Puzzle Masters Hackathon 2026
By Gamnexis
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Quick Answer
A national-level puzzle game development hackathon for Indian college students — build a complete puzzle game from concept to playable prototype.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹1,700
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- Gamnexis
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 15 August 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by Gamnexis. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
Puzzle Masters Hackathon 2026 is a national-level innovation challenge organised by Gamnexis, inviting students, developers, designers, AI enthusiasts, and problem-solvers from across India to create impactful puzzle games. The hackathon focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Game Development, EdTech, and Student-Centric Applications. Participants are encouraged to develop innovative projects that solve real-world educational challenges, improve student productivity, or create engaging learning experiences through technology.
Who Should Apply Open to college students across India from all academic disciplines. Individual participation or teams of up to 5 members. Beginners and experienced developers are equally welcome.
Tracks / Themes Participants may create games based on any puzzle genre, including but not limited to: Logic Puzzle, Hyper Casual Puzzle, Maze Puzzle, Drawing Puzzle, Physics Puzzle, Escape Puzzle, Path Finding, Tile Matching, Colour Sorting, Parking Jam, Rope Puzzle, Water Sort, Block Puzzle, Gravity Puzzle, Sliding Puzzle, Timing Puzzle, Brain Games, Strategy Puzzle, or any original puzzle game concept.
Format & Timeline The hackathon is conducted in two rounds:
- Round 1 – Idea & PPT Submission (Free Registration): Participants submit a presentation covering game title, problem statement, concept, gameplay mechanics, target audience, core features, game flow, UI/UX mock-ups, technology stack, and development roadmap. Submissions are evaluated on originality, feasibility, creativity, and presentation quality. Only shortlisted teams advance to Round 2.
- Round 2 – Final Project Submission: Shortlisted teams build and submit a functional game (APK/Web/Desktop), along with a GitHub repository, demo video (2–5 minutes), final presentation, README documentation, and game assets. The game must be stable, playable, and include the features proposed in Round 1.
Judging criteria: Innovation & Originality (25%), Gameplay Experience (25%), Technical Implementation (20%), UI/UX Design (15%), Creativity (10%), Presentation & Documentation (5%).
Prizes
- 1st Prize: ₹1,000 cash + Winner Certificate
- 2nd Prize: ₹500 cash + Runner-up Certificate
- 3rd Prize: ₹200 cash + Second Runner-up Certificate
- Special Awards: Best AI Game, Best Mobile Game, Best UI & UX (certificates)
- All eligible participants who complete the hackathon receive a digital participation certificate.
Eligibility Open to college students across India. Individual participation or teams of up to 5 members. Students from all academic disciplines are eligible. Beginners and experienced developers are welcome.
About the Organiser Gamnexis is an India-based organiser that runs student-focused hackathons and innovation challenges, providing a platform for young developers to build real-world projects and gain competitive experience.
How to Apply Registration is free for Round 1. Submit your idea presentation via the official Unstop event page before the deadline. Shortlisted teams will be notified to proceed to Round 2.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Organizer
Gamnexis
Prizes & Awards
- Amount
- Up to ₹1,700
What You Get
Winners take home cash prizes plus certificates: ₹1,000 for 1st place, ₹500 for 2nd, and ₹200 for 3rd. Special award winners also receive certificates for Best AI Game, Best Mobile Game, and Best UI/UX. Every eligible participant who completes the hackathon gets a digital participation certificate, and entry to Round 1 is free — so the main cost is your time, not your money. No equity or repayment is involved; this is a pure prize-based competition.
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
