Overview: Empowering India’s Cyber Talent
The National Level Cybersecurity Competition 2025 is a government-backed initiative to identify, encourage, and empower India’s next generation of cybersecurity leaders. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) in collaboration with MyGov India, the competition fosters awareness, innovation, and skill-building among students, professionals, and enthusiasts across the country.
Key Objectives of the Cybersecurity Challenge
- Promote cyber hygiene and digital safety across all age groups
- Nurture cyber talent and build a strong cybersecurity workforce
- Stimulate interest in ethical hacking, secure coding, and cyber defense
- Create awareness of data protection and secure digital infrastructure
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to Indian citizens in three broad categories:
| Track | Eligible Participants |
|---|---|
| School | Students from Class 8 to Class 12 |
| College | Undergraduate & Postgraduate students (any stream) |
| Open | Professionals, Freelancers, and General Public |
Participants may compete individually or in teams (up to 3 members for the college and open category).
Competition Tracks and Structure
The Cybersecurity Competition 2025 will be held in multiple phases across three skill-based tracks:
1. Capture The Flag (CTF) Challenges
A gamified cybersecurity challenge requiring participants to solve real-world problems involving:
- Network Penetration
- Web Application Exploits
- Forensics and Reverse Engineering
- Cryptography
- Binary Exploitation
2. Secure Coding
Participants must identify and patch vulnerabilities in code snippets. Languages covered include:
- Python
- C/C++
- Java
- JavaScript
- PHP
3. Cyber Awareness and Quiz Round
A timed multiple-choice quiz based on topics such as:
- Cyber Laws in India
- Data Privacy Regulations
- Phishing and Malware
- Internet Ethics
- Digital Footprint and Social Engineering
Registration Process
All entries must be submitted through the official portal: https://innovateindia.mygov.in/national-level-cybersecurity-competition
Steps to Register
- Visit the competition website
- Click on “Register Now”
- Login via MyGov credentials or create a new account
- Fill in participant/team details
- Select preferred track(s)
- Upload necessary documents (Student ID/Proof of Identity)
- Submit the registration form
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | August 5, 2025 |
| Last Date to Register | September 10, 2025 |
| Preliminary Quiz Round | September 15, 2025 |
| CTF & Coding Challenge | September 20–25, 2025 |
| Final Round & Interviews | October 10, 2025 |
| Results Announcement | October 15, 2025 |
| Awards and Felicitation | October 25, 2025 |
Evaluation Criteria
Each phase is judged by cybersecurity experts from academic institutions, government agencies, and industry.
Preliminary Round (Quiz)
- Minimum qualifying score: 60%
- Time-bound test with automated scoring
CTF and Coding Round
| Criterion | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Accuracy of Exploits | 40% |
| Time Taken to Solve | 20% |
| Complexity Handled | 20% |
| Code Security Best Practices | 20% |
Final Round
- Oral defense of solutions
- Practical cybersecurity case study
- Bonus points for innovative approaches
Awards and Incentives
Participants demonstrating exceptional skills will be rewarded with:
- Winner (Each Track): ₹1,00,000 + Trophy + Certificate
- First Runner-Up: ₹75,000 + Certificate
- Second Runner-Up: ₹50,000 + Certificate
- Top 100 participants to receive Digital Cyber Warriors badges and Government of India Certificates
- Internship Opportunities with leading cybersecurity firms
- Mentorship and Training Access through Cyber Suraksha internship programs
Learning Outcomes and Impact
- Deep understanding of cybersecurity protocols and architecture
- Exposure to real-life threat scenarios
- Practical application of academic knowledge in live environments
- Access to a national network of cybersecurity mentors and experts
Technical Requirements
To participate effectively in CTF and Secure Coding challenges, participants must:
- Have a stable internet connection
- Use personal laptops/desktops with updated browsers
- Be familiar with Linux-based environments and virtual machines
- Have basic understanding of GitHub, Wireshark, and Burp Suite (for open category)
Cybersecurity Knowledge Resources
Recommended reading and training before participation:
- Cyber Swachhta Kendra Guidelines
- Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) Advisories
- OWASP Top 10 Vulnerabilities
- GoI Cyber Hygiene e-Learning Course
- NCERT ICT Curriculum (for school students)
Support and Contact
For any support, reach out to:
- Email: cybersecurity@mygov.in
- Helpline: 1800-11-1111 (Weekdays, 10 AM – 5 PM)
- Discussion Forum: MyGov Discussion Board
Conclusion
The National Cybersecurity Competition 2025 is a milestone event in India’s digital defense roadmap. It not only builds essential cyber skills among students and professionals but also supports the creation of a secure digital ecosystem. This is a golden opportunity to become a frontline contributor to Cyber Secure India.
