CREST CTF 2026

About the Competition

CREST CTF is a cybersecurity-focused Capture The Flag (CTF) competition designed to test participants’ practical skills in both offensive and defensive security.

The event features real-world inspired challenges across multiple cybersecurity domains, encouraging hands-on learning, teamwork, analytical thinking, and problem-solving under pressure.

Participants will investigate, exploit, analyze, and defend systems in scenarios that closely resemble real cyber incidents and adversary tradecraft.

Prize Pool & Awards – ₹6+ Lakhs

CREST CTF 2026 features a total prize pool worth ₹6+ Lakhs, including cash rewards, premium cybersecurity certifications, lab access subscriptions, and exclusive perks.

MVP Award (Overall Highest Scorer)

CRTP – Certified Red Team Professional from Altered Security

Onsite Prizes

1st Prize – ₹1,00,000+ Total Value

• ₹12,000 Cash

• ASCP Certification

• OffSec PG Practice Access

• ACP Certification

• Winner Certificate

2nd Prize – ₹90,000+ Total Value

• ₹8,000 Cash

• ASCP Certification

• ACP Certification

• CASA Certification

• Winner Certificate

3rd Prize – ₹75,000+ Total Value

• ₹5,000 Cash

• ASCP Certification

• ACP Certification

• Winner Certificate

4th Prize – ₹40,000+ Total Value

• ACP Certification

• CASA Certification

5th Prize – ₹30,000+ Total Value

• ACP Certification

• TryHackMe Subscription

Additional Perk: Milo Game Zone passes for onsite winners.

Online Prizes

1st Prize – ₹90,000+ Total Value

• OffSec PG Practice Access

• 2× ACP Certifications

• CASA Certification

2nd Prize – ₹60,000+ Total Value

• OffSec PG Practice Access

• ACP Certification

• CASA Certification

3rd Prize – ₹40,000+ Total Value

• ACP Certification

• CASA Certification

4th Prize – ₹30,000+ Total Value

• ACP Certification

• 2× TryHackMe Subscriptions

Supported By

• APISEC University

• OffSec

• Altered Security

• White Arrow Cybersecurity

• Hack The Box Mumbai (Community Partner)

Participation certificates will be provided to all eligible participants.
Prizes and certificates will be distributed within 10–15 working days after result declaration.
Eligibility for Prizes: All prizes are reserved strictly for eligible student participants. Organizers reserve the right to verify student credentials before releasing cash rewards, certifications, or other benefits.

Mode of the Event

Hybrid Event (Online and Onsite)

Online Participation

Open to all registered teams. Participants can compete remotely using the official CTF platform.

Onsite Participation (Limited)

Physical participation at the venue is limited to a maximum of 100 participants.

Onsite slots will be allotted on a first come, first served basis and are subject to confirmation by the organizers.

Once onsite slots are filled, further registrations will be considered online participants, even if onsite preference is selected.

All participants, online and onsite, will compete together on the same scoreboard.

Date and Time

Date: 28 February 2026

Onsite Participation Time:
9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (includes inauguration and closing ceremonies)

Online Participation Time:
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Venue (For Confirmed Onsite Participants Only)

Pimpri Chinchwad University
Maval, Pune – 412106

Eligibility

• Open only to students currently pursuing education

• Valid ID proof mandatory (College ID or Government issued ID)

• Inter-college teams are allowed

• Inter-specialization teams are allowed

Team Composition

• Maximum 4 members per team

CTF Format

Jeopardy-style CTF

Challenge categories include:

• Web Exploitation

• Cryptography

• Digital Forensics

• Reverse Engineering

• Binary Exploitation (Pwn)

• Boot to Root

• Miscellaneous

Multiple challenges across all categories.
Difficulty levels range from Beginner to Advanced.

Duration

Online Participants: 8 hours
Onsite Participants: 10 hours (includes inauguration and closing ceremonies)

Continuous event with no breaks.

Submissions made after the competition ends will not be considered.

Rules and Guidelines

• Valid ID proof mandatory (onsite verification required)

• Attacking the CTF platform or infrastructure is strictly prohibited

• Sharing flags, write-ups, hints, or solutions is not allowed

• Cheating, plagiarism, collaboration between teams, or unfair practices will result in immediate disqualification

• Tools may be used only as required by the challenges

• The decision of the organizers will be final and binding in all matters

Facilities (Onsite Participants)

• Lunch will be provided to all confirmed onsite participants