Participating in a hackathon can be exciting, challenging, and overwhelming—especially if it is your first time. Many students join hackathons with great enthusiasm but make common mistakes that affect their performance. Understanding the do’s and don’ts of a hackathon can significantly improve your experience and results.
Why Knowing Hackathon Do’s and Don’ts Is Important
Hackathons are not just about coding or building something quickly. They test:
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Problem-solving skills
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Teamwork and communication
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Time management
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Presentation and clarity of thought
Even a good idea can fail if basic hackathon rules and best practices are ignored.
Hackathon Do’s: What You Should Always Do
1. Read the Problem Statement Carefully
Before starting anything, take time to understand the problem statement in detail. Many teams lose points because their solution does not fully address the problem requirements.
Ask yourself:
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What problem are we solving?
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Who is the end user?
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What outcome is expected?
A clear understanding sets the foundation for the entire project.
2. Keep the Solution Simple and Focused
In a hackathon, simplicity wins. Focus on solving one core problem effectively instead of adding too many features.
Judges prefer:
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A clear solution
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A working prototype
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Logical implementation
Complex ideas that are incomplete often score lower.
3. Divide Roles Clearly Within the Team
Role clarity improves efficiency. Assign responsibilities early, such as:
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Development
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Design or UI
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Research and documentation
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Presentation and pitching
This avoids confusion and ensures everyone contributes meaningfully.
4. Document Your Work Properly
Documentation helps judges understand your project. Keep notes on:
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What problem you solved
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How your solution works
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Tools and technologies used
Clear documentation also improves your final pitch.
5. Practice Your Pitch Before Final Submission
A strong presentation can significantly improve your score. Practice explaining:
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The problem
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Your solution
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The impact and future scope
Confidence and clarity matter as much as technical work.
Hackathon Don’ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Do Not Overbuild Features
Trying to build too many features often leads to incomplete projects. Focus on quality over quantity.
2. Do Not Copy Code Without Understanding
Copy-pasting code without understanding it can lead to errors during demos. Judges may also question originality.
Always understand what your code does.
3. Do Not Ignore UI/UX
Even basic design matters. A clean and simple interface improves user experience and presentation quality.
4. Do Not Panic When Things Go Wrong
Bugs and errors are common in hackathons. Stay calm, communicate with your team, and fix what is most important.
5. Do Not Skip the Final Presentation
Some teams work hard but fail to present properly. The final pitch is your chance to explain your effort and ideas.
Never skip or rush this step.
Key Hackathon Insight for Beginners
A simple solution explained clearly often performs better than a complex solution that is difficult to understand or incomplete. Hackathons reward clarity, relevance, and teamwork.
How CORDITO Helps Students Avoid These Mistakes
CORDITO prepares students with a hackathon-ready mindset by focusing on:
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Structured problem-solving
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Project execution
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Team collaboration
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Pitching and presentation skills
This preparation helps students participate confidently and avoid common beginner mistakes.
Final Thoughts
Hackathons are learning experiences, not just competitions. By following the right do’s and avoiding common don’ts, students can make the most of every hackathon opportunity.
Preparation, teamwork, and clear thinking are the real keys to success.
