The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is encouraging students to participate in the Universal Postal Union (UPU) 2026 International Letter Writing
Competition for Young People. National-level winners will receive an Rs. 50,000 cash prize and a certificate along with a chance to represent the country at an international level. The aim of the competition is to develop creativity, composition skills, and depth of thought among young people, while also promoting international friendship and understanding. What is the theme? Write a letter to a friend about why human connection matters in a digital world. It explores the importance of genuine human connection in an increasingly digital world shaped by technology, from robots to all kinds of digital communication tools. By writing a letter to a friend, participants are encouraged to consider why staying connected, expressing care, and nurturing friendships matter now more than ever across both physical and digital spaces. Who can participate? Students aged between 9 and 15 years can participate in the competition (Note: participants who will turn 16 years of age before 5 May 2026 will be rejected). The age of the participants will be certified with proof like a birth certificate, AADHAR card, certificate issued by schools, etc. Suggested | CBSE Issues Ultimatum to Schools Over Pupil–Teacher Ratio, Fees, Results Date and Time of Competition The competition shall be organised in a way that entries shall reach the Circles by March 20, 2026. Further, the circles shall evaluate all the entries, and the best three entries should reach the Directorate by March 31, 2026. Details Required to Fill Application Form
- Full Name of the Participant
- Father’s/Guardian’s Name
- Full address for correspondence
- Name and complete address of the school/institution where studying
- Age with exact date of birth
- Sex (Male/Female)
- Centre
Participants have to fill out an application form carrying important details and submit it along with 1 photocopy of age proof document to the Nodal Officer of the concerned Postal Circle in duplicate before the deadline.
One copy of the application form will be retained by the participants as a hall ticket for the purpose of entry at the venue on the day of the competition.
The Department/Schools will provide the answer book to the participants at the venue, but they shall bring their own pen/pencil. They will have to write their composition in their own handwriting up to 800 words. Notably, entries having more than 800 words would not be considered for evaluation.
Additionally, candidates must note that the UPU International Bureau does not accept compositions sent directly by schools, individuals, or similar. Interested individuals/schools are required to contact postal circle offices for participation.
Cash Prize & Certificate
Prizes (at Circle level)
a. First Prize: Rs. 25,000/- and a certificate
b. Second Prize: Rs. 10,000/- and a certificate
c. Third Prize: Rs. 5,000/- and a certificate
3. Prizes (at National level):
a. First Prize: Rs. 50,000/- and a Certificate.
b. Second Prize: Rs. 25,000/- and a Certificate.
c. Third Prize: Rs. 10,000/- and a Certificate.
