Exciting Opportunity for Young Writers

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a thrilling national competition aimed at school students, blending creativity with learning. This initiative invites children aged 9 to 15 years to participate in a letter-writing contest, where the top winner will earn a trip to Switzerland along with enticing cash rewards.

Collaboration with the Department of Posts

This innovative competition is organized in partnership with the Department of Posts as part of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter Writing Competition for Young People 2026. The goal is to inspire students to articulate their thoughts through traditional letter writing while addressing significant social issues.

Eligibility Criteria for Participants

The competition is open to school-going students aged 9 to 15 from all over India. Schools will facilitate participation, and interested students must submit their entries through their respective institutions, which will then select the best submissions to forward to CBSE.

Submission Guidelines

Detailed information, including guidelines and application formats, can be found on CBSE’s official website cbse.gov.in. Schools are required to send the selected entries to CBSE by March 20, 2026.

Competition Theme: The Significance of Human Connection

Participants must compose a letter to a friend in either Hindi or English, focusing on a thought-provoking theme. The letter should discuss the importance of human connection in the digital era, despite the prevalence of mobile phones, social media, and the internet.

Key Points to Address

Students are encouraged to explore the following aspects:

• The essence of genuine friendship




• The significance of family ties




• Emotional connections and face-to-face interactions




• The limitations of digital communication in replacing human relationships

The aim is to prompt young minds to contemplate emotional intelligence, empathy, and the value of personal connections in a digital world.

Competition Structure

The competition will unfold in two phases:

School and Regional Level

National Level

Schools will conduct the competition internally and select the top entries, which will then be assessed at the regional and national levels by CBSE in collaboration with the Department of Posts and UPU.

Prize Distribution: Cash Awards and a Trip to Switzerland

CBSE has established an appealing prize structure to encourage student participation.

Regional Level Awards

• First Prize: ₹25,000 + Certificate




• Second Prize: ₹10,000 + Certificate




• Third Prize: ₹5,000 + Certificate

National Level Awards

• First Prize: ₹50,000 + Certificate + Trip to UPU Headquarters in Bern, Switzerland (or an alternative prize)




• Second Prize: ₹25,000 + Certificate




• Third Prize: ₹10,000 + Certificate

Winners will also receive medals and certificates as determined by the Universal Postal Union.

International Recognition by UPU

As per the official announcement, the International Bureau (IB) of UPU will oversee the global competition. Each participating nation will submit its best entries, from which three international winners will be chosen.

The top achievers will be awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, along with certificates and special acknowledgment from UPU. The Gold Medal winner will be invited to visit the UPU headquarters in Bern, Switzerland, providing students with a unique opportunity for international exposure.

Unique Aspects of This Competition

This competition not only rewards creativity but also:

• Revives the art of letter writing among youth




• Encourages critical thinking and emotional expression




• Promotes awareness about meaningful communication




• Offers global recognition at a young age

For students who enjoy writing and sharing ideas, this contest serves as an excellent platform to showcase their talent while learning a vital life lesson.

Final Thoughts for Students and Parents

Students interested in entering the competition should reach out to their schools promptly to understand the internal submission process. Parents are encouraged to assist their children in developing original ideas and articulating them in their own words.

With the chance to win cash prizes and even travel to Switzerland, this CBSE initiative presents a remarkable opportunity for young learners to merge creativity with global exposure—all through the simple yet impactful act of writing a letter.