Diffuse the bomb

20 finalists, 2 categories, 1 ticking clock. Top qualifiers from Juniors and Seniors compete in a live, multi-layered digital escape challenge to see who can crack the system first. Participants complete a selection round 2–3 weeks after registration; the top 10 from each category advance to the Final Showdown.

• When: 2–3 weeks after registration closes.
• Format: Solve a given puzzle within a limited time.
• Duration: 1 hour — judged on speed & accuracy.
• Who advances: Top 10 participants from each category.

• Duration: 1 hour on computer.
• All 20 finalists compete simultaneously in a live, multi-layered digital escape challenge.
• Pen & paper will be provided at the lab for working calculations.

• Technical Skill (Shortcuts / Navigation) — 10 pts
• Problem Solving (Logic / Independence) — 10 pts
• Accuracy (Correct Codes / Flags) — 10 pts
• System Ethics (Staying in bounds) — 10 pts
• Speed (Time of completion) — 10 pts
• Total: 50 points. Tiebreaker: speed; if still tied, the participant with the higher Problem Solving score (fewest hints used) wins.

• Hints: Two hints are free per participant. The first hint costs 5 minutes; the second costs 10 minutes.
• Pen & paper allowed for solving — provided at the lab.
• No internet access permitted.
• No external hardware allowed.
• Any communication between competitors results in immediate disqualification.
• Modifying or deleting OS settings is not allowed.
• Raise your hand if your timer stops; report any technical glitch to the judges instantly.
• Submission method: Paper.