{"id":30721,"date":"2026-10-18T21:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-18T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/?p=30721"},"modified":"2026-10-18T13:55:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-18T08:25:14","slug":"what-is-a-hackathon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Hackathon?: A Guide for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/What-Is-a-Hackathon_-A-Complete-Guide-1-1024x427.png\" alt=\"What is a Hackathon?\" class=\"wp-image-30722\" srcset=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/What-Is-a-Hackathon_-A-Complete-Guide-1-1024x427.png 1024w, https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/What-Is-a-Hackathon_-A-Complete-Guide-1-672x280.png 672w, https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/What-Is-a-Hackathon_-A-Complete-Guide-1.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Summary<\/strong>: Hackathons are meant to build practical experience, test new ideas, and demonstrate job-oriented skills. Beyond coding, many events involve design, research, product development, and teamwork, making them useful for building portfolios. Explore relevant <a href=\"https:\/\/trainings.internshala.com\/?utm_source=is_blog&amp;utm_medium=what-is-a-hackathon&amp;utm_campaign=candidate-blog-detail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Internshala Trainings<\/a> to build the skills you need to participate in hackathons and strengthen your portfolio.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Students and early-career professionals may develop programming, data analysis, design, and other technical skills through courses and academic projects. However, classroom learning does not always replicate solving practical problems, collaborating with people from different backgrounds, and delivering results under a tight deadline. A hackathon brings these elements together, giving participants a focused environment to turn ideas into workable solutions. This guide explores what a hackathon is, how it works, its different formats, who can participate, and the skills that can help you perform well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#What_is_a_Hackathon\" >What is a Hackathon?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#What_are_the_Types_of_Hackathon_Events\" >What are the Types of Hackathon Events?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#How_Does_a_Hackathon_Work_%E2%80%93_Step-by-Step_Process\" >How Does a Hackathon Work? &#8211; Step-by-Step Process<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#Who_Can_Participate_in_a_Hackathon\" >Who Can Participate in a Hackathon?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#Skills_Useful_for_a_Hackathon\" >Skills Useful for a Hackathon<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#How_to_Prepare_for_a_Hackathon\" >How to Prepare for a Hackathon<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#Hackathon_vs_Coding_Competition_What_Is_the_Difference\" >Hackathon vs Coding Competition: What Is the Difference?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-a-hackathon\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_Hackathon\"><\/span>What is a Hackathon?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A hackathon is an event where participants work individually or in teams to solve a problem, develop an idea, or build a working prototype within a fixed period. Hackathons can focus on areas such as software development, artificial intelligence, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/trainings.internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-cyber-security\/?utm_source=is_blog&amp;utm_medium=what-is-a-hackathon&amp;utm_campaign=candidate-blog-detail\">cybersecurity<\/a>, healthcare, finance, or sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The format lets participants apply their knowledge to practical challenges under time constraints. It can also help you build skills and experience that support your academic and professional journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some key benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Solve practical problems and make decisions within limited time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply technical skills to real-world projects and tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connect with peers, mentors, recruiters, and industry professionals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Showcase practical projects on your resume and portfolio.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get guidance and feedback from experienced mentors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experiment with new technologies and tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve time management and prioritization skills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large desktop-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/?utm_source=is_blog&amp;utm_medium=what-is-a-hackathon&amp;utm_campaign=candidate-web-banner\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"203\" src=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Find-and-apply-web-1024x203.jpg\" alt=\"Find and apply web banner\" class=\"wp-image-25333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Find-and-apply-web-1024x203.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Find-and-apply-web-672x133.jpg 672w, https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Find-and-apply-web-1536x305.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Find-and-apply-web-2048x406.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full mobile-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/?utm_source=is_blog&amp;utm_medium=what-is-a-hackathon&amp;utm_campaign=candidate-mobile-banner\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"356\" height=\"256\" src=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Find-and-apply-mobile-1.jpg\" alt=\"Find and apply mobile banner\" class=\"wp-image-25334\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-the-types-of-hackathon-events\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_Types_of_Hackathon_Events\"><\/span>What are the Types of Hackathon Events?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hackathons can take different forms depending on their purpose, participants, and the problems they aim to solve. In India, colleges, companies, government organizations, and technology communities organize hackathons. Some well-known examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Open Hackathons:<\/strong> These allow participants to work on a problem of their choice within a broad theme. <strong>Smart India Hackathon (SIH)<\/strong> is a well-known example, where students develop solutions for challenges submitted by government departments and organizations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Themed Hackathons:<\/strong> These focus on a specific technology or industry. Google Cloud\u2019s GenAI Exchange Hackathon, for example, centers on generative AI and cloud technologies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Internal Hackathons:<\/strong> Companies conduct these events for their employees to encourage innovation and solve business problems. Microsoft India\u2019s internal hackathons show how organizations use hackathons to encourage employees to experiment with new technologies and ideas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Student Hackathons:<\/strong> These are designed primarily for college students and help them gain hands-on experience. IIT Bombay\u2019s Techfest regularly features hackathon-style competitions and technology challenges for students.