Indian Army Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 Registration Begins: Check Dates, Tracks and Eligibility

The Indian Army has opened registrations for Terrier Cyber Quest (TCQ) 2026, a national-level competition focused on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital awareness. The initiative is being organised by the Territorial Army in collaboration with CyberPeace to encourage innovation and participation in emerging technology and cybersecurity fields.

Indian Army Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 Registration

Interested participants can register through the official TCQ portal until August 31, 2026. The competition is open to a wide range of participants, including students, cybersecurity professionals, AI researchers, ethical hackers, software developers, content creators, startups and technology enthusiasts.

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026: Important Dates

Candidates can check the major dates for TCQ 2026 below:

EventDate
Registration BeginsJuly 30, 2026
Last Date to RegisterAugust 31, 2026
Online ShortlistingSeptember 1-10, 2026
Grand FinaleOctober 6-8, 2026
Award CeremonyOctober 9, 2026

The online shortlisting round will be conducted in September. Selected participants will then compete in the 36-hour grand finale in New Delhi from October 6 to 8. Winners will be recognised during the award ceremony on October 9.

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026: Who Can Participate?

TCQ 2026 has been designed to attract participants from different technology and creative backgrounds. Eligible participants can include:

  • Students
  • Cybersecurity professionals
  • AI researchers
  • Ethical hackers
  • Software developers
  • Content creators
  • Technology enthusiasts
  • Startups
  • Researchers
  • Armed forces personnel, where applicable

Participants should check the specific requirements of their selected track before completing registration.

TCQ 2026 Tracks

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 features three major tracks: Bug Hunting, AI Kavach and the National Creators Challenge. Each track focuses on a different aspect of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence or public digital awareness.

Bug Hunting Track

The Bug Hunting track will be conducted as an online Capture-the-Flag (CTF) challenge. Participants will be required to identify and document security vulnerabilities in a simulated national infrastructure environment.

The track is aimed at students, cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, researchers and armed forces personnel. Participants can compete in teams of up to three members.

The leading teams from the online challenge will get an opportunity to qualify for the in-person grand finale.

AI Kavach Track

The AI Kavach track focuses on the development of AI-based cybersecurity solutions. Participants will work on concepts capable of detecting, analysing and responding to cybersecurity threats.

During registration, participants are required to submit a five-slide presentation explaining their proposed solution. Shortlisted teams will then have the opportunity to develop a working prototype during the grand finale.

Teams participating in this track can consist of up to three members.

National Creators Challenge

The National Creators Challenge is focused on creating original content aimed at increasing awareness about cybersecurity and responsible digital practices.

Participants interested in this track will need to submit their original awareness content according to the competition guidelines. The challenge provides content creators and technology enthusiasts an opportunity to contribute to wider digital awareness initiatives.

How to Register for Terrier Cyber Quest 2026?

Eligible participants can complete their TCQ 2026 registration through the official Terrier Cyber Quest portal. The general registration process involves the following steps:

1. Visit the official Terrier Cyber Quest registration portal.

2. Select the preferred competition track.

3. Create a participant profile.

4. Enter the required personal and participation details.

5. Upload the documents or submissions required for the selected track.

6. AI Kavach participants should upload their five-slide proposal presentation.

7. National Creators Challenge participants should submit their original awareness content.

8. Review the information carefully.

9. Submit the application before August 31, 2026.

Participants should ensure that their submissions follow the prescribed format and guidelines before completing registration.

TCQ 2026 Grand Finale and Awards

Following the online shortlisting stage scheduled from September 1 to 10, selected participants will compete in the grand finale in New Delhi from October 6 to 8, 2026.

The grand finale will run for 36 hours, giving shortlisted teams an opportunity to demonstrate their technical skills, creativity and problem-solving abilities.

The award ceremony will be held on October 9, 2026. According to the organisers, finalists will receive certificates and medallions from the Territorial Army, while winners will also be eligible for cash prizes and national-level recognition.

Opportunities for TCQ 2026 Participants

Apart from competition-based recognition, TCQ 2026 may provide participants with opportunities to interact with senior government and defence officials.

Winners may also get opportunities to visit defence establishments and potentially contribute to future cybersecurity initiatives associated with the Territorial Army.

The initiative is intended to bring together young technology professionals, cybersecurity experts, researchers and creators while encouraging innovation in areas that are increasingly important to national security and digital resilience.

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026: Key Points

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 registration is open until August 31, 2026. The competition features three tracks-Bug Hunting, AI Kavach and National Creators Challenge-covering cybersecurity, AI-based security solutions and digital awareness.

The online shortlisting round will take place from September 1 to 10, followed by the 36-hour grand finale in New Delhi from October 6 to 8. The winners will be honoured at the award ceremony on October 9.

Participants should select their track carefully, follow the submission guidelines and complete registration before the deadline.

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