Rules & Guidelines
Know the rules of the game. Eligibility, team size, code of conduct and more.
- Teams of 2 – 4 sorcerers
- Original code written on-site
- Any stack, any realm
- 1000+
- Hackers
- 8
- Hours
- 20+
- Mentors
- Exciting
- Prizes
One reality. Limitless possibilities.
About PARADOX
- 03 October 2026
- 8 Hours Straight
- IEM Saltlake
PARADOX is an 8-hour hackathon where reality bends to your code. On 3rd October 2026, a thousand brilliant minds converge at IEM Saltlake to question conventions, break every boundary, and build the impossible before the clock runs out. One day. Eight hours. Infinite timelines. Dare to be the exception.
Your spellbook to innovate.
Hackers Guide
Resources
APIs, developer tools, datasets and platforms to power your ideas to life.
- Free API & cloud credits
- Starter kits & datasets
- Mentors on the floor
Timeline
Important dates, deadlines and key event milestones. Stay ahead, always.
- Registration closes 25 Sept
- Teams confirmed 30 Sept
- Hack day 3 Oct 2026
Tips & Tricks
Pro tips, past learnings and insights to help you hack smarter, not harder.
- Scope small, ship complete
- Demo beats slides
- Eight hours goes fast
Glory for those who bend reality.
Prize Pool
Winner
₹15,000
The Sorcerer Supreme
1st Runner Up
₹10,000
Master of the Mystic Arts
2nd Runner Up
₹5,000
Keeper of the Time Stone
3rd October 2026 · 8 AM – 7 PM · No time to waste
Schedule
- 8:00 – 8:45 AM — Registration. Gates open. Collect your kit and enter the sanctum.
- 8:45 – 9:00 AM — Session 1. Opening address from the council of judges and mentors.
- 9:00 AM — Hackathon Starts. The clock bends. Eight hours start now.
- 12:00 – 1:00 PM — Mentoring Round 1. One-on-one guidance to keep your build on track.
- 1:30 – 3:00 PM — Lunch. Refuel with the realm before the final stretch.
- 5:00 – 6:00 PM — Final Judgement. Present your build live to the panel.
- 6:00 – 7:00 PM — Winners & Prizes. Glory, prizes and the closing ceremony.
8:00 – 8:45 AM
Registration
Gates open. Collect your kit and enter the sanctum.
8:45 – 9:00 AM
Session 1
Opening address from the council of judges and mentors.
9:00 AM
Hackathon Starts
The clock bends. Eight hours start now.
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Mentoring Round 1
One-on-one guidance to keep your build on track.
1:30 – 3:00 PM
Lunch
Refuel with the realm before the final stretch.
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Final Judgement
Present your build live to the panel.
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Winners & Prizes
Glory, prizes and the closing ceremony.
Answers from the ancient one
FAQ
The portal is open
Enter the Paradox
1000+ hackers. 8 hours. One reality to rewrite. Registrations close 15th September, 2026 — secure your seat in the sanctum.