About Terrier Cyber Quest 2026:
- It is a national-level hackathon focused on cybersecurity, defence, and digital threats.
- It is being organised by the Territorial Army in collaboration with CyberPeace (an Indian non-partisan civil society organisation).
- The competition aims to bring together talent from educational institutions, industry, research organisations, government bodies, and the Armed Forces.
- Participants will work on technology-based solutions to address emerging cybersecurity and national security challenges.
- This year's competition will be held across three tracks.
- Bug Hunting: Participants will identify security flaws in simulated critical infrastructure system The challenge will begin with an online Capture-the-Flag round, followed by a live final round.
- AI Kavach: This track will focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Participants will develop solutions for detecting threats, identifying unusual activity, and improving cyber defence.
- Creators Challenge: Content creators, communicators, and influencers can take part in this track. They will be asked to create digital campaigns on threats such as deepfakes, phishing, online scams, and misinformation.
- The hackathon gives students, technology enthusiasts, and other participants a chance to showcase their skills and work on real-world cybersecurity challenges linked to national security.
- Winners could further get a chance to visit defence establishments and contribute to future cybersecurity initiatives with the Territorial Army.
Key Facts about Territorial Army:
- It is a part of the Indian Army that consists of volunteers who undergo military training and serve when required.
- Unlike regular army officers, Territorial Army officers maintain their civilian jobs while dedicating a few weeks each year to military service.
- It’s a platform for motivated individuals to contribute to national defence without sacrificing their primary professions.
- Often called the “Second Line of Defence,” the TA plays a crucial role in:
- Relieving the regular army from static duties.
- Assisting the civil administration in dealing with natural calamities and maintaining essential services.
- Providing units for the regular Army as and when required.
- Motto: Savdhani Va Shoorta (Vigilance and Valour)
- Eligibility:
- Nationality: Citizens of India
- Age: 18 to 42 years
- Educational Qualifications: Graduate from any recognized university
- Physical Standards: A candidate must be physically and medically fit in all respects.
- Employment: Gainfully Employed
- Serving members of the Regular Army/Navy/Air Force/Police/GREF/Para Military and like forces are not eligible.
