Hashtag Kalakar Global Poetry & Creative Writing Competition
$25,000 Cash Prize
12,000 participants
Showcase your writing talent in the Hashtag Kalakar Global Poetry & Creative Writing Competition. open to all, win cash prizes up to $25,000, and gain international recognition and publication opportunities.
Mode
Online
Fee
$20
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Ongoing with specific deadlines for registration and submission
Time needed
Depends on individual research and writing time
Eligibility
Participants can be from any country as it is a global online competition. No specific academic requirements are mentioned. Submissions must be original and unpublished. Age categories are: Below 9 years, 10 to 19 years, and 20 years and above.
- Age range
- 6 years and above
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No specific academic requirements; open to all passionate writers.
- Prerequisites
- Ability to write original content
- Basic understanding of grammar and spelling
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
$25,000
The total prize pool is $60,000. The top three winners receive significant cash prizes: 1st Prize: $25,000; 2nd Prize: $20,000; 3rd Prize: $15,000.
Prizes
Magazine Cover Feature
One writer will be randomly selected to appear on the cover of an International Literary Magazine.
Certificate
National & Global Ranking Certificate
All participants will receive National and Global Ranking Certificates, acknowledging their participation and performance in this international competition.
Opens doors to
Participation and awards in this global competition can strengthen college applications, particularly for programs in literature, creative arts, and humanities, by demonstrating a strong commitment to literary pursuits.
Career pathways
Provides significant exposure and recognition that can open doors to publishing opportunities, literary agent representation, and a career in writing or related creative fields.
Recognition
Global Recognition & Publication
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Jan 2026
- Registration closed
- 9 Jan 2026
- Competition
- 31 Oct 2026
Online · Hashtag Kalakar Website
How to apply
- 1Select your age category and complete the online registration process.
- 2Pay the applicable registration fee.
- 3Receive a submission link via email within 48 hours of registration.
- 4Submit your original writing before the deadline in DOC, DOCX, or PDF format.
- 5If selected for subsequent rounds, follow further instructions provided by the organizers.
Rules and guidelines
- Submissions must be original and unpublished.
- Follow proper grammar, spelling, and formatting.
- Avoid using all capital letters; capitalize only proper nouns and maintain consistent formatting.
- Do not use texting language (e.g., 'u' instead of 'you').
- Use the Enter key for intentional line breaks.
- Minimum word limit of 20 words; no maximum word limit.
Technology requirements
- Internet access for registration and submission.
- Device capable of creating and submitting documents in DOC, DOCX, or PDF format.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Registration fees vary by age category: Below 9 years: $15; 10 to 19 years: $20; 20 years and above: $25. The registration fee is fully refundable if the participant is not selected into the first round (Top 1000 from every country).
Refund policy
The registration fee is fully refundable if the participant is not selected into the first round (Top 1000 from every country).
About this opportunity
The Hashtag Kalakar Global Poetry & Creative Writing Competition is an international online event designed to provide a platform for aspiring and established writers and poets to showcase their talent. This competition aims to discover and promote literary voices from around the world, offering participants a chance to gain significant recognition and exposure in the literary industry. It is a unique opportunity to compete on a global stage and enhance your writing portfolio.
Participants can submit their original and unpublished poems or creative writings in various languages including English, Hindi, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and French. The competition welcomes a wide range of styles and forms, encouraging diverse literary expressions.
Participants stand to gain global recognition, media exposure, and substantial cash prizes, with a total prize pool of $60,000. All participants receive National and Global Ranking Certificates, and top performers have their work featured in international literary magazines and news publications. This competition helps writers enhance their skills, build confidence, and connect with a wider audience.
The selection process involves multiple rounds, with initial shortlisting based on jury evaluation. Final winners are determined through a combination of jury assessment (50%) and online audience voting (50%), ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of talent.
Rounds and format
Round 1: Top 1000 participants from every country will be shortlisted. Round 2: The best 1000 participants worldwide will advance. Round 3 (Finals): Winners will be selected based on jury evaluation (50%) and audience voting (50%). Online voting will take place on the Hashtag Kalakar website.
How entries are judged
Originality, creativity, adherence to rules, grammar, and overall impact. Final selection based on jury evaluation and audience voting.
Selection process
Initial shortlisting based on jury evaluation. Final selection based on 50% jury evaluation and 50% audience voting.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
Participants are free to choose any topic or genre for their submissions. There is a minimum word limit of 20 words, with no maximum limit. Accepted languages include English, Hindi, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and French.
Frequently asked questions
How can a participant stand out in a competition with numerous global entries?
Judges prioritize originality, emotional depth, and technical skill. A unique voice and a well-crafted piece that strictly adheres to all submission guidelines will have a stronger impact and a greater chance of selection.
What are common mistakes participants make in their submissions?
Frequent errors include neglecting to proofread for grammar and spelling, ignoring formatting guidelines, and submitting work that is not original. Adhering strictly to all rules is crucial for advancing in the competition.
How is the judging process balanced between expert opinion and public voting?
The competition uses a hybrid model for final selection. A panel of literary experts evaluates submissions for quality and originality (50%), while audience voting gauges popular appeal (50%), ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment.
Beyond winning, what is the long-term value of participating in this competition?
All participants receive a global ranking certificate. It is an excellent opportunity to build a writing portfolio, gain experience with international submission processes, and receive recognition for creative work on a global stage.
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