CBSE Launches Budding Authors Programme to Empower Student Writers Nationwide

New Delhi — In a bid to nurture creativity and writing skills among school students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled the Budding Authors Programme 2026, inviting learners across its network to craft and submit original short stories. The initiative aims to strengthen imagination, originality and literary skills while giving young authors a chance to get published.

Programme Objective & Scope

The launch of the Budding Authors Programme reflects CBSE’s commitment to holistic education beyond traditional academics. Through this platform, students can explore narrative craft, develop expressive capabilities, and present unique viewpoints in creative writing. Shortlisted entries will be considered for e-publication, giving participants wide recognition.

Who Can Participate

The programme is open to students studying in Classes 5 to 10 in CBSE-affiliated schools nationwide. Participants can write in either Hindi or English, broadening accessibility and encouraging bilingual literary expression.

Story Submission Guidelines

CBSE has defined clear word limits for story submissions based on class levels:

• Classes 5–6: 500–600 words

• Classes 7–8: 600–900 words

• Classes 9–10: 1,000–1,500 words
  
  

Submissions should be original and unpublished, and must satisfy CBSE’s content guidelines. All entries are subject to a plagiarism check and principal certification before further evaluation.

Programme Timeline & Rounds

The competition is divided into multiple rounds:

1. School Level (Jan 6–31, 2026):
   Schools conduct the first round internally, with each institution nominating a Nodal Officer (teacher) to coordinate participation and submissions.
   
   

2. Second Round (Feb 3–27, 2026):
   Schools upload the total number of student participants from the first round on the official portal and shortlist the best 12 entries from each institution.
   
   

3. Final Evaluation:
   A panel of subject experts reviews the stories shortlisted in the second round. Exceptional works at the national level will be e-published as part of a curated collection for each category.
   
   

Publication and Recognition

Students whose stories are published will receive e-certificates of participation. The board also provides editorial support to finalise selected stories, enhancing the quality and ensuring professional presentation in the published collections.

No Participation Fee

Participating in the Budding Authors Programme is fully free of charge — no participation fee is required from students or schools. This move increases inclusivity and encourages a wider range of students to test their creative writing potential. 

Terms and Licensing

All stories submitted under this programme will be licensed under the CC BY 4.0 license, which means authors retain copyright while granting CBSE the right to publish selected works first. Submissions are judged on literary merit, originality, and readability.

What This Means for Students

The Budding Authors Programme is more than a contest — it’s a platform that fosters expression, critical thinking, and confidence in young minds. With no fees and inclusive language options, the initiative unlocks opportunities for students to hone one of the most essential life skills: effective writing and communication.