TCS HackQuest 2025 – Season 10 | Hiring Freshers for 2026 Batch | Salary Rs 5 LPA Package
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TCS HackQuest 2025 : TCS HackQuest 2025 is back with its 10th season, inviting students and cybersecurity enthusiasts who are passionate about ethical hacking and building a safer digital world. If you’re someone who enjoys solving security challenges, cracking complex puzzles, and protecting systems from cyber risks, this contest is made for you.
This year’s competition offers participants the chance to showcase their talent, win prizes worth up to INR 5 lakhs, and even secure exciting job opportunities with TCS. Eligible students from B.E/B.Tech/M.E/M.Tech/BCA/MCA/BSc/MSc, graduating in 2026, can apply. The last date to register is 01 December 2025.
Top performers will receive interview opportunities with the TCS Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, certificates, exclusive TCS merchandise, and much more.
About TCS HackQuest
HackQuest began in 2016 with the aim of discovering young talent skilled in their favorite cybersecurity challenge, Capture the Flag (CTF). The contest follows a CTF-style format where participants solve challenges within 6 hours.
The challenges are divided into three levels:
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Expert
Participants can choose challenges from any category and are encouraged to attempt all of them. At the end of the contest, winners may receive special prizes and potential job roles in TCS’s cybersecurity division.
TCS HackQuest for 2026 Batch : Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Participants | Students / Fresh Graduates |
| Program Type | Competition (with Job Offers + Prizes) |
| Job Roles | Top performers may receive TCS Ninja / Digital offers |
| Qualification | B.E/B.Tech/M.E/M.Tech/BCA/MCA/BSc/MSc |
| Eligible Batch | 2026 |
| Experience | Freshers |
| Prize Pool | ₹5 Lakhs |
| Mode of Competition | Online / Virtual |
| Last Date to Apply | 01 December 2025 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Requirements
Students graduating in 2026 from recognized Indian colleges/universities with any of the following degrees can apply:
- B.Tech / B.E
- M.Tech / M.E
- BCA / MCA
- B.Sc / B.S
- M.Sc / M.S
TCS may request supporting documents to verify eligibility. If any rules restrict participation, the contest may be consider void.
Participant Rules
- Only individual participation is allow. No teams.
- TCS may verify your eligibility at any point during the contest.
- No registration or participation fee is require.
- Any personal expenses during the contest must be borne by the participant.
Prizes & Opportunities
- Top performers who clear Round 3 may receive TCS Ninja, Digital, or Prime job offers (as per TCS selection policies).
- Top 10 finalists will be awarded during the Grand Finale and will interact with TCS leadership.
- Prizes worth ₹5 lakhs will be distributed.
- Certificates of merit for outstanding performers.
- Exceptional participants may get the chance to work with the TCS Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence.
Contest Rounds & Format
The contest consists of three rounds.
Round 1 – Online CTF Round
- A 6-hour challenge-based online test.
- Participants will solve cybersecurity scenarios and submit captured flags.
- Challenges will be categorized as:
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Expert
- Evaluation will be based on:
- Number of flags captured
- Quality of the submitted report
- Approach and methodology
The challenge portal link will be shared before the contest.
Round 2 – Remote Proctored Round
Participants who clear Round 1 will move to Round 2.
Activity: Penetration Testing on hosted challenges
Challenges may require skills in areas like:
- System exploitation
- AI/ML application vulnerabilities
- Web app penetration testing
- Mobile security
- Digital forensics
- Threat hunting
- Incident response
- Source code analysis
- SOC scenarios
Scoring is based on flags captured. Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.
Round 3 – In-person Final at TCS Campus
- Conducted physically at a TCS office (3–4 hours).
- Shortlisted participants will explain their approach and defend their solutions before a jury.
- Top 10 ethical hackers of HackQuest Season 10 will be selected.
Participants with skills in the following areas may have an advantage:
- Application & network security
- Java/J2EE, PHP, Python, Go
- Ethical hacking
- AI red teaming
- Data science / analytics
- Digital forensics
- Threat hunting
- Reverse engineering / malware analysis
- Security certifications (Security+, OSCP, CEH, ISO 27001, etc.)
How to Register for TCS Hiring HackQuest 2026 ?
Interested participants must register using the link provided and ensure they have a valid TCS CT/DT ID before 01 December 2025.
Apply Link : Click Here
To generate a CT/DT ID:
- Submit the form
- Visit the TCS NextStep Portal
- Click on Register
- Fill in your details
And also apply in Syncfusion Off Campus Drive 2025
Conclusion
TCS HackQuest 2025 (Season 10) is an exciting opportunity for students who are passionate about cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and solving real-world security challenges. With a robust CTF-style competition, valuable learning experiences, and the chance to win prizes worth ₹5 lakhs, the contest offers far more than just a challenge—it opens doors to promising career opportunities with TCS, including potential job offers and interviews with the TCS Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence.
If you’re graduating in 2026 and eager to prove your skills, this is the perfect platform to showcase your talent, learn from experts, and stand out in the world of cybersecurity. Make sure to register before 01 December 2025 and take the first step toward becoming one of the top ethical hackers in the country.
FAQs for TCS HackQuest 2025 Season 10
1. Who can participate in TCS HackQuest 2025?
Students graduating in 2026 from recognized institutes in India with degrees like B.E/B.Tech, M.E/M.Tech, BCA/MCA, BSc/MSc are eligible to participate.
2. Is there any registration fee for the contest?
No, there is no fee for registration or participation. The contest is completely free.
3. What are the benefits of participating in HackQuest?
Participants can win prizes worth ₹5 lakhs, receive certificates of merit, get exclusive merchandise, and top performers may also receive TCS Ninja, Digital, or Prime job offers, along with interview opportunities with the TCS Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence.
4. How many rounds are there in the competition?
HackQuest consists of three rounds:
- Round 1: Online Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge
- Round 2: Remote-proctored penetration testing tasks
- Round 3: In-person finale at a TCS campus
5. What is the last date to register for TCS HackQuest 2025?
The last date to register is 01 December 2025. Applicants must also have a valid TCS CT/DT ID to participate.
