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If you have never done a hackathon before, Beginner’s Paradise is the perfect place to start. This roadmap breaks the whole experience into six simple steps so you can focus on learning and building without feeling overwhelmed.
1

Register on Devpost

Head to firstcommit.devpost.com and click Register. Create a Devpost account or log in, then confirm your entry. If you are working with teammates, each person must register individually.
Registration is free, and you can join solo or with a team of up to 6.
2

Get an idea

Pick something that excites you. A personal dashboard, a small game, a mood tracker, a simple AI chatbot — anything counts. Start small. A project you can finish and explain beats an unfinished giant idea every time.
There is no required theme, so build what genuinely interests you.
3

Set up your GitHub repo

Create a public GitHub repository for your project right at the start. This is required for submission, and having it ready early means you can commit your progress as you go. Add a basic README from day one.
Single-commit submissions are disqualified. Commit early and often to show your journey.
4

Build and commit regularly

Work on your project throughout the hackathon period from August 21 to October 1. Make meaningful commits that show real progress. Do not worry if the code is messy or you hit bugs — that is part of the process.
You do not need to be an expert. Curiosity is the only requirement.
5

Document your journey

Keep your README updated with an overview of your project, the tech you used, how to run it locally, credits for any resources you used, and an AI disclosure if you used AI tools. Write down what you learned, what challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.
Good documentation helps judges understand your work and shows off your growth.
6

Submit on Devpost before October 1

Before the deadline, submit your project on Devpost. Include your public GitHub repo link, a demo video or presentation, and any screenshots or deployment links. If you are on a team, one person submits and adds teammates by email.
Do not wait until the last minute. Give yourself time to record your demo and double-check your links.

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What to do next

Once you have submitted, take a moment to celebrate. You just completed your first hackathon. Explore other submissions, leave feedback for fellow participants, and join the Discord to share your experience.