Indian Army and CyberPeace Launch Terrier Cyber Quest 2026: Registration Open Till August 31
The Territorial Army, in collaboration with CyberPeace, has announced the third edition of the Terrier Cyber Quest (TCQ 3.0), a national-level hackathon designed to address cybersecurity and digital defence challenges. The event invites participants from educational institutions, industry, research organisations, government bodies, and the Armed Forces to develop technology-driven solutions for emerging national security threats.
The hackathon is structured around three distinct tracks, catering to diverse skill sets and interests. The first track, Bug Hunting, focuses on identifying security vulnerabilities in simulated critical infrastructure. It begins with an online Capture-the-Flag round, followed by a live final round where shortlisted participants will tackle real-time challenges. The second track, AI Kavach, centres on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Participants are expected to build tools that can detect threats, identify unusual activity, and strengthen cyber defence mechanisms. The third track, Creators Challenge, is designed for content creators, communicators, and influencers. They will be tasked with designing digital campaigns that raise awareness about threats such as deepfakes, phishing, online scams, and misinformation.
Registrations for Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 will remain open until August 31, 2026. The online shortlisting round is scheduled from September 1 to 10, 2026. The Grand Finale will be held in New Delhi from October 6 to 8, with the award ceremony taking place on October 9. These dates provide a clear timeline for participants to plan their submissions and preparations.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to harness grassroots talent for national security. By bringing together students, technology enthusiasts, and professionals, the hackathon aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical cybersecurity applications. The challenges are designed to simulate real-world scenarios, giving participants an opportunity to work on problems that have direct relevance to the country's digital infrastructure and defence systems.
The collaboration between the Territorial Army and CyberPeace underscores the growing importance of public-private partnerships in cybersecurity. As digital threats become more sophisticated, such competitions serve as a platform for innovation and skill development. They also encourage participants to think critically about the security of critical systems and the role of emerging technologies in protecting them.
Interested individuals and teams can register through the official Terrier Cyber Quest platform. The organisers have urged all eligible candidates to review the track-specific guidelines before applying. The hackathon is open to participants from across the country, and no entry fee has been mentioned.
Cybersecurity remains a pressing concern for governments and institutions worldwide. Initiatives like Terrier Cyber Quest aim to create a pipeline of skilled professionals who can contribute to safeguarding digital assets and national interests. With its focus on practical problem-solving, the third edition is expected to attract a wide range of participants, from students to seasoned professionals, all united by a shared goal of enhancing cyber resilience.
