Kala Utsav - National Visual Arts Competition
by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
Cash prize Rs 25000
Kala Utsav - National Visual Arts Competition is a competition by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) for students in Grade 9 to 12, open to students across India. It is free to take part.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Grade 9 to 12
Fee
Free
Duration
Multi-day national finale typically held in the second week of November
Format
Both · Teams of 2
Time needed
Mandal, district, state and national rounds; finale typically spans 2-3 days at the national level
About this opportunity
Kala Utsav is a national programme initiated by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, to promote arts education in schools. The Visual Arts competition gives secondary school students a national platform to showcase drawing, painting, sculpture and indigenous craft traditions of India.
The Visual Arts category runs as three streams. The 2D Solo stream is open to a single student working in drawing, painting, printmaking or caricature. The 3D Solo stream is open to a single student creating a sculpture. The Visual Arts Group stream allows a team of up to two students working together on indigenous toys or crafts. Students from Classes IX to XII of government, government-aided and private schools affiliated to any state or central board are eligible to participate.
The competition progresses through Mandal, district and state-level rounds before culminating in the national finale coordinated by NCERT. Each student may enter only one art form category at Kala Utsav. Authorities are required to ensure equal representation of girls and boys and the participation of students from socio-economically disadvantaged groups including children with special needs at all levels.
Eligibility
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 13 to 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Students enrolled in Classes IX to XII in schools affiliated with any board across India.
Prerequisites
- Preparation should be done under the supervision of school art teachers or designated authorities.
- Materials specified in the NCERT guidelines for the chosen stream should be arranged in advance.
Additional requirements
- Students must be currently enrolled in Classes IX-XII
- Participation is through schools; individual entries are not accepted
- Each student may enter only one art form category at Kala Utsav
Students enrolled in Classes IX to XII in schools affiliated with any board across India. Participation is routed through school, Mandal, district and state selection rounds.
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Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The curriculum spans 2D forms (drawing, painting, printmaking, caricature), 3D forms (sculpture) and indigenous toys or crafts. Evaluation considers originality of concept, technical execution, composition, cultural connection and overall presentation.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Cash prizes up to ₹25,000
National-level winners receive cash prizes of ₹25,000 (first), ₹20,000 (second) and ₹15,000 (third) under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
Prizes
Trophies and national cash prizes
National-level cash prizes of ₹25,000, ₹20,000 and ₹15,000 along with trophies for the top three positions.
Certificate
NCERT & Ministry of Education Certificate
Participants and winners receive certificates issued by NCERT and the Ministry of Education under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
Recognized by
Recognition
National recognition from Ministry of Education
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Covers 2D Solo, 3D Solo and Visual Arts Group streams.
- Endorsed by the Ministry of Education under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
- Provides a national platform for school-level visual artists and craft practitioners.
- Promotes indigenous toys and crafts alongside contemporary visual art.
Rounds & format
The competition progresses through Mandal, district and state-level rounds, culminating in a national finale. Each round involves a supervised on-site session where students create their work within a defined time slot.
How entries are judged
Evaluation is based on originality of concept, technical execution, composition, cultural connection and overall presentation. National submissions also include supporting documentation as specified in the NCERT guidelines.
Selection process
Selection is based on performance in Mandal, district and state-level competitions, with winners advancing to the national stage.
How to apply
- 1Schools register participating students through their respective state education departments.
- 2Mandal, district and state-level competitions are held first, with winners advancing to the national finale.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
Participation is free. Travel and accommodation for national finale participants is supported under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kala Utsav - National Visual Arts Competition free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in Kala Utsav - National Visual Arts Competition?
Students in Grade 9 to 12. Children aged 13 to 18.
What will my child gain from Kala Utsav - National Visual Arts Competition?
National platform to showcase 2D, 3D and indigenous craft work. Certificate from NCERT and the Ministry of Education. Cash prizes for top national winners under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. Represent school, district and state at the national finale. Exposure to diverse Indian visual arts traditions through peer work.
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