Kala Utsav - National Traditional Storytelling Competition
by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
Cash prize to Rs 25000
Kala Utsav - National Traditional Storytelling 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 in December
Format
Both · Teams of 6
Time needed
District, state, and national rounds; typically 2-3 days at national level
About this opportunity
Kala Utsav is a national programme initiated by the Ministry of Education under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan to promote arts education in schools. The Traditional Storytelling category invites secondary students to perform indigenous narrative forms such as kissa, dastangoi, harikatha, villu paatu, burrakatha, pandavani, and regional folk-tales, celebrating India's oral heritage.
Students in Classes IX to XII from government, government-aided, and private schools across India are eligible to participate. The competition is a group event that progresses from district and state rounds to a national finale, offering a platform to present rehearsed traditional stories before expert judges and a national audience.
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
- Familiarity with at least one traditional Indian storytelling form
- Students should prepare their presentations under the supervision of school authorities
Additional requirements
- Students must be currently enrolled in Classes IX-XII
- Participation is through schools; individual entries are not accepted
- Each school may nominate performers as per discipline-specific guidelines
Students enrolled in Classes IX to XII in schools affiliated with any board across India. Participation is through school, district, and state selection rounds.
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Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The competition focuses on indigenous narrative arts including kissa, dastangoi, harikatha, villu paatu, burrakatha, pandavani, and other regional folk-tale traditions. Performances are evaluated on narrative clarity, voice modulation, characterisation, cultural fidelity, and overall stagecraft.
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.
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
- Focuses specifically on indigenous storytelling traditions of India
- Provides a national platform for school-level oral narrative artists
- Endorsed by the Ministry of Education under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
- Encourages exploration of regional folk and classical storytelling forms
Rounds & format
The competition progresses through district and state rounds, culminating in a national finale. Each round involves live storytelling performances evaluated by expert judges.
How entries are judged
Evaluation is based on narrative clarity, voice modulation, characterisation, cultural fidelity, stage presence, and adherence to the chosen traditional form.
Selection process
Selection is based on performance in district and state-level competitions, with winners advancing to the national stage. Evaluation includes artistic merit, technical execution, and adherence to guidelines.
How to apply
- 1Schools register participating students through their respective state education departments.
- 2District and state-level competitions are held first, with winners advancing to the national finale.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kala Utsav - National Traditional Storytelling Competition free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in Kala Utsav - National Traditional Storytelling Competition?
Students in Grade 9 to 12. Children aged 13 to 18.
What will my child gain from Kala Utsav - National Traditional Storytelling Competition?
National platform to perform indigenous storytelling traditions. Certificate from NCERT and the Ministry of Education. Represent school, district, and state at the national finale. Exposure to diverse Indian narrative forms through peer performances.
How we verified this
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