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Online Hackathons:<\/strong> These are conducted virtually, allowing participants from different locations to collaborate remotely. MLH (Major League Hacking) has hosted several online hackathons that Indian students and developers can participate in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Social Impact Hackathons:<\/strong> These focus on solving social or environmental challenges through technology. The Smart India Hackathon also includes challenges in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and sustainability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> If you&#8217;re looking for hackathons to participate in? Check out the latest <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/competitions\/hackathons\/?utm_source=is_blog&amp;utm_medium=what-is-a-hackathon&amp;utm_campaign=candidate-blog-detail\">hackathon competitions in India<\/a> to find opportunities to test your skills, build projects, and compete with other participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-does-a-hackathon-work---step-by-step-process\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_a_Hackathon_Work_%E2%80%93_Step-by-Step_Process\"><\/span>How Does a Hackathon Work? &#8211; Step-by-Step Process<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The exact format can vary by event; this section explains what a hackathon event is. A hackathon usually takes participants from an idea to a working prototype within a fixed timeframe. Whether you are participating in a college hackathon or a company-led event, the process generally follows these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Choose a Problem or Challenge:<\/strong> First, understand the problem statement and what the organizers expect you to solve. Choose a challenge that matches your team\u2019s skills and can realistically be addressed within the given time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Form a Team:<\/strong> Depending on the rules, you can participate individually or form a team. A mix of skills can be helpful, such as coding, UI\/UX design, research, and presentation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plan the Solution:<\/strong> Discuss possible approaches and decide what you want to build. Focus on the core problem, target users, key features, and technologies you can realistically use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Build a Prototype:<\/strong> Turn your idea into a working prototype. This could be a website, mobile app, software tool, dashboard, or another technology-based solution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Test and Improve:<\/strong> Test the prototype and fix major bugs or usability issues. If mentors are available, use their feedback to identify gaps and improve your solution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Present the Project:<\/strong> Explain the problem, your solution, how it works, and what makes it useful. A short demo can help judges understand your project better.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Get Evaluated:<\/strong> Judges typically consider innovation, technical execution, usefulness, feasibility, and presentation before announcing the results.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-can-participate-in-a-hackathon\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Can_Participate_in_a_Hackathon\"><\/span>Who Can Participate in a Hackathon?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You do not need to be an expert programmer to participate in a hackathon. Teams often need people with different skills to turn an idea into a working solution. The eligibility criteria depend on the event. Common participants include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>High School or College Students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Software Developers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UI\/UX Designers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data Scientists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Researchers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Project Managers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Entrepreneurs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Young Professionals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subject Matter Experts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hobbyists<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marketing Professionals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AI\/ML Engineers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"skills-useful-for-a-hackathon\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Skills_Useful_for_a_Hackathon\"><\/span>Skills Useful for a Hackathon<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A hackathon does not require you to be an expert in every area. The skills you need depend on the challenge, your role, and what your team plans to build. If you understand \u2018what is a hackathon\u2019 and are wondering about the skills needed to contribute effectively, some of the most useful skills include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Technical Skills:<\/strong> Programming, web or app development, data analysis, AI\/ML, databases, cloud technologies, and API integration can help you build and test a working solution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Problem-Solving Skills:<\/strong> You need to understand the problem, identify its key requirements, and compare possible solutions. Choose an approach that your team can complete within the available time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Teamwork and Collaboration:<\/strong> Working with people from different backgrounds requires clear communication, task sharing, and regular coordination. Being open to others\u2019 ideas can also help your team make better decisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Creativity:<\/strong> Creative thinking can help you approach a problem differently, improve an existing idea, or combine technologies in a useful way. You do not always need to create something completely new.