Careers

Cisco Ideathon: Where ideas become career opportunities 

  

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Keep the ideas coming

Cisco Ideathon brings together final-year Cisco Networking Academy students across India to explore emerging technologies and solve real-world challenges. Share your original, well-researched ideas and get a chance to earn coveted internships with potential full-time opportunities at Cisco. 
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Why Ideathon?

Cisco Ideathon is a unique platform for students with potential and creativity to explore emerging technologies and solve real-world challenges. It celebrates original thinking and problem-solving, with the chance to unlock meaningful career opportunities. 

Award-winning

The Stevie Gold® Award winner and Great Place to Work by the State Government of Odisha.

Inclusive innovation

Nurtures groundbreaking ideas with the potential to reshape our world with the expansive Cisco ecosystem.

Career building

Ignites your tech career with a launch pad for your professional journey.
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.

All you need to know to get started

Cisco Ideathon is a structured challenge for final-year Cisco Networking Academy students. Start by completing the registration form carefully—any inaccuracies or missing details may impact eligibility. You’ll be evaluated on the strength of your idea: thoroughly researched, thoughtfully developed, and logically presented with solid data support. Entries are assessed using clear judging criteria, and Cisco retains the sole discretion to accept or reject any entry. 
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Registration 

June 8 -12 
Complete the registration form carefully. Any inaccuracies or omissions may jeopardize eligibility.
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Pre-placement talk & online assessment

June 24 and June 25  
Join in for the pre-placement talk on June 24 followed by an online assessment test on June 25. Shortlisted candidates move to Ideation.
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Idea submission

July 1st week onwards 
Submit a robust, research-backed idea with clear logic, feasibility, and data support.

Interviews

July 2nd week onwards
Round 2 interviews assess your approach, innovation, feasibility, and articulation of the idea.
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Results

August 31 
Final results are announced after a fair evaluation across all judging criteria and rounds.
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Internship

January to June 
Selected finalists begin a 6-month internship in January 2027 (up to June 2027, as applicable by role).
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A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.
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“Joining Cisco as a Site Reliability Engineer through Ideathon feels like a major milestone in my journey. I’m passionate about building resilient systems and improving reliability at scale. Cisco’s culture of innovation, learning, and collaboration has helped me grow technically and professionally.”
Yash B.
Site Reliability Engineer (Ideathon FY26 winner)

“My journey with Cisco began through Ideathon, and it turned out to be life changing. The process gave me a chance to showcase my problem-solving skills, collaborate with talented peers, and work on real-world challenges. It strengthened my technical and communication skills and opened the door to Cisco.”
Sravani N.
Software Consulting Engineer Intern (Ideathon FY26 winner)

"My Ideathon experience was a great learning journey. It challenged me to think critically, solve problems in a structured way, and present my ideas with confidence. Working on a real-world problem helped me build practical thinking and grow the skills and confidence needed for the corporate world."
Soumili P.
Technical Consulting Engineer (Ideathon FY26)

“Cisco Ideathon wasn’t just a competition. For me it was a space where ideas truly mattered. Being a part of Cisco Systems CMS team has been a game changer for me. The culture here doesn't just teach you technology; it trains you to think like a problem solver."
Anuj M.
Technical Consulting Engineer (Ideathon 2026)

“During my internship at Cisco as a Delivery Analyst, earned through Ideathon, I was exposed to opportunities that helped me apply my skills in real-world scenarios and grow my knowledge. With a supportive team and welcoming environment, I built confidence and grew both professionally and personally."
Sai Monica A.
Client Operation Analyst (Ideathon 2026)
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.

What Cisco leaders see in you

Hear Cisco leaders share how Ideathon helps students turn ideas into action. Discover how diverse talent, bold thinking, and real-world problem-solving can open doors to learning, growth, and meaningful career opportunities at Cisco.
Srinivasan N. — Director, Customer Delivery 
Learn how the Ideathon helps us spot bold thinkers, fresh perspectives, and problem-solvers ready to make an impact. 
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Marcella O. — Leader, Business Development
Explore how Networking Academy gives students the skills, confidence, and access to build what’s next. 
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Priyanka B. — Head, Entry-level Talent Recruiting
Hear how Ideathon helps students turn ideas, curiosity, and potential into real opportunities and impact. 
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I register for the program? 
A: The registration links will be available at the bottom of the e-posters sent through your respective Cisco Networking Academy affiliated colleges.

Q: What documents should I get to register for Cisco Ideathon?
A: You only need documents that prove you meet the eligibility criteria.

Q: Is there a minimum CGPA cut-off?
A: A CGPA of 6 and above in the last highest degree obtained.

Q: Do I need to register as part of college, or can I register as an individual? 
A: Please register as an individual only.

Q: What is the duration of the Cisco Ideathon challenge?
A: The Challenge is broken into 2 phases; the first phase will be an online assessment which includes MCQ and coding for a duration of 90 minutes. The shortlisted candidates will be given problem statements and given 1 weeks' time to prepare a PowerPoint presentation as a solution. During the second phase, candidates will have to present the PowerPoint presentation prepared by them during the interview discussion.

Q: Will the results of the Cisco Ideathon affect any future chances of applying to Cisco? Can I still take part in a different hiring process by Cisco?
A: Regardless of the outcome, all applicants can apply to any other open positions (current or future) at Cisco.

Q: What are the topics required to prepare and study for this contest?
A: The challenge content is mainly based on CCNA level questions. There will also be an open book test on the latest Industry technology advancements that will be in the form of a PowerPoint presentation submission. You may come prepared accordingly.

Q: What Desktop configuration and accessories are required for the online challenge?
A: Desktop or laptop with Internet connectivity. Web-proctoring will be enabled all the time during the contest. If the students move out of the window, the test will auto-submit, and you can potentially lose your opportunity.

Q: Can I use my phone to attempt the test?
A: The test needs to be attempted only from a desktop or laptop.

Q: What will happen if my desktop breaks down during testing?
A: Restart the test where the test was stopped within 20 minutes.

Q: Are there any guidelines for using AI as part of my preparation and participation for the program?
A: At Cisco, we are committed to promoting fairness, integrity, and originality in all aspects of the program management for our early in career talent programs. We value the skills, creativity, and unique perspectives that each candidate brings. As a leader in AI, we fundamentally believe in embracing innovation ethically and responsibly. Learn more about GenAI best practices and permitted uses on our GenAI Best Practices page.

Q: Is this contest for internship only or is it for full-time placement as well?
A: All selected candidates will be offered either a full-time job offer or a dual offer (Internship position + pre-placement full-time job offer).

Q: Can you give me an idea of the kind of job I am applying for with this test?
A: You will be competing for an internship as part of this program and your internship, and the subsequent offer will be in the Customer Experience and Digital Enterprise Solutions, business units of Cisco.

Q: Do I need to have coding skills to apply to this program?
A: Coding is an essential part of a networking engineer’s skill set and will be a plus. However, coding is not required to attempt the Ideathon.

Q: What is the CTC/Stipend and other benefits if selected?
A: The compensation and benefits at Cisco are highly competitive. The details will be made available to you at the time of Internship and job offer.

Q: What will my job location be if I get offered a role at Cisco?
A: Internship positions are based out of either Bangalore, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Mumbai or Pune.

For further queries, please reach out to us at: support_cisco_ideathon@cisco.com
A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.

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A sense of mutual respect and mindfulness permeates our culture-in fact, it’s the key to our success.

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