Code with Cisco:
Get. Set. Code.

Join India’s premier code-a-thon to solve real-world challenges and kickstart your professional journey with a potential internship or full-time role at Cisco.

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A code-a-thon for all

Code with Cisco is more than a code-a-thon—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of tech pioneers. We’re bringing together the brightest university minds from across the nation to shatter boundaries, solve complex real-world challenges, and engineer the future. This is your stage to showcase your brilliance, collaborate with like-minded innovators, and fast-track your career with an internship or full-time role at Cisco.

Don’t just write code—build the future. Are you ready to make your mark?
Transcript

Why Code with Cisco?

We believe talent knows no boundaries. Whether you are from any college, degree, or department, your potential is all that matters. There are no barriers based on CGPA, specialization, or location—if you have the passion, you belong here.

The ultimate networking hub

Step inside our world at the Cisco Bengaluru Campus. You’ll be working side-by-side with industry experts, collaborating with top-tier peers, and tackling real-world challenges in the heart of innovation.

Innovate and impact

Expand your technical and leadership capabilities through courses, certifications, and experiences.

Your career launchpad

This is more than a competition—it is your ticket to a career at Cisco. We provide a direct route to join our world-class engineering teams and start making a global impact from day one.

How the code-a-thon works

We value potential over credentials. Our process is built on fairness, ensuring every brilliant mind gets an equal shot at success.

Registration and kick-off

June 01, 2026

Eligible final year engineering students from specific universities can register for the challenge: connect with your placement cell to register!

Online assessment kick-off

June 25, 2026

Our Cisco Common Entrance Test and skills-based interview process evaluates your core skills. All eligible students will receive their unique test links.

Code-a-thon begins

June 30, 2026

Your quest begins here: this is when our top 75 contestants are announced!  Connect with your team, align on pre-work, and kickstart collaboration!

Travel to Cisco

July 15, 2026 

Pack your bags for a Cisco-sponsored, exciting 2-day coding journey! 

In person Code-a-thon

July 16 & 17, 2026 

Two days of a high‑octane code-a-thon and demos, culminating in the top three teams winning exciting prizes and an opportunity to network with like‑minded peers and industry experts. 

Be you, with us

"Code with Cisco was more than a Code-a-thon—it pushed me to build and collaborate under pressure. Solving real-world cybersecurity challenges gave us a taste of impact. Winning was rewarding, but the connections were everything. That experience led me to join Cisco as Software Engineer; a true defining moment!"
Prashant K.
Software Engineer

"Being a top 75 finalist at Code with Cisco was a career-defining experience! From travel to stay, Cisco’s hospitality was seamless. Working with brilliant peers and mentors was unforgettable. That journey inspired me, and I’m so grateful to be back as a 6-month intern. Cisco’s culture is truly special—the perfect place to grow personally and professionally!"
Shreya T.
Technical Intern I

"Code with Cisco was an unforgettable experience! The pressure of tight deadlines and real-world problem-solving was intense but so exciting. While winning was great, the real value was the learning, teamwork, and energy. It pushed me out of my comfort zone—I highly recommend it to any student ready to build something truly meaningful!"
Sunpreet S.
Technical Intern I

"Code with Cisco at the Cessna campus was incredible! From the sharp problem statements to the seamless organization, everything was top-tier. The mentorship was invaluable, and the networking helped me connect with so many talented peers. It was more than building solutions—it was a masterclass in innovation and collaboration. Truly inspiring!"
Kartik D.
Software Engineer

"The biggest takeaway from Code with Cisco was perspective. Tackling themes like quantum computing, network resilience, and AI with mentors and peers showed me that innovation isn't just about ideas; it's about building solutions that can stand up to real-world complexity, impact, and scale every day."
Nidhi S.
Technical Intern I

Answers to your questions

Q: How can I register for this program?
A: Watch for upcoming communications from Cisco, which will provide detailed instructions on how to register for the program.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria, or are there any prerequisites?
A: Code with Cisco is open to all degree programs and branches, for candidates based in India who are passing out in 2027, with no backlogs!

