Escape the Server

A technical escape-room challenge where teams enter as recovery squads to stop an emergency server shutdown and uncover the mystery surrounding Dr. Meera Kapoor’s disappearance. Participants must work through five sequential technical locks involving coding, networking, logical reasoning, and cryptography. The mission combines technical problem-solving with a murder-mystery narrative, requiring teams to recover the server and identify the person responsible. Eligibility: Open to all college students. Format: The event follows a five-lock technical escape-room format. Each team works through the locks in the designated sequence: Decoding Access Data — Decode a badge-swipe log to uncover a contradictory timeline. Debugging Corrupted Code — Repair a corrupted script to reveal information discovered by Dr. Meera Kapoor. Tracing an Intruder — Use network, IP, MAC, and ARP tracing to investigate a suspect’s device. Discovering the Hidden Recovery Key — Find the recovery key hidden within evidence related to the motive. Executing the Final Restore Command — Submit the recovery key and identify the person responsible. The core mission window is 60 minutes. Teams may use up to 3 hints, with hints carrying a point penalty. Duration: The event is scheduled from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM on 12th September 2026. The participant session includes check-in, story briefing, station setup, a 60-minute mission, and final submission. Team Size: 3–5 members per team. Rules: Each team must consist of 3–5 members. Teams must complete the five technical locks in the designated sequence. Participants must solve the challenges using their own technical and logical reasoning skills. Teams must complete the mission within the allotted time. Participants must follow all instructions provided by the event organizers and row volunteers. Any attempt to interfere with another team’s progress, console, or event infrastructure will result in immediate disqualification. Teams must use only the resources, hints, and systems permitted by the organizers. Outside devices or pre-shared answers are not permitted. Each team is allotted 3 hints for the full mission; each hint carries a point penalty. The decision of the organizing team regarding event results is final and binding. Venue: Computer Lab F-203, NMIMS Chandigarh. Capacity: 60 participants Total Prize Pool: ₹6,000, plus certificates for winners and participation certificates for all participants.