DPSI
Tech-a-thlon

This event challenges students to identify and fix bugs, navigate algorithms, and demonstrate their expertise in coding. In this imperfect world, every line of code counts.

Key Details:

• Offline Event Registration Date: Jul 20, 2025
• Participants: 1 per entry
• School Limit: Max 3 entries per school
• Eligibility: Grades 9 to 12
• Total Event Time: 3 hours
• Requirements: Bring your own laptops. WiFi will be provided.
• Platform: HackerRank (ID required before competition).

Event Format:

Participants will be assessed on speed and accuracy. Questions will cover various data structures and algorithms (DSA) topics with varying levels of difficulty, including:

• Arrays, Stacks, Queues, Searching and Sorting
• Loops and Conditional Statements
• String manipulation (reversing, finding duplicates, insertion, deletion, searching)
• Basic Recursion and logical thinking

Participants will not be permitted to use built-in functions or library functions that directly solve the problem, unless clearly specified in problem statements. Participants can choose from a predefined list of languages (e.g., Python, C++, Java, etc.).

Rules & Evaluation:

• Code Evaluation: Time and correctness are primary assessment factors.
• Winners will be ranked on the HackerRank leaderboard.
• Participants are strictly prohibited from using any external resources during the competition.
• It is recommended that participants have an intermediate understanding of data structures and algorithms (DSA) and be familiar with at least one programming language like Python, JavaScript, or C++.

This offline quiz event is designed to challenge students' understanding of the ever-expanding tech universe - from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to gadgets, global tech companies, and cutting-edge innovations.

Key Details:

• Offline Event Registration Date: Jul 20, 2025
• Team Size: 2 participants per team
• School Limit: Maximum 2 teams per school
• Eligibility: Grades 9 to 12

Event Format (2 Rounds):

Content Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Tech Companies & Gadgets, Computer Fundamentals, Tech in Current Affairs, Ethical Challenges in a Digital Age.

Round 1: Preliminary Round (Online)

• Date: Wednesday, August 4, 2025
• Platform: All teams will join a Microsoft Teams call, and participate in an online quiz hosted on Microsoft Forms.
• Format: 30 Questions within 20 minutes.
• Qualification: The top 6 teams will qualify for the final round hosted at the DPSI campus. (Results: August 6, 2025)
• Meeting details will be shared closer to the date.

Round 2: Final Round (Offline)

• Date: Day of the event (August 13, 2025)
• Sections: Divided into four sections:
  • Guess Who Round: Teams test their knowledge of famous personalities.
  • MCQ Round: Teams answer multiple-choice questions based on core technology concepts.
  • Buzzer Round: A fast-paced round where teams must buzz in to answer first.
  • Rapid Fire Round: Quick-response multiple choice questions to test reflexes and knowledge under pressure.
  • Bonus Round: Wager Round

This offline design competition invites students to rethink everyday experiences and offer bold design interventions. Participants will compete in teams to design innovative user interfaces (UI/UX) or physical product concepts, focusing on real-world usability, aesthetics, and smart features.

Key Details:

• Offline Event Registration Date: Jul 20, 2025
• Online Submission Deadline: August 2, 2025
• Top 10 Teams Declaration: August 4, 2025
• Final Presentation (Top 10 Teams): Day of the event (August 13, 2025)
• Team Size: 2 participants per team
• School Limit: Max 2 teams per school (one team per track).
• Eligibility: Grades 9 to 12
• Requirements: Bring your own laptops. WiFi access will be provided.

Tracks:

• Track A: UI/UX Design – Create a user interface for a digital platform or application.
• Track B: Product Design – Conceptualize a physical product, illustrated through sketches, CAD models, or basic prototypes.

The theme and detailed brief will be revealed in advance to allow time for research, ideation, and refinement. Submissions should reflect real-world usability, attention to detail, and integration of smart features that tackle imperfections in current systems. Top 10 teams (5 from each track) will be shortlisted for live presentations during the event. One winning team will be selected from each track.

Final Presentation Format (Top 10 Teams):

Duration: 5 minutes presentation + 3 minutes Q&A.

Design Considerations:

• Relevance to the theme
• Personalization: Tailoring the user experience based on individual preferences.
• Collaboration: Enabling multi-user interaction or teamwork functionalities.
• Gamification: Introducing elements of gaming to enhance user engagement (point scoring, competition with others, rules of play).