Q: How can I make corrections to my registration?
A: Please try your best to ensure your submission is accurate, but if a major correction is needed, please contact our support team at support_code_with_cisco@cisco.com.

Q: How can I change my program preference (Code with Cisco or Ideathon)?
A: Unfortunately, once you have selected your program preference, it cannot be changed as it's based on the eligibility criteria and prerequisites.

Q: Can we register as a team?
A: No, individual registrations are required. Team formation will be assigned by Cisco.

Q: What are the roles to apply?
A: The specific roles for each program will be detailed in the registration form.

Q: What if I registered twice for the program?
A: You can only register once. Multiple registrations are not allowed and will lead to disqualification.

Q: What is the assessment type and pattern?
A: The assessment will include a combination of multiple-choice questions and coding challenges.

Q: What is the duration of the test and login window?
A: The test duration is 90 minutes with a login window of 30 minutes on the scheduled date & time.

Q: Are there any negative markings?
A: No, there are no negative markings in the assessment.

Q: What kind of proctoring is available?
A: The assessment will be remotely proctored using AI-based monitoring and video proctoring to ensure integrity. Any malpractice/plagiarism flag will lead to disqualification.

Q: What are the system requirements to take up the assessment?
A: You will need a computer with a stable internet connection, a webcam, and the latest version of a supported web browser. Detailed requirements will be provided before the test.

Q: Is it possible to reschedule the assessment?
A: No, the assessment date and time cannot be rescheduled. Please ensure you are available during the specified time.

Q: When will we get the results for the assessment, and what is the mode of result?
A: Results will be announced in a phased manner, basis the requirement.

Q: After we get the results, what would be the further process?
A: Selected candidates will be contacted with further instructions, including details on the next stages, such as Code-a-thon, interviews, etc.

Q: When are we going to conduct the event?
A: The Code-a-thon event is scheduled for 16th and 17th July 2026.

Q: How do I know that I got selected for the code-a-thon event?
A: You will receive an official email notification if you are selected for the code-a-thon event.

Q: How do I set up my accommodation, travel plan, and food plan?
A: For selected candidates, Cisco will cover food, travel, and accommodations.

Q: Is it possible to select my own team for the event?
A: Team formation will happen after the assessment and will be managed by Cisco.

Q: Is it possible to reschedule my event?
A: No, the event date and time are fixed and cannot be rescheduled.

Q: How do I prepare to participate?
A: Brush up your basics in coding, problem-solving. Challenges will be based on real-life scenarios.

Q: When will the winners be announced for a 2-day code-a-thon?
A: Winners will be announced towards the end of the second day of the event on July 17, 2026.

Q: What if I am not selected; can I reapply again later?
A: Yes, you can reapply for future events or programs as per the eligibility criteria. If you are looking for other roles at Cisco, please visit careers.cisco.com/india/etr-jobs to explore relevant opportunities.

Q: Will the interview be in-person or virtual?
A: Interviews will be conducted virtually via video conferencing.

Q: How many rounds of interviews are there?
A: There will be four rounds of interviews to assess your technical capability and overall fit.

Q: How do I create an inclusive resume?
A: An inclusive resume highlights your skills, experiences, and achievements while being concise and well-organized. Focus on relevant projects, internships, and any extracurricular activities that demonstrate your capabilities while masking all your personal identifiable information.

Q: When will I get the results of my interview?
A: Final interview results will be announced in batches.

Q: When will I get the Letter of Intent (LOI) and what is the timeline to confirm?
A: The Letter of Intent will be issued within 7 days after the final interview results are announced. You will have 24 hours to confirm your acceptance of the LOI.

Q: What is the CTC/Stipend and other benefits if selected?
A: Compensation and benefits will be discussed during your interview.

Q: What would be my work location?
A: Basis the requirement, work location details will be provided in your offer letter.

For any further queries, please contact our support team at support_code_with_cisco@cisco.com

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