TCS HackQuest Season 10 (2025–26): Registration, Eligibility, Prizes, and a Realistic Preparation Plan

The world of cybersecurity is exploding — and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is giving Indian students a direct chance to prove their talent through TCS HackQuest Season 10.

This contest isn’t just about coding or hacking systems. It’s about logical thinking, persistence, and curiosity — the same qualities that top tech companies look for in young graduates.

Even if you’ve never participated before, this guide will show you how to get started, prepare in a short time, and use HackQuest to build your career.

What is TCS HackQuest?

TCS HackQuest is a national-level cybersecurity competition organized by TCS’s Cyber Security Unit. It follows a Capture the Flag (CTF) format, where students solve challenges to “capture” digital flags.

Each flag represents a solved problem — and the more flags you capture, the higher your chances of reaching the next round.

Main Objective

To identify students skilled in:

• Web and application vulnerabilities
• Digital forensics
• Cryptography and decoding
• Network and system analysis
• Reverse engineering

It’s not just a game — it’s a direct talent pipeline for TCS cybersecurity roles.

Important Dates for TCS HackQuest Season 10

Always verify latest updates on the TCS NextStep Portal.

Eligibility Criteria

• Students from B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech, BCA, MCA, B.Sc, M.Sc (IT/CSE/Cyber) programs
• Graduation year: 2026 or later
• Participation is individual only
• Must be from a recognized Indian university

No previous experience required — only interest in cybersecurity and curiosity to learn fast.

Rewards & Benefits

How to Register for TCS HackQuest 2025

1. Visit nextstep.tcs.com.
2. Create an IT profile (if you don’t already have one).
3. Search for “HackQuest Season 10” under contests/events.
4. Fill in details like college, degree, and graduation year.
5. Submit before the deadline (18 November 2025).
6. You’ll receive confirmation by email from the TCS team.

HackQuest Exam Pattern

The contest happens in three rounds:

Round 1: Online Capture The Flag (CTF)

• Duration: 6 hours
• Around 12–15 challenges
• Topics: Forensics, web exploitation, cryptography, and reverse engineering
• You must also submit a report explaining how you solved each problem

Round 2: Advanced Round

• Selected students face tougher and deeper cybersecurity challenges
• Conducted in a remote-proctored environment

Round 3: Interview & Grand Finale

• The top performers face a panel of TCS cybersecurity experts
• Discuss your approach, mindset, and knowledge
• Winners get cash prizes + job offers

Preparation Guide — Even If You’re Starting Late

You don’t need to be a hacker. You just need a structured, smart plan.
Here’s how to prepare for HackQuest in a short time (2–4 weeks).

Week 1: Build a Strong Foundation

Goal: Understand the basics of cybersecurity.

1. Learn Networking Basics
   • Watch: Computer Networking Full Course – free on YouTube (by NetworkChuck / freeCodeCamp)
   • Learn about IP, DNS, firewalls, and ports
2. Understand Cybersecurity Fundamentals
   • Read: OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities (owasp.org)
   • Learn about SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, and how they work
3. Explore Cryptography & Forensics
   • Learn base64, Caesar cipher, and hash cracking (MD5, SHA)
   • Practice decoding challenges on CyberChef

Quick Tools to Practice:

• CyberChef – for decoding
• TryHackMe – beginner-friendly CTF rooms
• PicoCTF – practice beginner challenges

Week 2: Practical Learning & CTFs

Goal: Start solving real challenges.

• Join beginner rooms on TryHackMe:
  • Introduction to Cybersecurity
  • Basic Pentesting
  • Vulnversity
• Watch tutorials on YouTube:
  • TheCyberDude – HackQuest past challenge breakdowns
  • John Hammond – CTF solving techniques
• Practice past TCS HackQuest problems (available on Medium and Reddit):
  • Medium article: “Analysis from previous TCS HackQuest seasons”
  • Reddit thread: “Anyone who attended TCS HackQuest, share experience?”
• Learn reporting: practice writing how you solved each challenge.

Remember: You’ll need to submit a report after Round 1. Keep screenshots and notes while practicing.

Week 3–4: Time Simulation + Smart Review

Goal: Simulate the real exam.

• Set a timer for 6 hours and solve random CTF challenges.
• Use multiple categories — web, crypto, forensics.
• Track your progress in a notebook.
• Revise your weak areas.
• Read 2–3 reports of previous HackQuest finalists (available on Medium).

Most Common Topics in HackQuest

Tools You Must Know

1. Wireshark – Network packet analysis
2. Nmap – Port scanning
3. Burp Suite – Web vulnerability testing
4. CyberChef – Encoding and decoding
5. John the Ripper – Password cracking
6. Steghide / Binwalk – Steganography

Quick Tips for Late Starters

If you discovered HackQuest late — don’t panic.

Follow these smart hacks:

• Focus on pattern-based questions: Every year, some challenges repeat concepts.
• Spend 60% time on web + crypto – they’re the most common categories.
• Don’t aim for perfection. Aim to solve 6–8 flags and write a great report.
• Join online Discord/Telegram CTF groups (only for guidance, not answers).
• Watch 1 challenge video daily – seeing others solve helps you understand thinking patterns.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the challenge report – most students lose marks here.
• Copying solutions – TCS can easily detect duplicates.
• Forgetting time management – always prioritize easier flags first.
• Over-focusing on tools instead of logic.

After the Contest — Make It Count

Whether you win or not, you gain a story.

Here’s how to use it:

• Write a LinkedIn post: “What I learned preparing for TCS HackQuest.”
• Add to your resume: “Participated in TCS HackQuest Season 10 (Cybersecurity Challenge)”
• Share on your college’s placement page or CollegePlacement.in
• Discuss what you learned in interviews — recruiters love practical stories

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is TCS HackQuest free to join?
Yes. There’s no registration fee.

Q2. Can non-CS students participate?
Yes, if you have logical and analytical skills, you can.

Q3. What is the difficulty level?
Moderate to difficult — similar to international beginner-level CTFs.

Q4. Do winners get jobs at TCS?
Top performers get fast-tracked for interviews and can be hired for cybersecurity or digital roles.

Q5. How do I find past questions?
Search Medium for “TCS HackQuest write-ups” or Reddit communities like r/CTFs.

Q6. Can I participate again next year?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria (student status).

Why You Should Still Join

You don’t need to be an expert to start.

You just need the courage to step into something new.

HackQuest is not just a competition — it’s a self-test.
It shows how quickly you can adapt, learn, and think logically.

And even if you’re nervous about interviews or unsure about your technical skills, this journey can help you gain the confidence and talking points you need in your career.

Make HackQuest Part of Your Story

If you’re a student aiming for placements in 2025–26, don’t miss TCS HackQuest Season 10.

It’s not just a cybersecurity competition.
It’s a career catalyst that tests your curiosity, creativity, and resilience.

Start now — learn, prepare smartly, and document your journey.
Because even if you don’t capture every flag, you’ll still win experience, exposure, and a great story to tell.

Still confused about HackQuest registration, syllabus, or prep plan?
Comment “HackQuest Help” below and message me on LinkedIn — I’ll personally share the best free resources and roadmap for you.

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