CBSE launches Budding Authors Programme 2025–26, inviting students to submit original short stories in Hindi or English. No fee, certificates offered
New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the Budding Authors Programme 2025–26, a nationwide initiative aimed at encouraging students to explore creative writing and storytelling in Hindi and English. The programme, detailed in Circular No. Acad-01/2026 dated January 5, 2026, invites schools affiliated with CBSE to ensure wide student participation.
Encouraging Creativity and Confidence
According to the Board, the Budding Authors Programme is designed to help students discover the joy of writing while strengthening their language skills, creativity, and critical thinking. Through this initiative, students will get an opportunity to write original short stories and, if selected, see their work published digitally by CBSE.
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The programme is completely free of cost and open to students from Classes 5 to 10, covering all themes, styles, and genres of writing.
Who Can Participate and How
Participation will take place in two rounds. The first round will be conducted at the school level from January 6 to January 31, 2026, where schools can allow unlimited participation per class. Each school must appoint a Nodal Teacher, and students may submit one original, unpublished story in either Hindi or English.
Based on the first round, schools will shortlist entries for the second round, which will run from February 3 to February 27, 2026, through the CBSE online portal.
Key Submission Details
| Class Group | Word Limit |
|---|---|
| Classes 5–6 | 500–600 words |
| Classes 7–8 | 600–900 words |
| Classes 9–10 | 1000–1500 words |
Each school can submit a maximum of 12 shortlisted stories in the second round—two per class, one in Hindi and one in English.
Evaluation, Publication, and Recognition
All shortlisted stories will be evaluated by a panel of subject experts. CBSE stated that the best entries at the national level will be e-published as a compilation of short stories, while copyright will remain with the student authors.
Second Round, Evaluation, and Certification Details
| Stage / Aspect | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Second Round Timeline | 3 February 2026 to 27 February 2026 |
| Portal for Registration & Submission | https://cbseit.in/cbse/2025/bauthor (Login using OASIS credentials) |
| School-Level Requirement | Schools must enter the total number of students who participated in the First Round |
| Shortlisting Criteria | Each school must shortlist 12 best stories: two stories from each class, one in Hindi and one in English |
| Student Registration | Schools must register the 12 shortlisted students on the portal and submit the signed undertaking (Annexure III) |
| Role of Nodal Teacher | The Nodal Teacher will coordinate registration and upload all shortlisted stories |
| Hindi Category Requirement | Student name and school name must be entered only in Hindi |
| Upload of Stories | After registration, all 12 shortlisted stories must be uploaded on the same portal |
| Evaluation Process | Stories will be evaluated by a panel of subject experts; final decisions rest with the CBSE-appointed committee |
| Publication | Best entries at the national level will be e-published by CBSE as a compilation of short stories |
| Copyright & License | Copyright remains with the author; stories will be licensed under CC BY 4.0, with CBSE holding first publication rights |
| Participation Certificate | All students reaching the Second Round will receive an online Participation Certificate |
| Certificate of Appreciation | Outstanding entries will receive a Certificate of Appreciation from CBSE |
Every student participating in the second round will receive an online Participation Certificate. Outstanding entries will be awarded a Certificate of Appreciation, recognising exceptional creative effort.
Why This Programme Matters
CBSE has urged schools to promote maximum participation, stating that initiatives like the Budding Authors Programme help students develop reading and writing habits, improve expression, and build confidence from an early age. The Board sees creative writing as a key skill for holistic development.
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Important Dates at a Glance
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| School-Level Round | Jan 6 – Jan 31, 2026 |
| Registration & Upload of Shortlisted Stories | Feb 3 – Feb 27, 2026 |
| National Evaluation & E-Publication | After Feb 2026 |
For queries related to the programme, schools may contact CBSE at cbse.reading.mission@cbseshiksha.in.
CBSE Official circular Budding Authors Programme 2025-26
The CBSE Budding Authors Programme 2025–26 reflects the Board’s continued focus on nurturing creativity, language skills, and original thinking among students across the country.
