GSoC isn’t about being the smartest — it’s about showing up, contributing with intent, and growing with the community.
🌍 What is Google Summer of Code?
Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is a global, remote, paid open-source mentorship program backed by Google.
Since 2005:
- ✅ 19,000+ contributors accepted
- ✅ 800+ open-source organizations supported
- ✅ Fully remote & flexible (10–22 weeks)
- ✅ 1-on-1 mentorship with OSS maintainers
- ✅ Real-world contributions that actually ship
I was selected in 2024 with Postman, where I worked with the AsyncAPI initiative — and trust me, it changed how I look at software development forever.
📊 2024 Stats at a Glance
- 📥 43,984 applicants
- ✍️ 9,107 proposals submitted
- ✅ 1,220 contributors accepted
- 🌎 73 countries represented
- 🧑🏫 2,800+ mentors and org admins
It’s competitive, but far from impossible — especially if you show initiative early.
💸 Why GSoC Is Worth It
Let’s be real: this isn’t just a resume line.
GSoC helps you:
- 🚀 Work on high-impact, production-ready code
- 🤝 Get mentored by experienced open-source developers
- 🌍 Collaborate with devs from around the world
- 💰 Receive a stipend for your work
- 💼 Boost your resume with real-world contributions
- 🔗 Make long-term connections with global OSS communities
✅ Eligibility Checklist
You’re eligible if:
- 🧑💻 You’re 18+ years old
- 🎓 You’re a student OR a beginner contributor (early-career welcome)
- 🌐 You’re legally able to work in your country
- 📈 You’re ready to commit time and learn fast
No degree or fancy resume needed. Just consistency, curiosity, and willingness to collaborate.
📆 GSoC Timeline Overview
Here's how it usually goes:
| Phase | Month |
|---|---|
| Org Applications | January |
| Orgs Announced & Exploration Begins | February |
| Proposal Submission | March |
| Community Bonding | May |
| Coding Period | June – August |
| Final Evaluations | September |
⚠️ If you're discovering GSoC in March — you're already late. Start early.
🔎 How to Choose the Right Organization
Not all orgs are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
- ✅ Tech stack familiarity (e.g., JS, Python, Go, etc.)
- ✅ Well-written idea list
- ✅ Active GitHub activity (recent PRs, commits)
- ✅ Responsive maintainers (issues, discussions)
- ✅ Friendly community (Slack, Discord, Matrix)
🚩 Red Flags:
- No CONTRIBUTING.md
- Ghost-town issue tracker
- Ignored PRs
Pick a project where you can learn and contribute meaningfully.
💬 How to Connect With an Org
Getting noticed matters. Here’s how:
- Join their chat (Slack/Discord/etc.)
- Introduce yourself with context
- Read docs before asking questions
- Help others where you can
- Attend community calls or discussions
- Start lurking in GitHub Issues
Don’t be a ghost contributor — be visible, helpful, and respectful.
🧪 How to Contribute Before Applying
You don’t need a thousand PRs. But you do need signal.
Start with:
- ✅
good first issues - ✅ Doc improvements / typo fixes
- ✅ Setup issues (e.g., local dev or build fixes)
- ✅ CSS/UI bugs, test file refactors
Next:
- Follow their PR process
- Submit small, scoped PRs
- Join review discussions
Every contribution counts — and the first one is always the hardest.
✍️ How to Write a Killer GSoC Proposal
Your proposal = your pitch.
1. Know the project
- Understand the idea page
- Ask questions to clarify scope
- Try a few related PRs beforehand
2. Cover the essentials:
- Overview
- Benefits to the community
- Milestones + weekly timeline
- Technical stack + approach
- Deliverables
- Risk mitigation plan
- Community involvement strategy
3. Make it you
- Mention relevant skills & prior PRs
- Showcase genuine interest
- Be realistic — don’t overpromise
- Keep it clean, well-formatted, and reviewed by mentors or alumni
💡 Pro Tips to Succeed
- Treat GSoC like a real job
- Give regular progress updates
- Keep communication clear and honest
- Break tasks into milestones
- Be open to feedback and pivoting
- Bond with mentors — they’re your biggest asset
- Don’t ghost, even if you're struggling — ask for help early
🪙 Project Sizes & Stipends
There are 3 project sizes:
| Size | Hours | Approx. India Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Small | ~90 | ₹63,000 ($750) |
| Medium | ~175 | ₹1,25,000 ($1,500) |
| Large | ~350 | ₹2,50,000 ($3,000) |
- Paid in 2 parts: 50% mid-term, 50% final
- Varies by project and country
- Payment via Wise or bank transfer
❓ Common Questions
Q: Do I need open-source experience?
No — but even a few PRs help immensely.
Q: Can I apply to more than one org?
Yes — but write a separate proposal for each.
Q: Can I do it alongside college/internships?
Yes — GSoC is part-time. But it requires proper time management.
Q: What if I don’t get selected?
Apply again. Many successful contributors didn’t get in on their first try.
🧱 Practice Steps to Start Today
- Browse past orgs on https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com
- Clone a repo → run locally → try your first PR
- Join their Discord or GitHub discussions
- Read 1–2 successful proposals on GitHub
- Start a blog or GitHub README about your learning journey
🧠 Mentor's Secret Tip
“Fancy timelines and buzzwords don’t impress us. Realism, communication, and relevant PRs do.”
❤️ Final Thoughts
GSoC can open doors you never imagined — not just in your career, but in how you think about code, teamwork, and community.
Start small. Stay consistent. Don’t wait to feel ready — take the leap.
✉️ DM me if you're stuck, curious, or ready to apply.
Let’s build something incredible together. 🚀