Indian Army Terrier Cyber Quest 2026: Registration Open, Check Eligibility, Tracks, Prizes and How to Apply

Indian Army Terrier Cyber Quest 2026: The Indian Army has opened registrations for Terrier Cyber Quest (TCQ) 2026, a national-level cybersecurity and technology challenge designed to identify emerging talent in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital awareness.

The competition is being organised by the Territorial Army in collaboration with CyberPeace and is open to a wide range of participants, including students, cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, AI researchers, software developers, content creators, startups and technology enthusiasts.

Interested participants can register for the challenge until August 31, 2026. The competition will begin with an online shortlisting stage in September, followed by a 36-hour grand finale in New Delhi from October 6 to October 8. The winners will be honoured at an award ceremony on October 9.

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026: Key Highlights

What Is Terrier Cyber Quest 2026?

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 is a national cybersecurity and technology competition aimed at discovering individuals and teams with practical skills in cyber defence, artificial intelligence and digital safety.

Unlike a conventional academic competition, TCQ 2026 offers participants multiple ways to demonstrate their abilities. Participants can choose from Bug Hunting, AI Kavach and the National Creators Challenge, depending on their skills and interests.

The initiative also gives participants an opportunity to gain exposure to the defence and cybersecurity ecosystem and interact with professionals and officials working in the field.

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 Registration Last Date

The last date to register for Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 is August 31, 2026.

Participants should complete the registration process before the deadline and carefully follow the requirements of the track they select.

Those applying under AI Kavach will have additional proposal requirements, while participants choosing the National Creators Challenge will need to submit original awareness content.

Who Can Apply for Terrier Cyber Quest 2026?

TCQ 2026 has been designed to accommodate participants from different backgrounds.

Eligible participants include:

• Students

• Cybersecurity professionals

• Ethical hackers

• AI researchers

• Software developers

• Technology enthusiasts

• Content creators

• Influencers

• Startups

• Researchers

• Eligible armed forces personnel

The eligibility requirements may vary depending on the competition track selected.

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026: Competition Tracks

Participants can choose from three major tracks.

1. Bug Hunting

The Bug Hunting track is designed for participants interested in identifying cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

It will feature an online Capture-the-Flag (CTF) challenge. The strongest teams from the online stage will progress to the in-person finale.

Participants will work on identifying and documenting vulnerabilities within a simulated national infrastructure environment.

Who can participate?

• Students

• Cybersecurity professionals

• Ethical hackers

• Researchers

• Armed forces personnel

Teams can have up to three members.

2. AI Kavach

AI Kavach focuses on the use of artificial intelligence to address cybersecurity threats.

Participants will be expected to propose an AI-powered cybersecurity solution capable of detecting, analysing or helping mitigate security threats.

During registration, applicants must submit a five-slide presentation explaining their proposed solution. Shortlisted teams will then get an opportunity to develop a working prototype during the finale.

Teams can consist of up to three members.

3. National Creators Challenge

The National Creators Challenge is aimed at participants who can communicate cybersecurity issues effectively through digital content.

Participants will create an original 1–3 minute video, reel or carousel focused on issues such as:

• Deepfakes

• Cyber fraud

• Digital misinformation

• Online safety

The challenge is open to creators, influencers, students and members of the general public.

Teams can have up to four members.

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 Schedule

The complete competition timeline is important for participants planning their submissions and preparation.

Participants should complete all track-specific requirements before the registration deadline rather than waiting until the last day.

How to Register for Terrier Cyber Quest 2026?

Candidates interested in participating can follow these general steps:

Step 1: Visit the official Terrier Cyber Quest registration portal.

Step 2: Select the competition track that matches your skills.

Step 3: Create a participant profile.

Step 4: Enter the required personal and participation details.

Step 5: Submit the documents or content required for the selected track.

Step 6: AI Kavach applicants should upload their required proposal presentation.

Step 7: Creators Challenge participants should submit their original content according to the competition guidelines.

Step 8: Review the submitted information and complete registration before the deadline.

Participants should carefully read the rules applicable to their selected track before submitting their entry.

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 Grand Finale

Shortlisted participants will move to the 36-hour grand finale in New Delhi, scheduled from October 6 to October 8, 2026.

The finale is expected to provide participants with an opportunity to demonstrate their technical and creative abilities in a more intensive competitive environment.

The winners will subsequently be recognised during the award ceremony on October 9, 2026.

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 Prizes and Benefits

The competition offers participants more than just a competitive platform.

Finalists are set to receive:

• Certificates

• Medallions from the Territorial Army

• Cash prizes

• National-level recognition

• Opportunities to interact with senior government and defence officials

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

For students and young technology professionals, these opportunities can provide valuable exposure beyond conventional academic competitions.

Why Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 Matters for Students and Tech Aspirants

The growing importance of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence has created demand for professionals who can solve real-world digital security problems.

TCQ 2026 provides participants with an opportunity to showcase practical abilities rather than relying solely on academic credentials.

For students, ethical hackers, developers and AI enthusiasts, participation can help demonstrate skills in areas such as:

• Vulnerability identification

• Cyber threat analysis

• AI-based security solutions

• Digital awareness

• Problem-solving

• Technology communication

The competition can therefore be particularly relevant for participants considering careers in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, defence technology and software development.

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026: Which Track Should You Choose?

The right track depends largely on the participant's strengths.

Choose Bug Hunting if: you have cybersecurity, ethical hacking or vulnerability assessment skills.

Choose AI Kavach if: you have experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, software development or cybersecurity solutions.

Choose National Creators Challenge if: your strength lies in video creation, social media, storytelling or digital communication.

Selecting a track that matches your existing skills can help you produce a stronger entry.

Terrier Cyber Quest 2026: Important Points to Remember

Participants should keep the following points in mind:

• Registration closes on August 31, 2026.

• Read the track-specific eligibility rules before applying.

• Teams must follow the prescribed member limits.

• AI Kavach participants need to prepare the required proposal.

• Creators Challenge submissions must be original.

• Bug Hunting participants should prepare for the online CTF stage.

• Shortlisted participants will progress to the next stage.

• The grand finale will take place in New Delhi.

• Participants should retain their registration details for future communication.