FPSPI Creative Writing Competition
by Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI) Inc.
International Recognition
An international creative writing competition for students in grades 4-12 to write futuristic stories on global topics, developing critical and creative thinking skills.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
$110
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Varies, typically aligned with the academic year.
Time needed
Depends on individual research and writing time
Eligibility
Open to students in grades 4-12 across India, competing individually. Participants are grouped into three divisions: Junior (Grades 4-6), Middle (Grades 7-9), and Senior (Grades 10-12). Students can register through their school or as individuals if their school is not affiliated.
- Grade level
- Grade 4 to 12
- Age range
- 9 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No specific academic requirements are needed, but a strong interest in writing and global topics is recommended.
- Prerequisites
- Interest in creative writing and storytelling
- Curiosity about future trends and global issues
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Prizes
Medals & Trophies
Winners at affiliate and international levels may receive medals or trophies.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation
Participants receive certificates acknowledging their involvement in this internationally recognized program.
Opens doors to
Participation and achievement in this international competition significantly enhance a student's profile for university admissions.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Aug 2026
- Registration closes
- 18 Feb 2027
- Competition
- 9 Jun 2027 to 13 Jun 2027
- Results
- 13 Jun 2027
Final written submission
Last day to submit the creative writing.
International Conference
Qualifying participants are invited to the FPSPI International Conference.
Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana
How to apply
- 1Registration is typically done through affiliated schools or programs in India.
- 2Students whose schools are not affiliated can often register through an 'Open Division' via their regional or national FPSPI affiliate.
- 3Participants are given access to annual topics and submission guidelines upon registration.
Rules and guidelines
- Stories must be 1500 words or less.
- The setting of the story must be at least 20 years in the future.
- The narrative must be related to one of the five official FPS topics for the year.
- Submissions must not contain any personally identifying information.
Technology requirements
- Computer with a word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs)
- Internet access for research and submission
Fees and financial support
Fee details
US$110 is the approximate participation fee. Exact fees are determined by the Indian affiliate program of FPSPI. Please check with the local affiliate for specific registration costs, as they vary.
Refund policy
Refund policies are subject to the terms and conditions of the local Indian affiliate program.
About this opportunity
The Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI) Creative Writing competition challenges students to think critically and creatively about the future by writing a short story of 1500 words or less. The narrative must be set at least 20 years in the future and present an imaginative yet logical outcome based on one of the designated annual global topics, enhancing research and writing skills.
This individual competition is open to students in Junior (grades 4-6), Middle (grades 7-9), and Senior (grades 10-12) divisions. Top performers at the national level earn the prestigious opportunity to compete at the FPSPI International Conference, interacting with peers from around the world and strengthening their profiles for higher education.
Rounds and format
Single qualification round and international final round.
How entries are judged
Submissions are evaluated using a comprehensive rubric that assesses futuristic thinking, creativity, character and plot development, writing mechanics, and adherence to the topic. Trained evaluators provide scores and feedback.
Selection process
Winners are selected based on the composite scores from multiple trained evaluators. The top-scoring scenarios at the affiliate (national) level qualify for the international competition.
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The competition is based on annual global topics provided by FPSPI, requiring students to research and understand these issues to build their futuristic scenarios.
Frequently asked questions
How can students effectively balance the competition's research demands with their regular academic workload?
Students can integrate their competition research with school projects or allocate specific time slots each week. Breaking down the research into smaller, manageable tasks and utilizing school library resources can also help in time management. Effective planning is key to managing both academic and competition commitments.
What are the key factors that evaluators consider when assessing the futuristic aspect of a story?
Evaluators look for logical and imaginative projections of future events, technologies, and societal changes. The story should demonstrate a deep understanding of the chosen topic and present a plausible future scenario, not just fantasy. Originality in futuristic concepts is highly valued.
How does participation in this competition enhance a student's profile for higher education admissions?
Participation showcases advanced creative writing, critical thinking, and research skills. Qualifying for the International Conference demonstrates global engagement and a unique academic achievement, significantly strengthening university applications and highlighting a student's initiative.
What support is available for students who are new to futuristic thinking and scenario writing?
FPSPI provides topic learning units, suggested readings, and discussion questions to guide students. Coaches also receive program materials to help them facilitate the problem-solving and creative writing processes. Online resources and examples of past winning scenarios are also available.
Are there any specific software or tools recommended for writing and formatting the story?
While no specific software is mandatory, participants are encouraged to use standard word processing software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Ensure the final submission adheres to the specified formatting guidelines, which are available on the FPSPI website. The story must be typed, double-spaced, and in 12-point font.
What are the rules regarding originality and the use of external resources during the competition?
All submitted work must be original and entirely student-created within the competition timeframe. The use of outside materials, including AI tools, pre-prepared notes, research, or external advice, is strictly prohibited. Submissions are scanned for authenticity and plagiarism. Students may use a paper dictionary and thesaurus.
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