Big Code LP

What is

The Big Code

Challenge?

The Big Code is a large-scale national coding challenge for engineering students across india. Designed to celebrate sharp technical minds, this merit-based multi-stage competition invites you to solve complex problems and showcase your algorithmic prowess. It offers a unique platform to explore fresh thinking, and get a real sense of google’s culture of innovation.

The challenge is spread over a period of approximately 5 weeks across different stages. You are expected to attempt all rounds as they progress through the elimination stages to showcase your coding skills. This is a game of skill; all rankings and winners are determined exclusively by technical accuracy, code efficiency, and problem-solving ability.

No Employment Guarantee: Participation in The Big Code, achieving a high rank, or being shortlisted for the finale does not constitute an offer of employment, internship, or a promise of recruitment by Google.

Challenge

Stages

Registration & Kick-off

Eligible engineering students - 1st/2nd/pre-final year (2027, 2028 and 2029) from circuit branches register for the challenge.

Registration closes on: Mar 12, 2026 (11:59 PM IST)

Qualifying Round

Open to all registered and eligible students, this preliminary round evaluates core aptitude through a hybrid model of MCQs and coding tasks.

Test Window: Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 15, 2026

Round 1 & Round 2

The top 15,000 qualifiers will undergo a rigorous technical round in the form of a coding challenge. The competition then intensifies as the top 1500 students progress to Round 2 for an advanced coding assessment.

Final Hackathon

The top 50 finalists from Round 2 will compete in an AI-themed technical hackathon. Submissions will be evaluated by our engineering team and the Top 15 will be invited to present their solutions live at the Google office in Bengaluru.

Registration & Kick-off: Eligible engineering students - 1st/2nd/pre-final year (2027, 2028 and 2029) from circuit branches register for the challenge.

Qualifying Round: Open to all registered students, this preliminary round evaluates core aptitude through a hybrid model of Multiple Choice Questions and coding tasks. Speed and precision are paramount in this round, as the top 15,000 performers will be shortlisted to advance to the next stage. The test window will be open from Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 15, 2026.

Round 1: The top 15,000 qualifiers face a rigorous coding challenge to test their core skills. This round features algorithmic problems designed for participants to demonstrate their grip on Computer Science fundamentals.

Round 2: The competition intensifies as the field narrows to the top 1,500 students for a high-stakes coding showdown. This is the stage where participants demonstrate advanced prowess by solving complex problems to secure a place in the finale.

Challenge Finale: The top 50 students from Round 2 compete in the finale - the ultimate test of skill and innovation, which will feature a 48-hour technical hackathon. Finalists must build and submit a prototype addressing a specific AI-based problem statement. Submissions will be evaluated by our engineering team, and Top 15 finalists will be invited to present their solutions to a live judging panel at the Google office in Bengaluru. The decisions of the judging panel will be final and binding.

Eligibility

Criteria

To participate in the challenge:

Student Status: Students must be currently enrolled as full time students in an engineering college in India and must be studying in the 1st/2nd/pre-final year (2027, 2028 and 2029) of their degree.

Course: Students must belong to a circuit majority course i.e. Bachelors, Masters or Integrated Dual Degree Engineering and related courses (e.g. CS, IT, ECE, EEE) within computer science and allied branches only.

Individual Entry: Students may only register as an individual.

Nationality: Students must be aged 18 years or above. Students must also be currently enrolled in an Indian AICTE/UGC recognized university to participate in this challenge.

Exclusions: Current employees, interns, contractors, and official office-holders of Google, HackerEarth, and their immediate family members (parents, siblings, children, spouses) are NOT eligible to participate.

Registration: Please only enroll for the challenge with your personal email credentials. Please also add your university email as secondary in the form.

Verifying Eligibility

Google reserves the right to verify your eligibility at any stage of the challenge. You agree to provide Google with any proof of eligibility requested by Google (e.g., College ID, Government ID) and your refusal or failure to timely provide such proof may result in the participant’s disqualification from the challenge.

The Big Code:

Prizes & Rewards

Registration

Guidelines

Registration Process: To enter the challenge, the individual must complete the registration form and provide required information.

