Share your stories, dreams and experiences

Eligibility and Criteria

• Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 as of 31 July 2025 (i.e., born between 1 August 1995 and 31 July 2007, both dates inclusive)

• Must be a resident of India with a valid Indian bank account.

Prizes

For English and Hindi Entries (Separate Categories):
🥇 First Prize: INR 15,000
🥈 Second Prize: INR 10,000
🥉 Third Prize: INR 5,000

All winning entries will:
Be published on the Nagrika website.
Be promoted across Nagrika's social media channels.
Receive a Certificate of Excellence.
Get exclusive Nagrika Goodies.

Entry Guidelines

Language: Entries are accepted in English and Hindi (judged separately).
Format: Only prose format is allowed — essays, stories, letters, biographies, etc.
Word Count: Minimum 1000 words, maximum 3000 words.
Only one entry per participant.
Entries must be original. The use of AI tools like ChatGPT is not allowed.
Entries from past winners (main prizes or special mentions) are not eligible.

Deadline

Submissions will be accepted until 6th July 2025 at 11:59 PM IST

Judging Criteria

City as the central teacher: How vividly your city is portrayed as a source of learning.
Local details: Use of specific streets, rituals, conversations, smells, etc.
Learning spaces: Insight into how your city shaped your understanding.
Originality and authenticity: Unique voice and fresh perspective.
Structure and clarity: Flow, coherence, and emotional connection.

How to enter?

Read the guidelines thoroughly to ensure eligibility and understand the theme.
Prepare your entry in a Word. Alternatively, you can paste your entry directly into the submission form.
Click the “Submit Your Entry” button on the contest page.
Fill in your details in the Google Form and upload/paste your entry.
Submit before the deadline

For Questions and queries

If you have questions, write to us at connect@nagrika.org with the subject line:
“Query – Writing Contest 2025” Include your name and contact information in the email.