Software & Tools:

• UI/UX: Participants can use any graphic design software of their choice, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp, Figma, Other UI design tools.
• Product Design: Physical Product Designers May Use Sketches (hand-drawn or digital), CAD models (TinkerCAD, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, etc.), Prototypes (paper models, cardboards, or basic 3D prints allowed if pre-prepared).
• Design Elements (UI/UX): Vector graphics, typography, digital illustrations, and multimedia elements are allowed and encouraged.

Submission Requirements:

• Teams must submit a presentation file (PDF or PPT) that explains the project's objectives, key features, design process and the designs created.
• All designs must be submitted as JPEG, PNG, or PDF files.
• For Physical product designs (Track B), design images with all the perspectives or views should be included in the presentation.
• Naming Convention: Files should be named as SchoolName_TeamName.pptx / .pdf
• Submission: Participants must upload their files to a provided Google Drive link before the submission deadline. URLs: Submitting URLs or online links is not allowed.

Judging Criteria:

• Creativity and Originality: The uniqueness and innovative approach of the design.
• Visual Impact: The overall aesthetic and appeal of the design.
• Functionality: How effectively the design solves the problem and addresses the theme.
• Technical Skill: The quality of execution and proficiency in using design tools.
• Relevance to the Prompt and Theme: Alignment with the given theme and objectives.

This offline music-tech event challenges students to remix a track from a movie, TV show, or sitcom. On the day of the event, a genre will be revealed. Explore how technology can reshape the emotional tone of sound.

Key Details:

• Offline Event Registration Date: Jul 20, 2025
• Team Size: 2 participants per team
• School Limit: One team per school
• Eligibility: Grades 9 to 12
• Time Limit: 3 hours on event day
• Requirements: Participants must bring their headphones/earphones and laptops. An internet connection will be provided. Note: A midi-keyboard and a sound card are also allowed.

Event Format:

• Remix a chosen beat from a film, show, or sitcom into a different genre based on the event's theme, provided on the day of the event.
• Showcase your ability to:
  • Mix and layer audio tracks
  • Apply effects and transitions
  • Create rhythm, mood, and originality within a limited time

Software & Tools:

• Required: Participants are required to use any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
• Additionally, they may use the following plugins, samples, or VSTs: Spitfire Audio - LABS, and others from provided links.

Submission Requirements:

• The remixed track must be 45-70 seconds long.
• File Format: MP3 or other compatible formats.
• Submission Method: Files should be uploaded to a Google Drive link provided by the organizers.
• Title and Description: Participants should provide a simple title for their track and a brief description (25-50 words) explaining their concept.
• File Naming Format: SchoolName_TeamName.mp3

Judging Criteria:

• Creativity and Originality: How inventive and unique the remix is.
• Technical Skill and Use of Technology: Proficiency in using software and tools to create the remix.
• Connection and Justification: The explanation of the remix's connection to the theme and genre.

Theme & Prompt:

Theme: "What If…"

Prompt: The goal is to create an engaging video that creatively highlights a "what if" scenario — an alternate reality, choice, or unexpected outcome, using effective transitions, camera work, and effects. The final video should loop seamlessly.

Competition Details:

• Submission Deadline: Thursday, July 31, 2025, 6 pm IST
• Eligibility: Grades 9-12
• Team Size: 1-2 participants per team
• Entry Limit: One team per school
• Results Announced: August 13, 2025

Submission Method:

• All submissions for the online category must be submitted by Thursday, July 31, 2025, 6 pm IST through Google Forms for the respective event.
• Final Video: The edited video file must be in a widely accepted format (e.g., MP4, MOV), between 30-90 seconds long.
• Compiled Bundle: A folder containing all raw footage, images, and project files used in the creation of the video must be submitted alongside the final video.
• Video submission, if submitted as a Google Drive link, access should be provided. Video submission must be in MP4 format.
• No personal information about the students, school, etc should be there in the video submissions.

Rules:

• Original Footage: All video clips must be filmed by the students. Pre-existing or stock footage is not allowed.
• Video Editing Software: Participants may use any video editing software of their choice.
• AI Usage: Minimal AI use is permitted. The focus should be on the participant's own editing skills.
• Music: The music used must be appropriate, with no vulgar or inappropriate content.

