There are three types of projects:
- Small
- Medium
- Large
Depending on the size of the project, your work hours and stipend will vary. In India:
- Small projects: $700
- Medium projects: $1500
- Large projects: $3000
If converted to Indian rupees, the stipend can go up to ₹2.4 lakhs, making it very appealing to students. However, your primary goal in preparing for GSoC should not be the stipend but the opportunity and experience it provides.
GSoC allows you to work on quality projects with experienced developers worldwide, making it a worthwhile endeavor for every college student.
The GSoC timeline consists of three important milestones:
- Announcement of Organizations
- The organizations and projects participating in GSoC 2025 will be announced at the end of February.
- After the announcement, you will have around a month to study the organizations, understand the projects, and get familiar with their codebases.
- Proposal Submission
- Proposals act as your resume, showcasing who you are and your plans for the project.
- You will have time to submit proposals from the end of March to early April.
- Announcement of Contributors
- In early May, the list of selected contributors will be announced. These individuals will work on GSoC projects.
- GSoC is open to students globally.
- Participants work with experienced mentors from organizations worldwide.
Recommendation: Start your preparation early, as selected students usually begin months ahead.
To succeed in GSoC, focus on the following steps:
Start by learning a popular programming language such as:
- Python
- JavaScript
- Ruby
- PHP
- Java
If you're interested in C/C++ or fields like Data Science or Machine Learning, GSoC offers projects in these areas too. Beginners can start with Python or JavaScript as most GSoC projects use these languages.
Simply learning syntax isn't enough. Create your own projects to:
- Understand how different technologies are applied.
- Build confidence and experience for contributing to larger open-source projects.
Start small, work on projects that take 1–2 days, and gradually move to more complex ones.
Version control systems help track changes to project files over time. Focus on:
- Git
- GitHub
Understand basics like branches, commits, pull, and push commands. Learn Git and GitHub while working on your projects. For guidance, check this video: Learn Git and GitHub.
Read this guide: Contributing to Open Source.
Explore GSoC's previous projects here: GSoC Archive. Look for issues labeled "good first issue" or "newbie friendly" to get started.
To stand out, work on high-impact issues, such as:
- Adding new features
- Enhancing functionality
- Fixing bugs
Focus on meaningful pull requests (PRs), as minor changes like editing README.md won't help.
Analyze organizations that frequently participate in GSoC. Pick one or two and contribute months before the official timeline. Contributing early helps:
- Showcase your skills
- Build a rapport with the organization
- Gain familiarity with the codebase
Target lesser-known projects to reduce competition.
Engage with maintainers during GSoC, but avoid unnecessary pings. Ask meaningful questions when needed.
Start contributing meaningfully before GSoC officially begins in February. Early contributions improve your chances of selection, as organizations prefer candidates who are already familiar with their codebases.
Once you've followed all preparation steps, submitting the proposal becomes easier and ensures you stand out as a strong candidate.
For additional guidance:
- 8 Hidden Features of Google Docs
- 10 Free AI Tools Every College Student Must Use
- Guide to Professional Presentations
Happy learning and good luck with your GSoC journey!