For students, parents and teachers
Questions, answered
Quick answers for students, parents and teachers. Search, or pick a topic.
Registration & Teams
When do registrations open?
Registrations open on 12 October 2026.
When do registrations close?
Registrations close on 31 October 2026. The Round 1 abstract and PPT close on the same day.
When should we register?
Register early. Creating a team close to the deadline does not guarantee enough time to finish the abstract and PPT. Registering early leaves enough time to complete your team details, abstract and PPT before 31 October 2026.
Who is eligible?
Students in Grades 6–11.
How many students can be in a team?
1 to 3 students per team: the Team Leader alone, or the Team Leader plus 1 or 2 teammates. The Team Leader registers the whole team.
Can my teammates sign in?
Yes. Teammates sign up with the email the Team Leader entered and can follow the team’s progress. Only the Team Leader can edit or submit.
Is there a limit on how many teams can register?
No. Any number of teams can register for each track. The Top 20 teams of each track are selected as finalists on 17 November 2026.
How many challenge tracks are there?
There are 5 official challenge tracks. Each team chooses one.
Can teams be formed across schools?
This will be confirmed by the organisers. Please write to risehackathon.support@thepupil.in.
Round 1 & Abstract
What is the Round 1 abstract limit?
The Round 1 abstract can be up to 500 words.
What else is needed for Round 1?
Round 1 needs BOTH: your idea abstract AND your presentation (Google Drive link). The presentation is required. It has 6 slides maximum and is built on the official RISE template (download it on the Guidelines page). Upload your PPTX (or a PDF export of it) to Google Drive, set sharing to “Anyone with the link: Viewer” and paste the drive.google.com link on your dashboard. Google Slides links are not accepted.
How do I share my Google Drive link?
1. Upload your file to your Google Drive. For the Round 1 presentation, upload your PPTX (or a PDF export of it); Google Slides links are not accepted. 2. Click Share, then under “General access” choose “Anyone with the link”, with the role set to Viewer. 3. Click “Copy link”. 4. Paste the link on your team dashboard and check it opens in a private browser window before you submit.
When is the Round 1 shortlist?
Round 1 shortlisted teams are announced on 4 November 2026.
When is the Round 1 abstract due?
The abstract (up to 500 words) is due on 31 October 2026, the same day registration closes.
When is the Round 1 PPT due?
The 6-slide PPT (Google Drive link) is due on 31 October 2026, together with the abstract. A team created close to the deadline may not have enough time for both, so register early.
Prototype Video & Shortlist
When do prototype video submissions open?
Prototype video submissions open on 5 November 2026.
What is the last date for the prototype video?
The last date for the prototype video is 14 November 2026.
Is a prototype required for the Round 2 video?
Yes. A working prototype is mandatory. The video must show your prototype working, not only slides or an idea.
How do we submit the Round 2 video?
Share a Google Drive, YouTube or Vimeo link to a video showing the prototype working, set to “Anyone with the link” (or Unlisted on YouTube). Videos are not uploaded to this site.
When are finalists announced?
Finalists are announced on 17 November 2026.
How many teams are shortlisted?
The Top 20 teams under each challenge track are announced on 17 November 2026.
Finalists & ₹500
When is the ₹500 fee required?
Payment opens only after the final shortlist is published on 17 November 2026.
Is the ₹500 fee per student?
No. It is one fixed ₹500 payment per selected team, whether it has 1, 2 or 3 students, so a solo team pays the same.
Who pays the ₹500 fee?
The Team Leader pays once for the whole team.
What is the payment deadline?
Payment must be completed before 24 November 2026.
Is a bonafide certificate required?
Yes, from finalists only: Submission opens on 17 November 2026 with the results announcement: each selected student submits a bonafide certificate issued by their school (PDF, JPG or PNG) in the finalist dashboard. The last date is 24 November 2026. It is required for school confirmation and Grand Finale participation, and it is separate from the ₹500 payment and from mentoring booking: it does not unlock or block either. Detailed verification criteria will be confirmed separately.
Mentoring & Grand Finale
When does mentoring happen?
Industry mentoring runs from 17 to 24 November 2026.
How long is the industry session?
Each finalist team gets one 15-minute session with an industry expert.
How do mentoring sessions work?
Slot booking is locked until your team payment succeeds and unlocks automatically afterwards. Each finalist team then books one 15-minute session with their track’s mentor from the team dashboard. Paying does not book a session by itself: after the payment succeeds, the Team Leader selects and confirms a slot. The bonafide certificate is not required to book.
PAY EARLY. BOOK YOUR MENTORING SLOT.
Congratulations on making it to the Grand Finale! Complete your ₹500 team participation fee early to unlock industry-expert mentoring. Sessions are subject to availability, so do not wait until the last day to secure your slot! Important: Completing payment near the deadline may leave insufficient time or no available mentoring slots. We recommend confirming your participation and booking your session as early as possible.
Can we get more technical guidance?
Yes. Extra guidance can be requested from Team RISE at risehackathon.support@thepupil.in.
When is the Grand Finale?
The Grand Finale is on 28 November 2026.
Where is the Grand Finale held?
At The Pupil Saveetha Eco School, 4/68 Thiruverkkadu Road, Behind Saveetha Dental College, Poonamallee, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600056.
Is accommodation provided for teams from outside Chennai?
No. Accommodation is not provided for students travelling from outside. Lunch and refreshments are provided at the Grand Finale.
What are the Grand Finale timings?
The day runs from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. The full timed schedule is under Know More.
What are the awards?
Exciting gifts and special recognition await outstanding teams. Award details will be announced by the organisers.
What does the jury value most?
Critical thinking, on-the-spot problem-solving and a working implementation. The detailed rubric is provisional until the organisers approve it.
Contact & Support
How can we reach the organisers?
Write to risehackathon.support@thepupil.in. Hackathon coordinators and the administrative contact are listed on the Contact page.
Ready to build something real?
Registration is open from 12 to 31 October 2026.