Overview TechFEST'26 is North India's premier technical festival, organised by Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology (SLIET), Longowal, Punjab. This is a paid opportunity with the early-bird packages mentioned below: Registration for the techFEST’26 package is compulsory for accommodation and other perks, while participation in individual events is free*. www.techfest26.com We cordially invite you to Heuristic Havoc, organised as part of techFEST'26 - Annual Technical Festival of SLIET. Showcase your talent, compete with the sharpest minds and earn your moment of glory.
About the Event: Step into the ultimate test of endurance and algorithmic mastery with the CP Marathon. This intense, endurance-based competitive programming event is designed for true algorithm enthusiasts. It plunges participants into the thrill of problem-solving, testing their ability to think analytically and mathematically under extended pressure. Participants will face a rapid-fire series of complex algorithmic and data structure questions, with the goal of formulating the most optimal, time- and space-efficient solutions. This marathon rewards endurance, accuracy, and the ability to optimise code execution times when the clock is ticking.
Number of rounds: 2 Round 1 – The Algorithmic
Sprint Format: 5 standard Competitive Programming (CP) questions.
Duration: 1.5 hours (1 hour 30 minutes).
Evaluation: Submissions will be evaluated automatically by the Codeforces judge based on test cases passed, execution time, and space complexity.
Qualification: Top performers based on the platform's leaderboard score will qualify for Round 2. Round 2 – The Heuristic Crucible (Final
Round) Format: 7 main advanced CP questions + 1 hidden bonus question.
Duration: 2.5 hours (2 hours 30 minutes).
Difficulty: Hard, with a significant step-up from Round 1.
Special Mechanic: The bonus CP question is locked by default. It will only be unlocked for contestants who successfully solve all 7 main questions.
Evaluation: Leaderboard standings will be based on accuracy, optimisation, and penalty time.
Outcome: The top 3 performers on the final leaderboard will be declared the winners.
Note: The number of questions, duration, and other event details are subject to change. The organisers reserve the right to make necessary modifications. Participants are advised to check the event description regularly for further announcements and updates. Join the WhatsApp group for updates! https://chat.whatsapp.com/G8X4SWjloHF9KhFdJGnFNY?s=cl&p=a&mlu=4&ilr=4
Rules for Both Rounds: All rounds will be conducted strictly offline at the designated venue. Participants must arrive at the venue on time; latecomers will not be given extra time. Plagiarism, code sharing, or the use of AI/external aids will result in immediate disqualification. Codeforces' standard plagiarism detection will be strictly enforced. Disqualified contestants will not receive a participation certificate. The number of questions and the duration for each round are subject to change. Participants should stay updated through the event WhatsApp channel. The decisions of the organisers and the automated judge will be final and binding.
Venue
Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering & Technology, Longowal
Laungowal, India
Certification & Prizes: The Top 3 performers from Round 2 will receive winner certificates and cash prizes. All contestants, except disqualified participants, will receive a participation certificate. Rules and Regulations -
General Rules: All participants must carry a valid college ID card and their techFEST'26 registration receipt. Reporting time will be communicated to registered participants; late reporting may lead to a walkover. The decision of the judges and organisers will be final and binding in all matters. Any form of misconduct, plagiarism, or use of unfair means may lead to immediate disqualification. Participants are responsible for their own equipment and personal belongings. Organisers reserve the right to modify any rule at any time; updates will be announced at the venue.
Team size: Individual. The jury decision is final and binding. Mobile phones must be handed over during both rounds.
Eligibility: Open to students of all institutes and all degree programmes, unless specified otherwise in the event rules above. Participants must be registered for techFEST'26 through the official portal. Cross-college teams are welcome.
Prizes: 1st place: Winner trophy/certificate and cash prize 2nd place: Runner-up certificate and cash prize 3rd place: Certificate and cash prize Certificates of participation for all registered participants.
Why You Should Participate: Challenge your problem-solving and competitive programming skills with carefully designed algorithmic problems. Test your ability to think, code, and optimise solutions under time pressure. Compete with skilled programmers and prove yourself on the leaderboard. Win exciting cash prizes and earn recognition through winner certificates. Gain valuable competitive programming experience through a challengi