Katha Utsav National Writers' Workshop
by Katha India
Workshops with authors and editors
National writing contest for students in Classes 4-12 with regional and national workshops led by authors.
Mode
Hybrid
Eligibility
Grade 4 to 12
Fee
₹950
Duration
Submission window plus regional and national workshops over six months
Format
Individual
Time needed
Initial entry submission, optional preparatory webinars, two-day regional workshop for selected entrants, multi-day finale for top writers
Eligibility
- Grade level
- Grade 4 to 12
- Location
- Nationwide
Open to students in Classes 4 to 12 across India. Both individual participants and schools may register. Submissions are accepted in English or Hindi as fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. Word limits vary by class group.
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Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Katha Utsav Certificate
Participants receive certificates from Katha India for their submissions and workshop participation.
Career pathways
Selected writers receive mentorship from professional authors, editors, poets, and translators during regional and national workshops.
Recognition
National writing recognition
Skills your child builds
How to apply
- 1Register on the official Katha Utsav website
- 2Pay the applicable entry fee based on class group
- 3Submit an original entry as a PDF in fiction, non-fiction, or poetry on the announced theme
- 4Attend optional preparatory webinars and online workshops
- 5If selected, attend the regional two-day writers' workshop
- 6Top writers from regional rounds are invited to the National Finale in Delhi
Fees & financial support
Fee details
Entry fees vary by class group. Classes 4-7: ₹500 (early) / ₹750 (standard). Classes 8-12: ₹700 (early) / ₹950 (standard). Each additional entry requires a separate fee.
About this opportunity
Katha Utsav is the National Writers' Workshop organized by Katha India, inviting students across the country to submit original fiction, non-fiction, or poetry on the theme "My India, My World." Submissions are accepted in English or Hindi.
The contest is open to students in Classes 4 to 12, with both individual participants and schools welcome. Word limits vary by class group, and titles are not counted towards the word limit.
Selected writers attend two-day regional workshops conducted by professional authors, editors, poets, and translators. The strongest writers from these workshops qualify for the multi-day Katha Utsav Finale in Delhi, alongside authors and theatre personalities.
Participants receive certificates, mentorship from professional writers, and consideration for the Best of Katha Utsav Collection. Schools enrolling 25+ students are eligible for the Champion Award School recognition.
Rounds & format
Round 1: Online entry submission (PDF). Round 2: Two-day regional writers' workshop for selected participants. Round 3: Multi-day National Katha Utsav Finale in Delhi for top writers from regional workshops.
How entries are judged
Originality, imagination, voice, craft, and adherence to theme and word limits.
Selection process
Submitted entries are evaluated by Katha's editors and mentors; the strongest entries qualify for regional workshops and subsequently for the national finale.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
Original writing on the announced theme in fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, refined through workshop sessions led by authors, editors, and translators.
Frequently asked questions
What types of writing can students submit to Katha Utsav?
Students can submit original fiction, non-fiction, or poetry in either English or Hindi on the announced theme. Submissions must be uploaded as PDFs with selectable text.
Are word limits enforced for entries?
Yes. Word limits depend on the participant's class group, and entries exceeding the limit are not reviewed. Titles are excluded from the word count.
Can students submit more than one entry?
Multiple entries are allowed. Each entry is treated separately and requires its own entry fee at the applicable class-group rate.
What happens if a student is selected for the regional workshop?
Selected participants attend a two-day regional writers' workshop led by professional authors, editors, poets, and translators. The strongest writers then qualify for the National Finale in Delhi.
How can schools participate in Katha Utsav?
Schools can encourage students to submit individually. Schools that register 25 or more students are eligible for the Champion Award School recognition under the Katha Utsav School Recognition Program.
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