CBSE Expression Series
by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Cash prize up to Rs 25,000
National creative writing and art competition for CBSE students from Class 3 to 12, inviting essays, poems, and paintings on a chosen theme each round.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Submission window of approximately two weeks per round
Time needed
Depends on individual research and writing time
Eligibility
Open to students from Class 3 to Class 12 studying in CBSE-affiliated schools across India. Entries are grouped into four class-level categories. Submissions accepted in English or any of the 22 scheduled Indian languages. Participation is routed through the school, not directly by the student.
- Grade level
- Grade 3 to 12
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Currently studying in Class 3 to Class 12 in a CBSE-affiliated school
- Prerequisites
- Enrolled in a CBSE-affiliated school
- Submission through the school coordinator only
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Up to Rs 25,000
Cash prizes ranging from Rs 2,500 to Rs 25,000 are awarded to 36 national winners across class categories, with 12 winners per category.
Certificate
CBSE merit & participation cert
Online certificates of merit are issued to top 10 entries at the Regional Level and top 3 entries at the National Level in each category. Every participant whose entry is successfully submitted via the official app receives an online certificate of participation.
Recognition
National-level recognition
Skills your child builds
How to apply
- 1Check the latest CBSE Expression Series circular issued by the Board for theme and class-wise topics
- 2Prepare an original essay, poem, or painting on the assigned theme within the prescribed word or page limit
- 3Submit the entry to the school coordinator within the school-level submission window
- 4School internally evaluates and shortlists the best entries per category
- 5School uploads shortlisted entries via the official CBSE Expression Series Android application
- 6Regional and national-level evaluation is carried out by CBSE
Rules and guidelines
- Entries must be the original work of the student
- Submissions must be made only through the CBSE-affiliated school, not directly by the student
- Each school uploads only its shortlisted best entries via the official Expression Series app
- Entries are grouped and judged by class category as defined in the circular
- Entries may be submitted in English or any of the 22 scheduled Indian languages
- Entries must adhere to the word or page limits specified for the relevant class category
Technology requirements
- Android smartphone or tablet with the CBSE Expression Series app installed at the school level
- Internet connectivity for uploading shortlisted entries
About this opportunity
The CBSE Expression Series is a national creative competition organised by the Central Board of Secondary Education to encourage students from CBSE-affiliated schools to express their thoughts through essays, poems, and paintings. Each academic year features themed rounds inviting original student work in any of India's 22 scheduled languages or English.
Students from Class 3 to Class 12 are eligible, with entries grouped into four class-level categories. Submissions are made through the school, which evaluates entries internally and uploads shortlisted work via the official CBSE Expression Series Android application.
Winners are recognised at school, regional, and national levels, with national winners receiving cash prizes and certificates of merit from the Board. Every participant who successfully submits an entry through the app receives an online participation certificate.
Launched in 2014, the series has become one of CBSE's flagship creative platforms, with past themes covering national leaders, scientific minds, governance, and education. The competition typically runs in multiple rounds each academic session, each tied to a current theme of national or social relevance.
Rounds and format
Each academic session typically features two rounds (1st and 2nd Expression Series), each on a different theme. Each round has school-level shortlisting followed by regional and national-level evaluation by CBSE.
How entries are judged
Originality of expression, depth of engagement with the assigned theme, language and structure, and creative or artistic merit appropriate to the class category.
Selection process
Schools shortlist their best entries per category. CBSE Regional Offices identify the top 10 regional entries per category, from which the top 3 national entries per category are selected.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
Frequently asked questions
How do students participate when only schools can upload entries?
Students prepare original work and submit it to their school coordinator. The school evaluates entries internally, shortlists the best per category, and uploads them through the official CBSE Expression Series Android application.
What languages can students write in?
Entries are accepted in English and in any of India's 22 scheduled languages, allowing students to express in the language they are most comfortable with.
How are winners recognised across the three levels?
Schools shortlist the best entries; CBSE Regional Offices select the top 10 entries per category at the regional level; from those, the top 3 entries per category are chosen at the national level.
Is there a participation certificate for every student?
Yes. Every participant whose entry is successfully uploaded by the school through the official app receives an online certificate of participation from CBSE.
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