Hackathons often feel confusing, especially for students participating for the first time. With limited time, new teams, and unfamiliar problem statements, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. However, once you understand the hackathon procedure step by step, the entire process becomes structured and manageable.
Step 1: Hackathon Registration
The first step in any hackathon is registration. Participants can register either individually or as a team, depending on the event guidelines. Registrations are usually done through college portals or popular platforms such as Unstop, Devfolio, or official hackathon websites.
During registration, participants may be required to select a problem statement, theme, or track. Many hackathons clearly mention whether they are beginner-friendly, so students should always check eligibility and requirements carefully.
SEO Tip: Many beginners search for “how to register for a hackathon” — clear registration details matter.
Step 2: Team Formation in a Hackathon
Teams generally consist of 2 to 5 members. Hackathons are designed to test collaboration, so balanced teams perform better than solo participants.
A strong hackathon team usually includes:
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One or two technical members for development
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A design or UI-focused member
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A member responsible for ideas, research, documentation, or presentations
Clear communication and role division early on help avoid confusion during later stages.
Step 3: Understanding the Hackathon Problem Statement
Before starting development, teams must fully understand the problem statement. This step is critical and often overlooked by beginners.
Teams should clearly identify:
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What exact problem needs to be solved
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Who the target users are
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Why the problem is important in real life
Judges prefer solutions that directly address the problem rather than complex features that do not add value.
Step 4: Ideation and Planning
Once the problem is clear, teams move into ideation and planning. This stage involves brainstorming multiple ideas and shortlisting the most feasible solution based on time, skills, and resources.
After finalizing the idea, teams should:
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Decide the core features
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Assign responsibilities
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Create a basic workflow or architecture
Good planning saves time and improves execution.
Step 5: Building the MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
The goal of this stage is to build a simple, functional prototype, also known as an MVP. Hackathons are not about perfection; they are about execution.
Teams should focus on:
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Core functionality
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Clear user flow
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A working demo
A simple solution that works is always better than a complex solution that is incomplete.
Step 6: Mentor Reviews and Feedback
Most hackathons provide access to mentors who are industry professionals. Mentors review progress, suggest improvements, and help teams refine their ideas.
Taking mentor feedback seriously can significantly improve both the technical quality and presentation of the solution. Asking questions during this stage is strongly encouraged.
Step 7: Final Pitch and Project Submission
The final step of a hackathon is the pitch and submission. Teams submit their project along with a presentation or demo video.
A strong hackathon pitch clearly explains:
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The problem statement
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The solution and how it works
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The impact and future scope
Clear communication often matters as much as technical execution during evaluation.
How CORDITO Helps Students Prepare for Hackathons
CORDITO helps students prepare for every stage of a hackathon—from understanding problem statements and building projects to teamwork and pitching. Through project-based learning and internship guidance, CORDITO trains students to work like real startup teams, making hackathons less intimidating and more rewarding.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the hackathon procedure makes participation much easier, especially for beginners. Hackathons are not about knowing everything in advance; they are about learning fast, collaborating well, and solving real problems.
With the right preparation and guidance, hackathons can become a powerful step toward internships, projects, and career growth.