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      What is Capture the flag hackathon?

      KPMG in India brings the cyber security - Capture the flag (CTF) hackathon to your campus! This is your chance to dive into the world of cybersecurity, solve real-world challenges, and showcase your skills in a high-energy, competitive environment.

      What’s in it for you?

      Whether you're passionate about ethical hacking, digital forensics, or cyber defense, this event is designed to push your limits and help you grow.

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      Solve puzzles, tackle complex scenarios, and outsmart cybersecurity experts

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      Learn from industry leaders and gain hands-on experience

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      Stand out as a future cybersecurity professional

      Cybersecurity is one of the most exciting and impactful fields shaping our digital future, and talent has never been more important. This CTF is your opportunity to test your skills, solve real-world challenges, learn, innovate, and showcase your potential.

      We encourage you to embrace the challenge, think differently, and give it your best. We look forward to seeing the creativity, resilience, and passion that each of you brings to the competition. Good luck, and may the best cyber minds rise to the top!
      Sony Anthony

      Partner and Head of Department – Cyber Defence and Incident Response

      KPMG in India

      Sony Anthony

      Important dates to remember

      Registration


      25 September - 6 October 2026

      Hackathon


      9 October 2026 10.00 a.m to 11 October 2026 9.59 a.m

      Results


      19 October 2026

      Testimonials

      Touseef Ahmed
      Touseef Ahmed

      Analyst, Cyber Defense and IR (CDIR)

      The Capture the flag (CTF) event was my first real entry point into KPMG in India. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges because they gave me the opportunity to think critically, solve problems, and apply my cybersecurity knowledge in a practical setting. Looking back, those challenges seem much more approachable now, but at the time they provided the perfect platform to showcase my interest in cybersecurity and my problem-solving abilities.

      The CTF played a key role in helping me reach the interview stage, which ultimately became the beginning of my journey with the CDIR team. The experience not only opened the door to a rewarding career at KPMG in India but also reinforced the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

      Rajiv Patkar
      Rajiv Patkar

      Analyst , Cyber Defense and IR

      Capture the flag 2025 was instrumental in enhancing my cybersecurity skills and exposing me to real-world problem-solving. The experience fostered innovation, teamwork, and continuous learning, making my transition into the professional environment both smooth and rewarding. 

      M S Dhanushree
      M S Dhanushree

      Analyst , Cyber Defense and IR

      The CTF event was more than a competition-it was where my curiosity for cybersecurity turned into a passion for solving problems, thinking differently, and learning by doing. Stepping from campus into KPMG in India has been a rewarding continuation of that journey, giving me the opportunity to be part of a collaborative and innovative cybersecurity practice, learn from talented professionals, embrace new challenges, and turn every experience into growth.

      From solving challenges during a hackathon to navigating real-world cybersecurity, the journey has reinforced one belief: there is always something new to discover-and this is only the beginning.

      Tanisha Sinha
      Tanisha Sinha

      Analyst, Cyber Defense and IR

      Participating in the firm’s CTF was a transformative experience that bridged my academic learning with real-world cybersecurity challenges. It sharpened my technical and problem-solving skills while encouraging creativity, adaptability, and continuous learning. The mentorship and support from the CDIR team made the experience even more enriching and gave me valuable insights into the dynamic world of cybersecurity.

      The hackathon played a pivotal role in my transition from a final-year B.Tech student to beginning my professional journey with KPMG in India’s CDIR team. I am truly grateful for the experience and the opportunity to grow, contribute, and build a career in a field I am passionate about.

      Payal Verma
      Payal Verma

      Associate Consultant, Cyber Defense and IR

      Participating in this hackathon has been a transformative experience, honing my technical skills and fostering innovation. Transitioning from campus to the Firm, I have thrived in a dynamic and collaborative environment. The exceptional culture and commitment here towards growth have been pivotal in my professional development, offering diverse projects and opportunities to work with industry leaders. The unwavering support received has significantly contributed to my career success, empowering me to take on new challenges and excel.

      Tushar Saini
      Tushar Saini

      Associate Consultant, Cyber Defense and IR

      Participating in the Hackathon – Capture the flag event was a transformative experience that seamlessly bridged my academic learning with real-world challenges. The event not only honed my cybersecurity skills but also offered invaluable insights into the dynamic world of security, preparing me for a robust career in the field.

      Anshi Solanki
      Anshi Solanki

      Associate Consultant, Cyber Defense and IR

      The Hackathon experience was incredibly insightful, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work with the firm. The journey was smooth yet enriching, thanks to the constant mentorship from the CDIR team. The supportive environment and healthy work culture here are truly commendable. I am very thankful to be a part of the KPMG in India’s CDIR team now.

      Who can participate?

