Data Sprint 2026 – Machine Learning Hackathon
National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), Berhampur, Odisha
Data Sprint 2026 – Machine Learning Hackathon: Stages and Timelines
Submission Round (via Unstop)
This will be a submission round! You will see the “Submit” button here, once the round is live.
Quiz
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Get ready to test your curiosity and have fun with data and programming! This round is designed for everyone whether you are just starting out or already exploring Python and machine learning.
You will answer 20 multiple choice questions in 20 minutes covering topics like Python Basics where you will learn variables loops and functions Data Basics to understand how data is organized Introduction to Data Science to see how data helps in decision making and Machine Learning Fundamentals to get a basic idea of how systems learn from data.
This is your chance to improve your concepts challenge yourself and prepare for the ML problem solving round This quiz is beginner friendly and focused on learning with fun
Click here to join the WhatsApp group for updates
Group 2 : https://chat.whatsapp.com/FrN8R6XdSDULOzeMRN9Ymq?mode=gi_t
Group 1 : https://chat.whatsapp.com/BL6cs7FkbsLCiI58w1seBx?mode=gi_t
ML Coding Round
- This is the Machine Learning Hackathon round where participants will solve the given problem statements using Machine Learning or Deep Learning techniques within the specified time. The datasets may include structured data or image datasets, and participants are expected to apply appropriate ML/DL approaches to build and evaluate their models.
- The problem statements and datasets for this round will be released at the start of the assessment on Unstop or in the official WhatsApp group. All participants are requested to join the WhatsApp group to receive the problem statements, dataset links, and important updates
Problem Statements : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UTWIoTU3ONUrV08qLcL3vBBiwlDutUnm3xJJh-REBdY
All that you need to know about Data Sprint 2026 – Machine Learning Hackathon
Data Sprint 2026 is an online Machine Learning hackathon designed to provide students with an opportunity to test their analytical thinking, data science knowledge, and practical machine learning skills in a competitive environment.
- Participants will work on real-world datasets and apply their understanding of data analysis, visualization, and machine learning techniques to solve practical problems. The hackathon encourages participants to follow a complete machine learning workflow, from understanding raw data to building predictive models.
- This event is organized by the Data Science Club to promote innovation and learning in the field of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
- Students from NIST University, Berhampur and Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, Delhi are actively involved in organizing and supporting this hackathon, making it a collaborative initiative aimed at encouraging practical learning and innovation in Machine Learning.
Eligibility:
- Open to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year students only
- Open to students interested in Data Science and Machine Learning
- Participants should have basic knowledge of Python and data analysis
- Individual participation only (no teams allowed)
- Inter-college participation is allowed
Competition Format:
- The hackathon will consist of two rounds.
- Round 1 – Quiz Round
- Number of Questions: 20 MCQs
- Duration: 20 Minutes
This round will test participants on fundamental concepts including:
- Python Basics
- Data Science Fundamentals
- Basic Machine Learning Concepts
- Logical and Analytical Thinking
Participants with the highest scores will qualify for the next round.
Round 2 – Machine Learning Challenge
- This is the hands-on Machine Learning round where participants will solve real-world ML problems using the provided datasets.
- The problem statements and datasets will be released at the start of the round on Unstop or in the official WhatsApp group. Participants are strongly advised to join the WhatsApp group to receive important announcements, dataset links, and updates.
Join the official WhatsApp group:
Click Here
- Participants may need to apply Machine Learning or Deep Learning techniques depending on the dataset (including image datasets).
- Evaluation will be based on the overall workflow, approach, model performance, and understanding of Machine Learning concepts.
Rules:
- Participants must compete individually
- Any form of plagiarism or copying will lead to disqualification
- Participants must submit their solutions within the given time limit
- All participants must follow the guidelines provided during the competition
- The decision of the organizing team and judges will be final
Rewards:
Total Prize Pool: ₹120,000
Top 6 Winners will receive
- 1-Year Infinity Plan Subscription from HackerRank (worth ₹20,000 each)
Additional Rewards
- Top performers will also receive exclusive HackerRank merchandise
Important dates & deadlines?
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31 Mar'26, 11:59 PM IST Registration Deadline
Contact the organisers
Send queries to organizersRewards and Prizes?
Top 6 performers
6 Winners will be selected
The top 6 winners will be awarded a 1-year premium learning subscription worth ₹20,000 each.
Top Performers
Top performers will receive exclusive merchandise.