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Communication and Presentation:<\/strong> You should be able to explain your idea clearly to mentors and judges. Focus on the problem, your solution, how it works, and the value it offers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time Management:<\/strong> Hackathons have tight deadlines, so prioritize the most important features first. Leave enough time to test, fix issues, prepare your presentation, and demonstrate the final solution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Looking to gain practical experience after a hackathon? Explore <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/internships\/?utm_source=is_blog&amp;utm_medium=what-is-a-hackathon&amp;utm_campaign=candidate-blog-detail\">internships<\/a> on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/?utm_source=is_blog&amp;utm_medium=what-is-a-hackathon&amp;utm_campaign=candidate-blog-detail\">Internshala<\/a> to find roles where you can apply your skills, work on real projects, and gain industry experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-prepare-for-a-hackathon\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Prepare_for_a_Hackathon\"><\/span>How to Prepare for a Hackathon<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This section of the blog, \u2018what a hackathon event is\u2019, explains how you can prepare for one. Here are important steps to help you prepare effectively for a hackathon:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Understand the Format:<\/strong> Before registering, check the hackathon\u2019s theme, rules, duration, eligibility criteria, team size, submission requirements, and judging criteria.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Know the Technology Requirements:<\/strong> Find out which programming languages, platforms, APIs, or tools you may need. If you are participating online, test your internet connection and required software beforehand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Build a Balanced Team:<\/strong> Choose teammates with complementary skills. Depending on the challenge, you may need developers, designers, data analysts, researchers, or people with product and business knowledge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Research the Problem:<\/strong> If the challenge is announced in advance, understand the target users, existing solutions, and major pain points. It can help your team start with a clearer direction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Set Up Your Tools:<\/strong> Install required software, create necessary accounts, organize datasets, and prepare development or design environments before the event begins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plan Your Time:<\/strong> Decide how much time you will spend on ideation, development, testing, and the final presentation. Avoid using most of the event on building features and leaving testing until the last minute.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Divide Responsibilities:<\/strong> Assign clear tasks and keep teammates updated to avoid duplicated work and delays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prepare the Presentation:<\/strong> Plan how you will explain the problem, solution, key features, technology used, and potential impact. Practice the demo before submission.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> If you want more ways to test your skills, explore current <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/competitions\/?utm_source=is_blog&amp;utm_medium=what-is-a-hackathon&amp;utm_campaign=candidate-blog-detail\">competitions<\/a> in India. This will help you find hackathons, challenges, and fests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hackathon-vs-coding-competition-what-is-the-difference\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hackathon_vs_Coding_Competition_What_Is_the_Difference\"><\/span>Hackathon vs Coding Competition: What Is the Difference?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hackathons and coding competitions both involve solving problems with technology, but their goals and formats differ. A hackathon usually focuses on building a practical solution, while a coding competition mainly tests your programming and problem-solving ability. Here\u2019s an overview of the differences between what a hackathon is and a coding competition:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><th>Factor<\/th><th>Hackathon<\/th><th>Coding Competition<\/th><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Primary Focus<\/strong><\/td><td>Building a practical solution or prototype<\/td><td>Solving programming and algorithmic problems<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Skills Required<\/strong><\/td><td>Coding, design, research, teamwork, presentation, and problem-solving<\/td><td>Programming, algorithms, data structures, and logical reasoning<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Participation<\/strong><\/td><td>Usually team-based<\/td><td>Usually individual, though some are team-based<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Output<\/strong><\/td><td>Working prototype, app, website, or other solution<\/td><td>Code that solves a given problem<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Evaluation<\/strong><\/td><td>Innovation, usefulness, technical execution, feasibility, and presentation<\/td><td>Correctness, efficiency, accuracy, and speed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Duration<\/strong><\/td><td>Usually several hours to a few days<\/td><td>Usually a fixed time ranging from minutes to several hours<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Learning Outcome<\/strong><\/td><td>Project building, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving<\/td><td>Programming proficiency and competitive problem-solving<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Best For<\/strong><\/td><td>Students who want to build projects and work in teams<\/td><td>Students who want to strengthen coding and algorithmic skills<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For students and young professionals, the choice depends on what they want to practice. A hackathon is useful if you want to build a portfolio project and experience teamwork, while coding competitions are better suited to improving algorithms, competitive programming, and problem-solving speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Interested in working in tech without learning to code? Read our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/it-jobs-without-coding\/?utm_source=is_blog&amp;utm_medium=what-is-a-hackathon&amp;utm_campaign=candidate-blog-detail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IT jobs without coding<\/a> to explore career options and the skills you need to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large desktop-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/?utm_source=is_blog&amp;utm_medium=what-is-a-hackathon&amp;utm_campaign=candidate-web-banner\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"203\" src=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Find-and-apply-web-1024x203.jpg\" alt=\"Find and apply web banner\" class=\"wp-image-25333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Find-and-apply-web-1024x203.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Find-and-apply-web-672x133.jpg 672w, https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Find-and-apply-web-1536x305.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Find-and-apply-web-2048x406.