The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) has launched an Analytics Hackathon to develop a predictive model for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. This Hackathon invites Indian students, researchers, and innovators to create advanced, data-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) solutions using a comprehensive dataset provided by GSTN.

Participants will work with a dataset containing approximately 900,000 anonymized records, each with around 21 attributes and target variables. The dataset is meticulously labelled and includes training, testing, and a non-validated subset reserved for final evaluations. The goal is to design and implement innovative AI and ML algorithms that can address the challenges presented in the Hackathon.

This initiative is not just about competition; it aims to foster collaboration between academia and industry, developing practical solutions that enhance the GST analytics framework. Indian students or researchers associated with educational institutions, as well as working professionals from Indian startups and companies, are eligible to participate, provided they are Indian citizens.

Participation and Registration:

All participants must register through Janparichay, after which they can log in at the event’s official website to submit the required details. Participants must ensure that their information is accurate and up-to-date.

Hackathon Structure:

The Hackathon will be conducted online, with processes for participant registration, dataset access, and prototype submission. There will also be an offline event for shortlisted participants in the final round. Participants are expected to form teams of up to five members, including at least one team lead. The Hackathon will span 45 days from the start of registration to the final submission date.

Before submitting their solution prototypes, participants must upload their code to a GitHub repository and optionally provide a demo or product video on YouTube. The required fields for online submissions include the project idea, description, source code URL, video URL, GitHub unique source code checksum, and a project report.

Evaluation and Prizes:

A distinguished jury comprising machine learning, data science, and tax administration experts will oversee the evaluation process. Submissions will be rigorously assessed based on predefined criteria to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation. The top-performing teams stand to win significant prizes:

• First Prize: Rs. 25 lakhs
• Second Prize: Rs. 12 lakhs
• Third Prize: Rs. 7 lakhs
• Special Prize: Rs. 5 lakhs for All-Women Teams

Consolation prizes ranging from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 3 lakhs may be awarded if the jury deems no submission meets the standards for the top prizes.

Jury Composition:

The jury will include:

• Senior data scientists.
• Tax administration experts.
• Academic professionals in machine learning and data analytics.
• Representatives from GSTN and National Informatics Centre (NIC).

The list of jury members will be published shortly.

Decision Making:

Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams whose models are deemed viable by the jury. A special prize will be given to an all-women team if eligible. Consolation prizes will be awarded at the jury’s discretion if no solution meets the required standards. The jury’s decision will be final and binding.

This Hackathon represents a significant opportunity for participants to contribute to the future of GST analytics in India while fostering innovation and collaboration across the academic and professional sectors.

Source: GST Analytics Hackathon