EVERYTHING YOU
NEED TO KNOW
MISSION BRIEFING
EduLinkUp Summer of Code 2026 [ELUSOC] is a comprehensive 2-month long open-source initiative designed to foster collaborative development, enhance technical skills, and create meaningful contributions to real-world projects.
Organised by EduLinkUp, this event brings together developers of all experience levels to grow together in a supportive, innovation-driven environment.
WHY JOIN ELUSOC?
- Ignite Your Skills: Immerse yourself in open-source development and watch your coding abilities flourish. ELUSOC is not about competition ~ it's about personal growth and mastery.
- Master Version Control: From fundamental Git commands to sophisticated GitHub workflows, you'll become proficient in the tools that power collaborative development worldwide.
- Real-World Experience: Gain practical, industry-relevant skills by working on authentic projects that make tangible contributions to the software ecosystem.
- Build Lasting Connections: Experience the power of team-based coding and discover how collaborative development drives innovation. Connect with a global network of passionate developers, peers, and industry professionals.
WHY APPLY?
- Learning-First Environment: ELUSOC prioritises continuous learning at every stage. You'll receive support and guidance, ensuring you feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.
- Grow at Your Pace: Whether you're just starting your coding journey or you're an experienced developer, this program challenges you to reach new heights. Beginners and seasoned professionals alike will discover fresh opportunities.
- The Thrill of Contribution: There's no greater satisfaction than merging your first open-source pull request. Resolve real challenges, submit your code, and witness the impact of your work.
- Expand Your Professional Network: ELUSOC connects you with future colleagues, collaborators, and friends. Build meaningful relationships through code, one commit at a time.
- Make a Real Impact: If you're passionate about coding, ELUSOC is calling. Contribute to projects that matter and leave your mark on the open-source community.
SELECT_YOUR_GUIDE
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
STEP-BY-STEP REGISTRATION GUIDE
STEP 1: REGISTER ON UNSTOP
Register on Unstop - Mandatory step for eligibility. Use the button below to visit the official registration page. (Note: We will verify your registration status)
[ REGISTER ON UNSTOP ]STEP 2: COMPLETE YOUR PROFILE
Visit the ELUSOC website at edulinkup.dev/elusoc. Fill out the registration form with your name, email, and technical skillset. Connect your GitHub account and grant the necessary permissions to officially join.
STEP 3: EXPLORE AND STAR PROJECTS
Navigate to the Projects Section. Browse the diverse range of open-source projects. Select repositories that match your skills. Important: Star the repositories you wish to contribute to ~ this is mandatory for participation.
STEP 4: CONNECT AND CONTRIBUTE
Reach out to project administrators and team leads. Request assignment to an issue that aligns with your expertise. Begin contributing by following guidelines. Submit meaningful pull requests to showcase your skills.
RULES & WORKFLOW
CORE PRINCIPLES
ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENT
Contribute only to assigned projects. Contributions without proper assignment are not counted toward your participation.
ISSUE WORKFLOW
- • Find or Create Issues: Identify tasks or propose new ones.
- • Request Assignment: Formally request to be assigned to the issue.
- • Await Approval: Work only begins after a project administrator officially assigns you.
- • Work on Assigned Issues Only: Unassigned pull requests will not be considered.
- • Create Dedicated Branches: Maintain one branch per issue to minimise merge conflicts.
LABEL POLICY
Leaderboard points reflected ONLY if:
- PR HAS 'ELUSOC' LABEL
- ISSUE HAS 'ELUSOC' LABEL
- ISSUE HAS DIFFICULTY LABEL
The assigning of an issue is supposed to be done on FCFS. You can be assigned an issue only if: You created it, Maintainer created it and it is unassigned, or the previous assignee showed no progress past deadline.
Never raise a PR unless an issue has been properly assigned to you. Your hardwork may get wasted.
CODE QUALITY STANDARDS
- Star the Repository: Mandatory first step ~ show your support for the projects you work on.
- Meaningful Contributions: Avoid trivial or low-value pull requests. Every contribution should add genuine value.
- Well-Structured Code: Follow project conventions, include clear comments, and maintain consistency.
ORIGINALITY IS ESSENTIAL
Plagiarism or copied code results in immediate disqualification from the event. All work must be uniquely your own, tailored to project requirements.
XP GAIN MATRIX
| DIFFICULTY LEVEL | POINTS |
|---|---|
| NEWBIE | 10 |
| ADVENTURER | 25 |
| VETERAN | 50 |
Note: Points may be adjusted based on detailed review of merged pull requests.
Inflated or artificially low point assignments may result in project removal from ELUSOC. Contributors who submit spam or unnecessary pull requests will be disqualified without exception.
Leaderboard Validity Rule: Points are reflected only for labeled ELUSOC work. Any PR without the elusoc label, or linked to an issue missing labels, will not be counted.
RANKS & BADGES
Unlock tiers as you merge Pull Requests and earn XP.
1 PTS
50 PTS
150 PTS
350 PTS
750 PTS
1500 PTS
3000 PTS
6000 PTS
FEEDBACK & STANDARDS
FEEDBACK AND REVIEW PROCESS
- Respond Promptly: Address reviewer and project admin comments quickly to ensure smooth PR acceptance.
- Unresolved Issues: Persistent unaddressed feedback may result in PR closure.
- Engage Professionally: Maintain respectful, constructive communication throughout.
CONTRIBUTION STANDARDS
WHAT MAKES AN OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION
- • Repository Stars: Simple yet essential step.
- • Quality First: Write documented and valuable code.
- • Include Documentation: Substantive improvements earn extra recognition.
- • Respect Best Practices: Align with industry standards.
CODE REVIEW EXPECTATIONS
Address Feedback
Respond to suggestions quickly and professionally.
Maintain Professionalism
Conduct yourself with respect and courtesy.
Celebrate Success
Exceptional PRs may be highlighted in summaries.
CODE OF CONDUCT
ELUSOC is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and inspiring community. This code of conduct applies to all participants. Failure to adhere results in termination.