TCS HackQuest 2026: Registration Open for Freshers | Cyber Security Hiring Challenge Announced!
TCS has officially announced HackQuest 2026, one of India’s most popular Cyber Security hiring challenges for freshers. If you are passionate about cybersecurity, problem-solving, ethical hacking, or Capture the Flag competitions, this is one of the best opportunities to start your career with Tata Consultancy Services. The HackQuest challenge is open to students from the 2026 batch, and TCS will hire successful participants for Cyber Security roles across India.
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This challenge is not just another hiring exam—HackQuest is a real-world test of your cyber skills. TCS uses it to discover talented students who enjoy breaking systems ethically, solving puzzles, and defending digital environments. With cybersecurity becoming a top priority for companies worldwide, this is the perfect opportunity for freshers to enter a high-growth domain.
What Is TCS HackQuest?
HackQuest began in 2016 with a simple objective: identify students who enjoy playing Capture the Flag (CTF) and solving cybersecurity challenges. Over the years, it has become one of the most respected cybersecurity hiring challenges in India, attracting thousands of participants.
The contest includes tasks related to real security threats, digital forensics, exploitation, encryption, network vulnerabilities, malware analysis, and more. Participants solve challenges to earn points, and the highest scorers advance to interviews and job opportunities at TCS.
Why HackQuest Is a Big Opportunity for Freshers
Cyber Security is one of the fastest-growing industries globally. Every company—from startups to large enterprises—needs skilled professionals who can secure digital systems. Through HackQuest, TCS gives freshers a chance to:
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Show their cybersecurity skills
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Work on real ethical hacking challenges
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Get hired directly into Cyber Security roles
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Build a strong foundation for a future in InfoSec
For the 2026 batch, TCS is making the challenge bigger, more competitive, and more rewarding. If you’re someone who enjoys CTF games, puzzles, reverse engineering, or security tools, HackQuest is tailor-made for you.
About TCS Off Campus Hiring Through HackQuest
TCS conducts regular off-campus drives every year, but HackQuest is special because it directly targets cybersecurity enthusiasts. Instead of a traditional aptitude test, this challenge focuses on hands-on technical abilities.
Company Name: TCS
Job Role: Cyber Security
Qualification: Engineering & Science Graduates
Location: Pan India
Last Date to Apply: 1st December
Students who perform well in HackQuest are shortlisted for interviews and can receive full-time job offers with TCS Cyber Security teams.
Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria
TCS allows students from various technical backgrounds to participate in HackQuest. Anyone from engineering, science, or computer applications can apply.
Eligible Degrees Include:
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B.Tech / B.E
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M.Tech / M.E
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BCA / MCA
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B.Sc / B.S
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M.Sc / M.S
TCS may request documents to verify a candidate’s eligibility at any stage of the competition. The contest is open to students of the 2026 batch across India.
Understanding Off-Campus Hiring & Its Benefits
Off-campus hiring helps companies reach a broader pool of talented candidates beyond their usual campus visits. Instead of limiting hiring to a few selected colleges, companies like TCS allow students from all over the country to participate.
For students, off-campus drives like HackQuest provide:
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Access to premium job opportunities
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A chance to showcase practical skills
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Fair competition with students from all backgrounds
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Opportunities even if your college doesn’t get visited by TCS
Many companies now prefer off-campus hiring because of the diversity and talent it brings. TCS uses HackQuest as a way to filter out students who truly understand cybersecurity beyond just textbook concepts.
About the HackQuest Challenge Structure
HackQuest is designed as a multi-level Capture the Flag competition. Participants solve security problems to progress to the next stages. While the exact format for 2026 will be announced after registration, the challenge usually includes:
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Vulnerability assessment tasks
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Reverse engineering challenges
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Incident response scenarios
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Digital forensics
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Cryptography problems
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Web exploitation
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System exploitation
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OSINT (open-source intelligence) tasks
Students who demonstrate problem-solving skills and strong technical reasoning are often selected for interviews.
Why TCS Uses HackQuest for Cyber Security Hiring
Cybersecurity jobs require practical skills, not just academic knowledge. Most hiring processes don’t test a student’s ability to break or defend systems. HackQuest fills that gap by offering:
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Hands-on tasks
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Real security problems
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Pressure-based time challenges
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Practical decision making
This helps TCS identify students who can handle real-world cybersecurity responsibilities.
Skills That Can Help You Crack HackQuest
While HackQuest does not require experience, having some prior exposure to cybersecurity concepts can give you an advantage. Useful skills include:
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Basics of Linux
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Networking & protocols
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Python scripting
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Web application security
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OWASP Top 10
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Cryptography basics
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Digital forensics tools
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Knowledge of CTF platforms
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Problem solving & logical reasoning
Many participants practice on platforms like TryHackMe, HackTheBox, PicoCTF, CodeRed, and other CTF challenges before attempting HackQuest.
Why Freshers Should Apply for HackQuest 2026
This challenge is ideal for students looking to start a career in cybersecurity, one of the highest-growth areas in tech. TCS provides excellent learning opportunities, professional training, and exposure to real-world security operations.
Participating in HackQuest can help you:
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Build a strong portfolio
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Showcase practical cybersecurity skills
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Stand out from other applicants
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Secure a full-time job before graduation
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Gain recognition from one of India’s top IT companies
Even if you don’t get selected in the first attempt, the knowledge gained during preparation strengthens your career prospects.
How to Apply for TCS HackQuest 2026
The application process is simple. Students must register through the official TCS HackQuest portal before the deadline.
Last Date to Apply: 1st December
After registration, TCS will share further details about the challenge schedule, exam links, and instructions.
Make sure your email ID and contact details are correct to avoid missing important updates.
Final Thoughts
TCS HackQuest 2026 is one of the best cybersecurity competitions for freshers, especially for students who want to enter the world of ethical hacking and digital defense. With companies increasingly investing in cybersecurity, this is the perfect time to start building your career in this booming domain.
How to Apply for the drive:-
Through the following link, any qualified and interested individuals can submit an online application for this drive-in.
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