DecodeX '26 – Enter the Mission. Decode the Unknown DecodeX '26 is a national-level signal processing competition in the style of a CTF (Capture the Flag), participants decode hidden messages and secrets buried inside real-world signals, using filtering, spectral analysis, demodulation, and machine learning. Every flag is earned by actually working with the data.
Website: decodex-bmsit.tech
What to Expect: Challenges on real world signals: Audio, biomedical, radar and sensor data, with puzzles that need real signal processing, not guesswork.
Hands-on problem solving: Each challenge hides a flag inside a signal or dataset. Participants identify what they're dealing with, pick the right signal processing or ML technique, and extract the answer.
Rising difficulty: Start with approachable puzzles and work up to harder multi-stage ones.
Event Objectives: Promote the practical application of signal processing concepts through hands-on challenges beyond the classroom. Introduce students to Capture The Flag (CTF)-style competitions in the field of signal processing. Develop analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills through time-bound challenges. Provide a platform for students from colleges across India to compete, collaborate, and network. Encourage exploration of emerging technologies such as AI/ML applications in signal processing, biomedical signals, and radar sensing. Foster connections between students, industry sponsors, and the wider IEEE community.
Challenge Domains: Audio Processing Biomedical Signals Radar Signals Sensor Data
Competition Format: Mission 1 - The Infiltration - Online CTF Open to students pursuing a bachelor's degree across India.
Duration: 2 hours Participants solve signal-processing-based CTF challenges. Top 30 teams qualify to the next stage Mission 2 - The TakeOver - Offline Grand
Finale Venue: BMS Institute of Technology & Management, Bengaluru. Finalists will face more challenging CTF problems.
Event Dates: 22 nd Nov, 2026: Online Qualifier 27 th - 28 th Nov, 2026: Offline Finale
Organised by: IEEE Signal Processing Society BMS Institute of Technology & Management Student Branch
Team Formation: Teams must consist of 2–4 members. Teams from different colleges are allowed. Inter-specialization teams are allowed.
Prize Pool: ₹50,000
Eligibility Criteria: Open to all students currently pursuing their bachelor's in India, irrespective of their college or specialization.
Venue
BMS Institute of Technology & Management
Bangalore, India