Judgment Criteria (Total 50 points):

• Seamlessness of Transitions: How fluid and smooth the transitions between shots and scenes are (10 points).
• Use of Camera Angles and Framing: Creativity and variety in camera angles and the framing of each shot (10 points).
• Use of Sound and Visual Effects: The effective use of sound and visual effects to enhance the overall quality of the video (10 points).
• Color Grading: The use of color to set the mood, ensure consistency, and enhance visual appeal (10 points).
• Overall Creativity and Presentation: The originality and impact of the video as a whole (10 points).

Theme: "Glitch in Time"

Participants must create an original game that explores the thrilling concept of time travel — where every choice in the past echoes into the future. Your game should immerse players in a story or world where altering even the smallest event can change everything. Your mission is to let players feel the power (and consequence) of time.

What Participants Can Create:

• A playable game or interactive prototype based on the time-travel theme.
• A narrative-driven or choice-based game involving time glitches, alternate realities, or time-travel puzzles.
• A game prototype that includes levels or mechanics that shift based on time distortions (e.g., rewinding, pausing, fast-forwarding).
• An interactive animation or simulation that tells a compelling, glitch-themed story — ideal for beginners or those interested in animation/storytelling, design, or visual effects without coding a full game.

Competition Details:

• Submission Deadline: Thursday, July 31, 2025, 6 pm IST (General online event deadline)
• Eligibility: Grades 9-12
• Team Size: 1-2 participants per entry
• Entry Limit: One team per school
• Tools: You can use any tools (no code or code), such as Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot, Sandbox, etc.
• Results Announced: August 13, 2025

Submissions via Google Forms for the event.

Rules:

• Free assets from websites such as mixamo.com, itch.io, sketchfab.com, etc., may be used.
• Help forums with discussion threads may be used.
• 3D modeling software may be used.
• Any game engine of choice may be used but is not necessary.
• Ensure that your work is authentic.

Judgment Criteria:

• Fun Factor: The game must be intriguing and fun to play.
• User Interface: The user interface must be clean and easy for judges to comprehend.
• Relation to the Theme: The game must have a strong relation with the theme. Even if the participant makes a brilliant game, it will be judged poorly if it doesn't relate to the theme.
• Sound Design: The developers will be judged on how well they incorporate music and sound effects to enhance the player experience.
• Creativity: The game must be unique. It is recommended to think outside the box.

This online event unites young gamers to compete in Valorant and Rocket League, fostering fair play, sportsmanship, and a competitive spirit.

Games:

• Valorant
• Rocket League

Participation Details:

• Registration Deadline: Sunday, July 20, 2025, 6 pm IST (General online event deadline)
• Tentative Dates & Timings: After school hours and weekend matches (as scheduled by players and admins).
• Eligibility: Valorant & Rocket League: Open to students from Grades 9 to 12.
• Entry Limit: 1 team per school per game (Rocket League/ Valorant).
• Regional Note: Schools outside of Asia can only participate in Rocket League, not Valorant, due to server compatibility and latency issues with Valorant.
• Results Announced: August 13, 2025

Submissions/Registrations via Google Forms for the event.

Team Composition:

• Valorant: A complete team of 5 players with 1 substitute (Additional substitutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis, provided that players verify their identity and sufficient notice is given).
• Rocket League: 2 players per team (no substitutes unless necessary).

Tournament Format:

• Valorant: Double Elimination Bracket
• Rocket League: Single Elimination Bracket
• Note: Fixtures will be drawn live to ensure fairness.
• Valorant Semi-Finals and Finals: Best of 3 (BO3) format, with map vetoes conducted by team leaders before each match.

Cheating Prevention & Streaming:

• Camera Requirements: Participants must have two devices on Discord: one for face view and another for setup view (including face/body).
• Streaming: Matches will be streamed with a delay on a private voice channel to prevent stream sniping.

Event Awards:

• Champion Award (All Games)
• Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award (Valorant, Rocket League)
• Grand Finals MVP Award (Valorant, Rocket League)
• Best Individual Play Award (Valorant, Rocket League)
• Community Choice Award (All Games)