      At KPMG in India, we value practical skills and hands-on experience in cybersecurity. Capture the flag 2026 – Campus edition is designed to provide you a platform to demonstrate your technical abilities, problem-solving mindset and passion for cybersecurity.

      If you're eager to explore real-world cyber challenges and aspire to be part of a leading cybersecurity team, this event is for you.

      • Eligibility

        Final-year engineering students from any discipline with an interest in cybersecurity

      • What’s in it for you?

        A chance to showcase your talent, learn from industry experts, and gain visibility with the cyber security team at KPMG in India

      • Top performers

        Top performers may earn an opportunity to collaborate and learn directly from our cybersecurity professionals.*


      *Please note: Participation in this event does not guarantee a job offer at KPMG in India.

      Why should you participate?

      The CTF competition offers a dynamic and engaging platform to test your cybersecurity skills. It also provides a learning opportunity, pushing participants to think critically, solve problems creatively, and continuously improve their expertise!

      Expand your horizon

      Dive into challenges and grow through solving real-world cybersecurity scenarios. Emerge with a sharper, more agile mind ready to tackle the cyber world

      Adaptability

      Learn to quickly pivot strategies in the dynamic field of cybersecurity

      Succeed beyond the scoreboard

      Win a career-launching opportunity. Turn your passion into a profession and get a chance to be spotted by KPMG in India

      Attention to detail

      Cultivate a meticulous approach to identify and address vulnerabilities

      Critical thinking

      Enhance your problem-solving prowess with complex cybersecurity scenarios

      Stand out

      Differentiate yourself from the pool of emerging talent and demonstrate your potential to be a key player in the cybersecurity industry

      • Is this an online event?

        Yes, this is an online event. The registered participants shall receive the details about the event on their registered email ID

      • How do I register for the CTF?

        You can register for the CTF by completing the registration form available through the registration link. Please ensure that all details provided are accurate and up to date, as all future communications regarding the event and subsequent stages of the process will be sent to the contact information submitted in the registration form

      • How do I sign up for the contest?

        You can sign up for the CTF using the registration link available on this page. Please ensure that you complete your registration before the deadline of 01 October 2026. Before submitting the registration form, carefully verify that all the information provided is accurate and up to date. Incorrect details may impact your eligibility for the event. Additionally, please avoid submitting duplicate registrations, as multiple entries may result in your application not being considered during the eligibility verification and shortlisting process

      • Who can participate in the CTF contest?

        The contest is designed for final-year students graduating in 2027 who are passionate about cybersecurity and looking to challenge themselves while advancing their skills

      • What are the eligibility requirements to participate?

        The event is open only to students from the graduating class of 2027. Communication regarding participation and subsequent stages will be sent exclusively to eligible candidates. Any discrepancy in the graduation year provided during registration may result in disqualification from the shortlisting process

      • Can I participate individually, or do I need to form a team?

        This is not a team event. You are to register as an individual participant only. Team submissions will lead to disqualifications. The platform is equipped to monitor duplication of efforts

      • What skills can I expect to learn from this contest?

        Participants might be exposed to quick critical thinking with technical expertise in cybersecurity tools and techniques, clubbed with collaboration, adaptability, and attention to detail

      • What is the scoring mechanism for the challenges?

        The point system for challenges will vary depending on the difficulty of the challenge. Harder challenges will be worth more points

      • Will there be a leaderboard to track progress?

        The leaderboard is not published for all. However, you can track your progress and points scored through the CTF dashboard

      • How will the winners be announced?

        The objective of this event is to identify and engage top cybersecurity talent. Instead of announcing winners, candidates will be evaluated based on their performance in the CTF challenge. Shortlisted participants will be contacted by our HR team regarding the next steps in the process

      • What is the policy on unauthorised activities?

        We maintain a strict policy against unauthorised activities. Any participant involved in activities such as flag sharing, account sharing, collusion, or the use of an unreasonable number of IP addresses/devices may be disqualified. In such cases, the participant's college, university, or placement office may also be notified

      • Will I receive a certificate for participating in the CTF?

        Yes, eligible participants would receive an e-certificate for participation after the event ends

      • Is there a help desk or forum for participants to ask questions?

        Yes, there will be a dedicated forum or channel for participants to ask questions and get help during the CTF. Details regarding the same shall be communicated to you before the start of the event

      It’s more than just a contest… it’s a launchpad!

      Remember, Capture the flag 2026 isn’t just about winning it's about learning, growing, and unlocking new possibilities. The challenges you tackle sharpen your skills, and the solutions you develop bring you closer to becoming a cybersecurity pro.

      This is your moment to shine, to stand out, and to potentially open doors to exciting career opportunities. We can’t wait to see your brilliance in action. Good luck and let the hacking begin!

      KPMG Insights Edge

      KPMG Insights Edge

      On the go access to KPMG in India’s insights and publications