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full mobile-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/?utm_source=is_blog&amp;utm_medium=what-is-a-hackathon&amp;utm_campaign=candidate-mobile-banner\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"356\" height=\"256\" src=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Find-and-apply-mobile-1.jpg\" alt=\"Find and apply mobile banner\" class=\"wp-image-25334\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In this blog, we answered \u2018what is a hackathon?\u2019 and covered its different types to help you choose the right event and prepare in advance. Hackathons provide a practical way to turn knowledge into experience. While many hackathons involve coding, they can also include research, design, data, product thinking, business strategy, teamwork, and presentation. Whether you want to learn a new skill, gain hands-on experience, build your portfolio, or connect with like-minded people, a hackathon can give you a structured environment to do all of these at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to make your hackathon experience stand out to employers? Learn how to build a strong resume with our guide on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/nitty-gritty-of-resume-writing\/?utm_source=is_blog&amp;utm_medium=what-is-a-hackathon&amp;utm_campaign=candidate-blog-detail\">how to make a resume for any job profile<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faqs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1792310762504\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Q1. Do I need coding skills to participate in a hackathon?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><strong>Answer:<\/strong> Coding skills aren&#8217;t mandatory to participate in a hackathon. Many hackathons involve people with different skills, including design, product management, business, data analysis, and research. However, this depends on the specific hackathon and its problem statement.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1792310763259\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Q2. Can beginners participate in a hackathon?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><strong>Answer:<\/strong> Yes, many hackathons accept beginners, and some offer workshops or mentorship for participants new to the format.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1792310763745\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Q3. How long does a hackathon last?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><strong>Answer:<\/strong> The duration varies by event. Some hackathons last a few hours, while many run for one or two days.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main \"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">0<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finternshala.com%2Fblog%2Fwhat-is-a-hackathon%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Share&nbsp;on&nbsp;Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Get&nbsp;Your&nbsp;Dream&nbsp;Internship<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.42-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summary: Hackathons are meant to build practical experience, test new ideas, and demonstrate job-oriented skills. Beyond coding, many events involve design, research, product development, and teamwork, making them useful for<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6510,"featured_media":30723,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1594],"tags":[10450],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is a Hackathon? A Handbook for 2026<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is a hackathon? Learn how hackathons work, types of hackathons, who can participate, key benefits, &amp; tips to prepare for your first hackathon.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is a Hackathon? A Handbook for 2026\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What is a hackathon? Learn how hackathons work, types of hackathons, who can participate, key benefits, &amp; tips to prepare for your first hackathon.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Internshala blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-10-18T15:30:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-18T08:25:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"http:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/What-Is-a-Hackathon_-A-Complete-Guide.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"390\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"255\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Surbhi Girdhar\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Surbhi Girdhar\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Surbhi Girdhar\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c1217ccdb4b896336e5d82821a562a55\"},\"headline\":\"What is a Hackathon?: A Guide for 2026\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-18T15:30:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-18T08:25:14+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/\"},\"wordCount\":1857,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"keywords\":[\"What is a Hackathon?\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Programming\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/\",\"name\":\"What is a Hackathon? A Handbook for 2026\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-18T15:30:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-18T08:25:14+00:00\",\"description\":\"What is a hackathon? Learn how hackathons work, types of hackathons, who can participate, key benefits, & tips to prepare for your first hackathon.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310762504\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310763259\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310763745\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Learning Tracks\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/learning-tracks\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Programming\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/learning-tracks\/programming\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"What is a Hackathon?: A Guide for 2026\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Internshala blog\",\"description\":\"Your favourite senior outside college\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Internshala blog\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/LOGO-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/LOGO-1.png\",\"width\":112,\"height\":31,\"caption\":\"Internshala blog\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c1217ccdb4b896336e5d82821a562a55\",\"name\":\"Surbhi Girdhar\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Image_20250122_172854-1-96x96.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Image_20250122_172854-1-96x96.jpeg\",\"caption\":\"Surbhi Girdhar\"},\"description\":\"Surbhi Girdhar has been working at Internshala since June 2023, contributing to the creation of well-researched and high-quality content across formats. She holds a Master\u2019s degree in East Asian Studies with a specialization in the Japanese language from the University of Delhi. With a strong focus on clarity and precision, she brings a structured approach to content development. Her work reflects a balance of research and creativity, enabling her to produce engaging and effective content.