UIDAI Launches Online Data Hackathon 2026 for Students
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), in partnership with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has announced an exciting opportunity for students across the country. The UIDAI Online Data Hackathon 2026 invites participants to work with real-world Aadhaar data and compete for cash prizes worth up to Rs 2 lakh.
This nationwide competition is designed to encourage young minds to explore anonymised datasets related to Aadhaar enrolment and updates. By analysing this information, participants will help uncover meaningful social trends and patterns that could inform policy decisions and improve system efficiency.
Key Dates and Application Window
The online application process will open on 5 January 2026. Interested candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can submit their entries until 20 January 2026. Given the limited window, students are advised to prepare their ideas in advance and complete their registrations well before the deadline.
What Participants Need to Do
UIDAI will provide access to anonymised datasets containing information related to Aadhaar enrolment and update activities. Participants are expected to dive deep into these datasets and identify significant trends, anomalies, or forward-looking indicators. The goal is to generate insights that can assist in policy formulation and bring about improvements in the existing system.
This is not just a technical exercise—it is a chance to contribute to meaningful national development. Students who can think critically and present data-backed observations will have a distinct advantage.
Prize Structure and Recognition
The competition offers attractive rewards for the top five entries. Winners will receive both cash prizes and certificates of achievement:
- First prize: Rs 2,00,000 and certificate
- Second prize: Rs 1,50,000 and certificate
- Third prize: Rs 75,000 and certificate
- Fourth prize: Rs 50,000 and certificate
- Fifth prize: Rs 25,000 and certificate
Beyond the monetary rewards, participants will gain valuable hands-on experience with large-scale government datasets, a credential that stands out on any resume.
Who Can Apply
The hackathon is open to students enrolled at any recognised university or educational institution in India. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years of age as of 1 January 2026
- Can participate individually or as part of a team of up to five members
- Team leaders must submit valid student identification documents for all team members at the time of project submission
- Individuals associated with service providers working for UIDAI or NIC are not permitted to take part
This inclusive structure allows both solo innovators and collaborative groups to showcase their analytical abilities.
How to Register for the Hackathon
All participants must complete their registration on the JanParichay portal before proceeding further. Once logged in, candidates can visit the event page on the official government data platform to submit their hackathon-related information. New users will need to create an account on JanParichay using their mobile number, and it is strongly recommended that participants keep their email addresses updated to receive important communications throughout the competition.
Submission Timeline and Evaluation Process
The hackathon will be conducted entirely in an online format. After the official launch, participants will have 15 days to complete their registration and submit their project ideas. Following the initial screening, shortlisted teams will be invited to present their work before a panel of UIDAI officials and subject matter experts.
The final award ceremony is expected to take place in either Delhi or Bengaluru. For teams that make it to this stage, travel expenses will be covered by UIDAI, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder deserving participants from showcasing their work.
This hackathon represents a remarkable opportunity for students to engage with authentic government data, develop practical analytical skills, and compete for substantial rewards. With the application window opening soon, aspiring participants should begin preparing their ideas and assembling their teams without delay.
