The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has come up with a Flagship nationwide initiative known as Smart India Hackathon, which is aimed at promoting a culture of innovation and problem-solving among students across the Nation. This initiative challenges students to come up with Innovative solutions for the real-world problems that are faced by the Government, Ministries, NGO’s. This initiative will encourage students to think broadly and enhance their creativity and problem-solving skills. All those students who are willing to do registration under this Innovative initiative then they can simply visit the Official Website and fill out the application form online.
About Smart India Hackathon
This Smart India Hackathon is launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHDR) and was organized by the Ministry of Education’s innovation cell (MIC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). This initiative is aimed at promoting Innova and creative thinking among the students by challenging students to come up with innovative solutions for the real-world problems faced by Government Departments, Ministries, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s).
This initiative will foster a mindset of Innovation and Entrepreneurship among all the student, along with enhancing their innovative skills and promoting employability. The Smart India Hackathon has now evolved into the world’s largest open innovation platform by providing students with opportunities to tackle and solve real-world issues with their creative, innovative skills.
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Objective of Smart India Hackathon
The main objective behind the Smart India Hackathon is to promote innovation skills and creativity among the students nationwide. The SIH encourages students to tackle real-world problems faced by the Government Departments, Industries, and Ministries. Innovative ideas that are developed by the students at SIH have led to the formation of successful startups. Students will gain valuable hands-on Experience while enhancing their technical and problem-solving skills.
Short Highlights of Smart India Hackathon
| Objective | Fosters student innovation and problem-solving |
| Organizer | MoE Innovation Cell & AICTE lead it. |
| Participation | Students nationwide; underserved areas emphasized. >13.91 lakh students impacted (since 2017). |
| Problem Statements | Govt, PSU, Industry challenges. Diverse sectors (healthcare, education). 254 statements (186 SW, 68 HW) in 2024. |
| Format | 36-48 hour hackathon (SW/HW). Grand finale at nodal centers. |
| Benefits | Skills, networking, jobs/internships. Recognition, prizes, mentorship. Incubation/startup support. |
| Impact | Solves real problems; fosters PPP. Boosts startup ecosystem, national development. Aligns with Digital India, Make in India. |
| International Collaboration | Singapore-India, ASEAN-India Hackathons. Global knowledge exchange. |
Eligibility Criteria
- This Initiative is open for all students enrolled in Recognized Indian Colleges, including those who are in Undergraduate & Postgraduate programs.
- Student teams must consist of 6 Members, including a team leader.
- Each Team must have at least one Female Member.
- Participating Teams must qualify for the internal hackathon conducted by their college or school.
Ineligibility Criteria
- Students cannot directly do registration under the SIH Registration is managed through the College’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC).
- Teams formed by the students must be from the same school or college. Different Schools or College students teaming up are not eligible.
Benefits of Smart India Hackathon
- This initiative will enhance the skills of the students, such as Technical Skills, Programming, Hardware Prototyping, AI/ML, etc.
- Winners and Finalists will receive Certificates and Cash Rewards from the Authorities.
- Students will be able to receive Guidance from experienced Industry Experts, Government Officials, and Academic Mentors.
- This initiative will encourage students to think broadly and enhance their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Themes Under Smart India Hackathon
- Smart Automation
- Fitness & Sports
- Heritage & Culture
- MedTech/BioTech/ HealthTech
- Agriculture, FoodTech & Rural Development
- Smart Vehicles
- Transportation & Logistics
- Robotics and Drones
- Clean & Green Technology
- Tourism
- Renewable/ Sustainable Energy
- Blockchain & Cybersecurity
- Miscellaneous
- Smart Education
- Disaster Management
Significant Dates of Smart India Hackathon
| Events | Dates |
| Launch Of Smart India Hackathon | 23rd August 2023 |
| Registration and Idea Submission | 21st August to 31st October 2023 |
| Idea Evaluation | 16th October to 15th November 2023 |
| Announcement of Finalist | 15th November to 25th November 2023 |
| Announcement of the Nodal Center | 25th November 2023 |
| The Grand Finale of the Hackathon | 19th December to 25th December 2023 |
Application Procedure Under Smart India Hackathon 2025
- All those students who want to do application under SIH have to visit the Official Website.
- Now the Homepage will open here you have to click on Register for Students option.
- After that the Registration Form will open on your screen here you have to enter all these details-
- College code
- District
- State
- City
- Mobile number
- Name
- SPOC Code
- Authority letter from college
- After Successfully filling all these details you have to take a review and click on Submit button.
Procedure for SPOC Registration for Schools
- Students have to visit the Official Website of SIH.
- Now on the homepage you have to click on SPOC Registration for Schools option.
- After that the SPOC Registration form will open, here you have to enter all these details-
- District
- Best online courses
- City
- Schools Faculty name
- Mobile number
- Select the school board
- School name
- School code
- State
- SPOC consent letter
- Authority letter from the school
- At Last, after entering all the details you have to take a review and click on Submit button,
Registration for Colleges
- Students have to visit the Official SIH Website.
- Now on the homepage you have to click on Registration for Colleges option.
- After that an Registration Form will open, here you have to enter all these details in the form-
- District
- City
- Best online courses
- Mobile number
- College name
- College code
- State
- SPOC consent letter
- Authority letter from the college
- After entering all the details you have to recheck the form and click on Submit button.
Contact Details
- Telephone Number: +91 11 29581316
- Email: sih@aicte-india.org
FAQ’s
What is the Smart India Hackathon?
A nationwide initiative by the Indian government. Aims to address real-world problems through student innovation.
Who can participate in SIH?
Students (UG/PG) enrolled in recognized Indian colleges/universities. Also, school students can participate in the junior edition.
How are teams formed?
Teams must have 6 members, including a leader. All from the same college. At least one female member required. Multidisciplinary teams encouraged.
What is the role of a college’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC)?
The SPOC registers the college and nominated teams on the SIH portal.
Can individuals register directly?
No, student registration is through the college’s SPOC.
What are the benefits of participating in SIH?
Skill enhancement, networking, potential job/internship offers, national recognition, cash prizes, mentorship, and opportunities for incubation and startup development.
What documents are required for registration?
College Authorization Letter and SPOC Consent Letter. Both on college letterhead.
How is the registration process structured?
SPOC registers and gets approved. Team leader registers team, submits details, and ideas online.
What kinds of problem statements are there?
Problem statements come from various sources like ministries, government departments, and industries, covering diverse sectors.
What is the duration and format of the hackathon?
The Grand Finale is a non-stop event lasting 36-48 hours and includes both software and hardware editions.
Is there any registration fee?
No, participation is free for both students and colleges.
What are the prizes for winning teams?
Winning teams receive monetary prizes, with different amounts for software and hardware editions.
What happens after the hackathon?
Promising solutions may be adopted by ministries or supported by incubation centers, potentially leading to funding, startup opportunities, or job offers.