Hashtag Kalakar National Arts and Painting Competition
₹1,50,000 Cash Prize
The Hashtag Kalakar National Arts and Painting Competition is an online event for artists across India to showcase their creativity, offering cash prizes, media exposure, and national recognition.
Mode
Online
Fee
₹699
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Varies (multiple rounds over several months)
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the artwork
Eligibility
Open to artists across India in age groups: below 9 years, 10 to 19 years, and 20 years and above. Participants must submit original artwork in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format. The competition is open to all genders and has no academic or financial criteria. It is a nationwide online competition.
- Age range
- 6 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No specific academic requirements.
- Prerequisites
- Interest in arts and painting
- Ability to create original artwork
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹1,50,000 Cash Prize
First prize winner receives ₹1,50,000, second prize winner receives ₹₹1,00,000, and third prize winner receives ₹50,000.
Certificate
National Ranking Certificate
All participants will receive a National Ranking Certificate.
Opens doors to
National recognition and publication in an international magazine can strengthen applications for art schools and higher education programs, demonstrating talent and commitment.
Career pathways
Provides a platform for aspiring artists to gain recognition and exposure, which can lead to future opportunities in the art and entertainment industry, including potential collaborations, exhibitions, and career advancement.
Recognition
National & International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Nov 2025
- Registration closed
- 23 Jan 2026
- Competition
- 15 Nov 2025 to 31 Oct 2026
Online · Hashtag Kalakar Website
How to apply
- 1Register online by selecting the appropriate age category and paying the registration fee on the Hashtag Kalakar website.
- 2A submission link will be sent via email within 48 hours of registration.
- 3Submit your original artwork(s) in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format through the provided link before the deadline.
Rules and guidelines
- Submissions must be original artworks.
- All deadlines must be met to avoid disqualification.
- Participants must follow all competition rules and requirements.
Technology requirements
- Internet access for registration and submission
- Device capable of creating and submitting digital artwork files (JPEG, JPG, PNG)
- Internet access for online registration and artwork submission.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Registration fees vary by age category: Below 9 years: ₹499; Between 10 to 19 years: ₹699; 20 years and above: ₹999. The registration fee is fully refundable if the participant is not selected in Round 1.
Refund policy
The registration fee is fully refundable if the participant is not selected into Round 1 of the competition.
About this opportunity
The Hashtag Kalakar National Arts and Painting Competition is an online platform designed to discover and promote artistic talent across India. This competition provides a unique opportunity for artists to gain national recognition and exposure in the art industry. It aims to foster creativity and provide a stage for both budding and seasoned artists to showcase their skills.
This competition is open to participants in various age groups, making it accessible to a wide range of artists. The age categories include below 9 years, 10 to 19 years, and 20 years and above. The online format allows for nationwide participation, removing geographical barriers and ensuring artists from all corners of the country can participate.
Participants stand to gain significant benefits, including substantial cash prizes, national ranking certificates, and extensive media coverage. Top artists will have their work featured in an international arts magazine and numerous news publications, providing valuable exposure. The competition also offers a chance to enhance artistic skills, build confidence, and receive recognition for creative efforts.
Winners are selected based on a combination of jury evaluation and audience voting, ensuring a fair and transparent process. This dual evaluation method allows for both expert assessment and public appreciation of the artwork. Participants can submit up to five original artworks with a single registration.
Rounds and format
Round 1: Top 100 participants from every state will be shortlisted based on 100% jury selection. Round 2: The 100 participants from all states will advance. Round 3 (Finals): Winners will be selected based on 50% jury evaluation and 50% audience voting, with online voting conducted on the Hashtag Kalakar website.
How entries are judged
Winners are selected based on 50% jury evaluation and 50% audience voting.
Selection process
Selection in Round 1 is based on 100% jury evaluation. Final winners are determined by a 50% jury score and 50% audience votes.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The competition does not follow a specific curriculum but encourages diverse artistic styles and techniques across various art forms.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key evaluation criteria the jury uses for judging artworks?
The jury evaluates submissions based on originality, creativity, technical skill, composition, and overall artistic impact. Adherence to the competition theme, if any, is also considered.
What are some common mistakes participants should avoid in their submissions?
Common mistakes include submitting low-resolution images, not following the required format, submitting non-original work, and missing the submission deadline. Ensure the digital image accurately represents the artwork.
How does the 50% audience voting system work and how can participants promote their work?
Selected artworks are displayed in an online gallery on the official website for public voting. Participants can share the direct link to their artwork on social media to gather votes. The exact voting procedure is shared with shortlisted artists.
What level of media exposure can the top artists expect to receive?
The top 10 artists are featured in over 40 news publications, providing significant national exposure. Additionally, the works of the top 1000 participants are published in the International Arts Magazine.
How can a participant best prepare for a national-level art competition?
Focus on creating a unique, high-quality piece that reflects a personal style. Practice different techniques, seek feedback from mentors, and ensure the final artwork is well-photographed for digital submission.
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