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/surbhi-girdhar-051b8b296\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/author\/surbhi-is\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310762504\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310762504\",\"name\":\"Q1. Do I need coding skills to participate in a hackathon?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<strong>Answer:<\/strong> Coding skills aren't mandatory to participate in a hackathon. Many hackathons involve people with different skills, including design, product management, business, data analysis, and research. However, this depends on the specific hackathon and its problem statement.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310763259\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310763259\",\"name\":\"Q2. Can beginners participate in a hackathon?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<strong>Answer:<\/strong> Yes, many hackathons accept beginners, and some offer workshops or mentorship for participants new to the format.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310763745\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310763745\",\"name\":\"Q3. How long does a hackathon last?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<strong>Answer:<\/strong> The duration varies by event. Some hackathons last a few hours, while many run for one or two days.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What is a Hackathon? A Handbook for 2026","description":"What is a hackathon? Learn how hackathons work, types of hackathons, who can participate, key benefits, & tips to prepare for your first hackathon.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"What is a Hackathon? A Handbook for 2026","og_description":"What is a hackathon? Learn how hackathons work, types of hackathons, who can participate, key benefits, & tips to prepare for your first hackathon.","og_url":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/","og_site_name":"Internshala blog","article_published_time":"2026-10-18T15:30:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-10-18T08:25:14+00:00","og_image":[{"width":390,"height":255,"url":"http:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/What-Is-a-Hackathon_-A-Complete-Guide.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Surbhi Girdhar","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Surbhi Girdhar","Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/"},"author":{"name":"Surbhi Girdhar","@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c1217ccdb4b896336e5d82821a562a55"},"headline":"What is a Hackathon?: A Guide for 2026","datePublished":"2026-10-18T15:30:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-18T08:25:14+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/"},"wordCount":1857,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#organization"},"keywords":["What is a Hackathon?"],"articleSection":["Programming"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/","url":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/","name":"What is a Hackathon? A Handbook for 2026","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-10-18T15:30:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-18T08:25:14+00:00","description":"What is a hackathon? Learn how hackathons work, types of hackathons, who can participate, key benefits, & tips to prepare for your first hackathon.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310762504"},{"@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310763259"},{"@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310763745"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Learning Tracks","item":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/learning-tracks\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Programming","item":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/learning-tracks\/programming\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"What is a Hackathon?: A Guide for 2026"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/","name":"Internshala blog","description":"Your favourite senior outside college","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Internshala blog","url":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/LOGO-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/LOGO-1.png","width":112,"height":31,"caption":"Internshala blog"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/c1217ccdb4b896336e5d82821a562a55","name":"Surbhi Girdhar","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Image_20250122_172854-1-96x96.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Image_20250122_172854-1-96x96.jpeg","caption":"Surbhi Girdhar"},"description":"Surbhi Girdhar has been working at Internshala since June 2023, contributing to the creation of well-researched and high-quality content across formats. She holds a Master\u2019s degree in East Asian Studies with a specialization in the Japanese language from the University of Delhi. With a strong focus on clarity and precision, she brings a structured approach to content development. Her work reflects a balance of research and creativity, enabling her to produce engaging and effective content.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/surbhi-girdhar-051b8b296\/"],"url":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/author\/surbhi-is\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310762504","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310762504","name":"Q1. Do I need coding skills to participate in a hackathon?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"<strong>Answer:<\/strong> Coding skills aren't mandatory to participate in a hackathon. Many hackathons involve people with different skills, including design, product management, business, data analysis, and research. However, this depends on the specific hackathon and its problem statement.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310763259","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310763259","name":"Q2. Can beginners participate in a hackathon?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"<strong>Answer:<\/strong> Yes, many hackathons accept beginners, and some offer workshops or mentorship for participants new to the format.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310763745","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hackathon\/#faq-question-1792310763745","name":"Q3. How long does a hackathon last?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"<strong>Answer:<\/strong> The duration varies by event. Some hackathons last a few hours, while many run for one or two days.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30721"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6510"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30721"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30721\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30723"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30721"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30721"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/internshala.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30721"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}