The Big Code (Google India)
Google India
📌 About the Event
The Big Code is a national coding challenge designed to showcase coding, algorithmic problem-solving, and software development skills of engineering students in India through multiple rounds including coding assessments and a final hackathon stage.
ℹ️ Event Details
- Category: Hackathon
- Eligibility
- Must be currently enrolled as a full-time student in an AICTE/UGC-recognized Indian engineering college.
- Year: 2nd, pre-final, or final year students.
- Branch: Circuit majority & allied (e.g., CSE, IT, ECE, EEE).
- Must be aged 18+ and enrolled during the challenge period.
- Current employees/interns/officials of Google/HackerEarth and their immediate families cannot participate.
- Team Size: Individual participation only
- Effort Level: High
- The challenge spans multiple coding rounds over several weeks culminating in a final hackathon; technical accuracy, problem complexity, and algorithmic skills are key judging factors.
- Submission Type:
- Online coding rounds (MCQs + algorithmic coding).
- Finalists submit AI-themed prototype solutions in the finale.
📅 Important Dates
- Registration opens: February 20, 2026
- Registration closes: March 12, 2026, 11:59 PM IST
- Challenge window: March 14, 2026 – April 18, 2026
- Multiple rounds including qualifying, two coding elimination rounds, and the Finals.
🏆 Prize Details and Value
| Prize Tier | Prize Value | Additional Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cash Prize Pool | ₹6,00,000 | Merit-based awards |
| Pixel Buds for Top 50 | Pixel Buds | Finalists eligible |
| Invitation to Google Bengaluru | — | Top 15 finalists |
- Prize Type: Cash, tech hardware, finalist experience.
- Certificates: Achievement certificates provided.
- Internship/Employment: No guarantee of jobs by participation.
- Travel & Experience: Top 15 finalists will be invited in person to present at the Google office in Bengaluru.
🎯 Execution Details
Rounds Structure:
- Registration & Kickoff
- Qualifying Round: MCQs + coding tasks
- Round 1 & 2: Advanced coding challenges
- Final Hackathon:
- Top 50 compete in AI-themed challenge
- Top 15 invited to live presentation at Google Bengaluru
All teams must complete each round to advance.
Format: Hybrid / Multi-stage Online & Live Finale
- Online rounds: All coding and qualifiers.
- Finale: In-person at Google office, Bengaluru for top finalists.