Competition Guidelines
Everything You Need to Know Before You Compete
Who Can Participate?
✔ Cryptics 9.0 is open to students from Grades 6-8.
✔ Students participate in teams of 2.
✔ Each school may register up to 3 teams.
✔ The entry fee is ₹250 per team.
How Can Schools Register?
✔ Every school must register using the official registration link available on the CRYPTICS website and submit the details of its participating students.
✔ Each school may register up to 3 teams of 2 students each, allowing a maximum of 6 students per school.
✔ Once registered, the selected student participants cannot be changed at the last minute.
✔ Registrations close on 31 October 2026.
What Is the Cryptics 9.0 Competition Format?
CRYPTICS 9.0 follows one national competition pathway, with schools from across India progressing through a series of qualifying rounds.
Preliminary Round – Online | November 2026
Quarterfinals – Online | November 2026
Semi-Ofinals | January 2027
National Grand Finale – Offline | January 2027
Both the Semi-finals and National Grand Finale will be conducted at Vydehi School of Excellence, Bengaluru.
Detailed round dates and timings will be communicated to registered schools.
How Are the Online Rounds Conducted?
✔ The Preliminary Round and Quarterfinals will be conducted online.
✔ Links and timings for the online rounds will be communicated to the registered email IDs.
✔ Participants must be alone in the room during all online rounds, without external assistance, additional devices, or disturbance.
✔ Participants must complete the online rounds without external assistance, additional devices or unfair means.
✔ A laptop with a stable internet connection is mandatory.
What Are the Fair Play Guidelines?
Any participant found using unfair means, external assistance or prohibited tactics will be disqualified.
The decision of the organising committee shall be final and binding on all matters related to the competition.
Will Participants Receive Certificates or Awards?
Yes. Every participant will receive an e-certificate recognising their participation in CRYPTICS.
CRYPTICS 9.0 also features an exciting line-up of cash prizes and recognition:
- 1st Prize – ₹1,00,000
- 2nd Prize – ₹50,000
- 3 × Third Prizes – ₹25,000 each
- More prizes • Trophies • Certificates • Recognition
This now matches the prize communication in the brochure.
Where Will the Semi-finals and National Grand Finale Be Held?
The Semi-finals and National Grand Finale will both be conducted offline in January 2027 at: Vydehi School of Excellence, Whitefield, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Finalists from across India will come together on campus for the concluding stages of India’s Premier School Technology Quiz Championship.
Ready to Take on the Challenge?
Bring your curiosity. Test your technology knowledge. Represent your school on a national stage.