Communication: All participants must share a valid primary email. Please submit secondary emails, in the event that we are unable to reach you on your primary email. You are required to keep yourself updated on all emails issued to you. It is your sole responsibility to check your emails regularly for challenge updates.

Registrations will close on March 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM IST.

The challenge starts from March 14, 2026 and ends on April 18, 2026. You will participate in the challenge during this timeframe only [Note: Dates are subject to change and participants will be informed in advance].

One Entry Rule: Strictly one registration per participant. Please ensure there is only one registration from your end. Any attempt to register multiple times (using different emails or IDs) will result in immediate disqualification.

Do ensure you submit your most updated resume in the form of a PDF file in the relevant field of the registration form. This will allow us to verify your registration. Without this, we cannot proceed forward with the process.

Any questions or inquiries regarding the challenge should be directed to the-big-code-challenge-india@google.com.

About

Google

At Google, we're driven by our mission to make information universally useful and we foster a culture where careers accelerate alongside technology. We empower Googlers to tackle global challenges, particularly in AI. By combining bold ideas with responsible action, we ensure every employee contributes to building a more helpful future.

Frequently Asked

Questions

Who can participate in the challenge?

Please take a look at the registrations tab for eligibility details before registering yourself. 2027, 2028 & 2029 Graduates: Bachelors, Masters and Integrated Dual Degrees and related courses within circuit and allied branches only. Please apply only if you are enrolled in a circuit majority course.

What are the benefits of participating in The Big Code Challenge?

Participants in the Big Code challenge will have the opportunity to:
‍

Test their mettle against the country's brightest talent in terms of algorithmic prowess
Network with other like minded participants who are interested in technology
Compete for cash prizes and Pixel devices

How can I register for The Big Code Challenge?

Registrations for the Big Code challenge are open now and close on Mar 12, 2026 11:59 PM IST. To register, please click on the link here.

What are the challenge dates and locations?

The dates of each round will be announced on this website and participants will receive emails from The Big Code challenge team on the same. All rounds for the challenge will be held virtually.

What are the challenge prizes?

Winners and runners up will receive cash prizes and also stand a chance to win Pixel devices, in addition to certificates of achievement.

Can entries be modified after submission?

No, once submitted, entries cannot be modified.

Do we need to send in our resumes?

Yes, please upload your resumes in the relevant field of the registration form in a PDF format. Without the resume we will not be able to consider your application further.

I filled in the wrong details on the registration form, how can I fix this?

Entries can not be modified once submitted. Please be sure to double check all details before submitting.

What if my registration link doesn't work or I can't submit my solution through the link?

Please contact us through the registered email ID at the-big-code-challenge-india@google.com. Technical issues caused by last minute participation will not be entertained.

Do I need to register through my college email ID or can I use my personal email ID as well?

You may register with any email ID. Please be sure to add a secondary email to avoid any lapses in communication.

Will any exceptions be made for late entries due to technical difficulties at the time of submission?

No, late entries will not be considered.

Which branches are eligible to participate?

2027, 2028 & 2029 Bachelors, Masters and Integrated Dual Degrees and related courses within computer science and allied branches. Some but not all examples include: Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE), Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE), Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) and Information Technology (IT), Computer Applications (BCA, MCA).

How do I confirm if my registration has been confirmed for the challenge participation?

After the registration deadline ends, you will receive an email from The Big Code challenge team if your registration is confirmed and will outline the next rounds. Please be sure to add a secondary email to avoid any lapses in communication.

How can we route our queries to Google regarding The Big Code challenge?

Firstly we recommend you to read through the entire FAQ and if you still do not have the answer to your queries then the participant can write to the-big-code-challenge-india@google.com. Post which you will receive a response within 24 - 48 hours.

How will I know if my application has been confirmed?

Once the registrations for the program are officially closed our team will review each and every application in accordance with the eligibility criteria and then confirmed applicants will receive an email from us.

What will happen in the event of a tie in the Qualifier Round?

In the event of a tie in scores, rankings will be determined first by test completion time (fastest), followed by plagiarism percentage (lowest).

Governing

Law

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of India. All disputes arising out of or in relation to this Agreement that could not be resolved by the parties mutually, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New Delhi.

Terms & Conditions Apply*