SAIL National Story Writing Competition
by Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
₹10,000 Cash Prize
Showcase your creative writing skills in the SAIL National Story Writing Competition. Submit original stories in Hindi or English on the theme "SAIL: Building a Culture of Happiness, Where Every Smile Matters" for a chance to win cash prizes and publication.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Self-paced completion within the submission deadline.
Time needed
Depends on individual research and writing time
Eligibility
This competition is open to all Indian citizens, including current and former SAIL employees and their families. Participants can submit their stories in Hindi or English. There are no specific academic or financial criteria.
- Age range
- 6 years and above
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No specific academic requirement.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Prizes up to ₹10,000
Cash prizes will be awarded separately for Hindi and English categories. First prize: ₹10,000, Second prize: ₹7,500, Third prize: ₹5,000, and Fourth prize: ₹2,500.
Certificate
Certificate from SAIL & MyGov
Certificates of recognition will be awarded to all prize winners, acknowledging their achievement in a national-level competition.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Participation and awards in a national-level competition organized by SAIL and MyGov can strengthen a student's profile for college and university admissions, particularly for humanities and arts programs.
Career pathways
Winning stories may be published in SAIL's prestigious in-house journal, 'SAIL News', providing a valuable credential and portfolio piece for careers in writing, journalism, and media.
Recognition
National Level Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 4 Feb 2025
- Registration closed
- 10 Mar 2025
- Competition
- 4 Feb 2025 to 10 Mar 2025
- Results
- 16 Jul 2025
How to apply
- 1Participants must register on the MyGov website.
- 2Ensure all formatting standards are met before submission.
Rules and guidelines
- Entries must be submitted in either Hindi or English.
- The word limit for stories is 800 words.
- For entries exceeding 800 words, a 10% mark deduction will apply.
- Stories will be evaluated by a jury of judges.
- Submissions must adhere to specific formatting standards: Font type Times New Roman for English and Unicode for Hindi, Font Size 12, Double line spacing, pages numbered, quotations in italics, and final word count at the end.
- A 10% mark deduction will apply for entries exceeding 800 words.
- Only one entry is allowed per participant.
Technology requirements
- Computer or laptop with stable internet access for online registration and story submission.
- Word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs) to draft and format the story.
About this opportunity
The SAIL National Story Writing Competition, organized by Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in collaboration with MyGov, invites aspiring writers across India to showcase their creativity. This competition provides a platform for participants to express their unique stories on the theme "SAIL: Building a Culture of Happiness, Where Every Smile Matters." It welcomes all genres and writing styles, whether fiction or non-fiction.
This opportunity is open to all Indian citizens, including current and former SAIL employees and their families. Participants can submit their entries in either Hindi or English, with a strict word limit of 800 words. Stories will be evaluated by a jury of judges based on creative writing, message for society, flow of storytelling, and grammar.
Winners will receive cash prizes and certificates, with awards given separately for Hindi and English categories. The winning stories may also be considered for publication in SAIL's prestigious in-house journal, 'SAIL News,' providing wider recognition and impact. This initiative aims to foster creativity, honor human stories, and strengthen SAIL's connection with the people of India.
Rounds and format
Participants submit their stories online through the MyGov portal. Stories are then evaluated by a jury of judges.
How entries are judged
Stories will be evaluated based on: Creative Writing (30 Marks), Message for society or humanity (5 Marks), Flow of storytelling (6 Marks), and Grammar (4 Marks). Total marks: 50.
Selection process
Stories are selected based on evaluation by a jury of judges according to the specified criteria.
How to prepare
- Review the competition theme: "SAIL: Building a Culture of Happiness, Where Every Smile Matters."
- Practice creative writing and storytelling techniques.
- Ensure adherence to the 800-word limit and formatting guidelines.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
No specific curriculum is required, but a strong command of Hindi or English language and creative writing principles is beneficial.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key judging criteria that participants should focus on?
The evaluation heavily weights 'Creative Writing' (30/50 marks). Participants should prioritize originality, a strong narrative, and emotional impact, while ensuring the story aligns with the theme and conveys a positive message.
How strictly is the 800-word limit enforced?
The word limit is strict. As per the rules, entries exceeding the 800-word limit will face a 10% mark deduction. It is crucial for participants to edit their work carefully to meet this requirement for the best possible score.
What is the value of getting published in 'SAIL News'?
Publication in 'SAIL News', the in-house journal of a major public sector undertaking, provides significant national exposure. It serves as a credible endorsement of a writer's talent and is a valuable addition to their portfolio.
Can a participant submit a story that has been published on a personal blog?
No, all submissions must be original and unpublished. Any work that has appeared online, including on personal blogs or social media, is considered published and would be ineligible for the competition.
What common mistakes should applicants avoid in their submissions?
Common pitfalls include exceeding the word count, grammatical errors, and not adhering to formatting guidelines. Another key mistake is a weak connection to the competition's central theme of happiness and community.
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