winners — will instead receive a prize certificate along with their prize, as detailed on the main event page.

Purpose & Who We Are

This Notice explains what personal data Contata Solutions Pvt. Ltd. ("we," "us," "the organizer") collects from Hackathon participants, applicants, mentors, and judges, why we collect it, how it is used and protected, and the rights available to you. We determine the purpose and means of processing this data.

Personal Data We Collect

Depending on your involvement, we may collect:

• Name, email address, and phone number;
• College/institution and course details;
• Registration and eligibility information;
• Submissions, project details, presentations, and related materials;
• Communications with us regarding the Hackathon;
• Technical data needed to administer the event or its platforms (see Section 6, Cookies);
• Photos, video, or recordings taken at the event, where applicable; and
• Any other information you voluntarily provide.

Why We Use It, and On What Basis

We use your data to process registrations, verify eligibility, communicate updates, manage submissions and judging, award certificates or prizes, maintain security, and meet legal or regulatory requirements.

Most of this processing relies on the data you voluntarily provide for the specified purpose of participating in the Hackathon; where we rely on your consent instead — for example, optional promotional communications — you may decline or withdraw it anytime via Section 8 (Contact), without affecting your ability to participate.

How We Share Your Data

We share data only where reasonably necessary, with:

• Hackathon organizers and authorized staff;
• Mentors, judges, or evaluators, where relevant;
• Service providers supporting registration, evaluation, hosting, communications, or backup storage (including Microsoft OneDrive, which stores backups in the United States);
• Partners or sponsors, only where necessary and disclosed to you; and
• Government authorities, where required by law.

Access is limited to authorized personnel for legitimate purposes.

Storage, Security & Retention

Data is stored and processed primarily within India by us and our service providers.

We apply reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.

Data is generally retained for up to 2 years after the Hackathon concludes, unless a longer period is needed for legal, tax, or dispute-resolution purposes, after which it is deleted or anonymized.

Cookies & Website Tracking

The Hackathon website uses cookies and similar technologies, including analytics, to operate the site and understand usage. See our Cookie Policy for details and how to manage preferences.

Eligibility & Minors

The Hackathon is open only to participants aged 18 or older at registration. We do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under 18.

Your Rights & How to Reach Us

Subject to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and other applicable law, you may:

• Obtain information about how your data is processed;
• Request correction or updating of inaccurate or incomplete data;
• Request erasure of data no longer needed for the purposes in this Notice;
• Withdraw consent, where processing is based on consent; and
• Raise a grievance with us, and if unresolved, complain to the Data Protection Board of India.

Updates to This Notice

We may update this Notice to reflect changes to the Hackathon, applicable law, or our practices. Material updates will be communicated through official Hackathon channels.