Why You Absolutely Should
Join?
RIFT is not just another weekend hackathon. It is the flagship 24-hour "Open Innovation" event organized by PW IOI, happening simultaneously across Bengaluru, Pune, Noida, and Lucknow.
We aren't just writing code; we are starting a movement to "Make a Shift" in how real-world problems are solved. Here is why you cannot afford to miss this:
Why Code & Chill: The "Fest" Experience
Forget the stereotype of silent, boring coding rooms. RIFT is a high-energy Techno-Cultural Fest. We blend the intensity of a 24-hour sprint with the vibe of a party.
The Vibe: Think late-night coding fueled by music, gaming zones, and endless energy.
The Balance: Burn out your brain on logic, then recharge with fun activities. It’s the perfect mix of grind and glory.
Who Should Definitely
Attend this?
Discover the Full Structure of RIFT '26
09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Arrival & Registration
Gate Opens. Teams arrive at the venue.
Check-in: QR Code scan, ID verification.
Kit Distribution: ID Cards, Swag Bags, Wi-Fi Credentials.
Seat Allocation: Teams settle down at their designated tables.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Opening Ceremony & Speaker Sessions
Welcome Note: Introduction to RIFT & PW IOI.
Speaker Sessions: Industry Leaders & Guest Speakers share insights on Open Innovation.
Rules Briefing: Submission guidelines and judging criteria.
12:30 PM
The Reveal
Problem Statements Unlocked: The 4 Open Innovation challenges are revealed simultaneously across all 4 cities.
HACKING BEGINS: Zero Hour. Brainstorming starts immediately.
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Ideation & Brainstorming
Teams discuss the Problem Statements and decide their approach.
01:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Lunch Break
Lunch is served in batches to avoid overcrowding.
04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Mentoring Round 1
Idea Validation: Mentors visit tables to check the approach, tech stack, and feasibility. Guidance on pivoting if necessary.
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Strategy Lock (Form Filling)
Mandatory Step: Teams must fill the official form to lock their Team Name and Selected Problem Statement (PS). No changes allowed after this.
08:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Dinner
Dinner is served.
10:00 PM - 11:59 PM
Mini-Event 1
Gaming/Fun Activity: A quick 30-min energizer (e.g., Typing speed test, CS Quiz, or rapid-fire gaming) to break the monotony.
11:59 PM
Midnight Checkpoint
Halfway Mark: 12 Hours down. Teams should ideally have their backend/core logic ready.
01:00 AM - 03:00 AM
Midnight Snacks
Coffee session to fuel the night shift.
07:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Breakfast
Fresh breakfast and strong coffee.
09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Mentoring Round 2
Final Polish: Mentors check progress. Focus shifts to UI/UX, presentation, and bug fixing.
11:30 AM
Code Freeze Warning
1 Hour Left! Teams start wrapping up code and preparing their Pitch Decks.
12:00 PM
Submission Portal Opens
Teams start uploading code to GitHub and submission links to the portal.
12:30 PM
HACKING ENDS
Hands off keyboards! Code Freeze.
01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Judging (Expo Mode)
The Pitch: Judges visit tables. Teams demonstrate live working prototypes. Top teams shortlisted for stage pitch (optional depending on volume).
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Closing Ceremony
Results: Winner announcements.
Photo Session: Group photo.
Vote of Thanks.
06:00 PM
Dispersal
Event concludes.
All the Important Details Before Attending RIFT '26
Meet Our Hosts: The Visionaries Behind PhysicsWallah Institute of Innovation
Brought to you by the team that revolutionized Indian education. RIFT is the brainchild of Physics Wallah Institute of Innovation (PW IOI)—a campus designed to create industry-ready tech leaders.
Led by the vision of Alakh Pandey, our hosts are a team of passionate innovators and industry experts dedicated to transforming how computer science is taught and applied. We are here to empower builders, dreamers, and coders to shape the future of digital transformation. We don't just teach technology; we build the future with it.
