Kala Utsav - National Visual Arts Competition
by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
Cash prize Rs 25000
Kala Utsav is NCERT's national visual arts competition for students in Classes 9-12 across 2D, 3D and indigenous craft streams, recognised by the Ministry of Education.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 to 2
Duration
Multi-day national finale typically held in the second week of November
Eligibility
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.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 13 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- 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.
See if your child qualifies.
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
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.
Rules and guidelines
- 2D Solo stream covers drawing, painting, printmaking or caricature by a single student.
- 3D Solo stream covers sculpture by a single student.
- Visual Arts Group stream features up to 2 students working on indigenous toys or crafts.
- Work must be original and created within the time slot specified at the venue.
- Use of professional artists is strictly prohibited; only enrolled students may produce the work.
- Each student may enter only one art form category at Kala Utsav.
- Decisions of the expert judging panel are final and binding.
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.
Rounds and 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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of work is permitted in the 2D Solo stream?
The 2D Solo stream covers drawing, painting, printmaking and caricature. Specific themes and materials are confirmed each year in the NCERT guidelines.
Is the competition free for participants?
Yes, participation is free. Travel and accommodation costs for national finale participants are supported under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
Can a student enter both 2D Solo and Visual Arts Group?
Each student may enter only one art form category at Kala Utsav. Students must choose between 2D Solo, 3D Solo and the Visual Arts Group stream for the cycle.
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