| 19min Read
Published on August 12, 2026
National Young Authors Challenge 2.0
Get Published by Penguin!
Penguin isn’t just a publisher, it’s a global storytelling powerhouse with a legacy that stretches back to the 1800s. Home to timeless classics and today’s bestsellers, it has published books for every age and stage of life.
With over 80 Nobel Prize-winning authors and hundreds of the world’s most celebrated voices, Penguin has shaped generations of readers across the globe.
But it doesn’t stop at books. As a true cultural institution, Penguin is committed to making a difference promoting diversity, equity, and sustainability through powerful campaigns, meaningful partnerships, and a deep connection to the communities it serves.
When you become part of the Penguin family, you're joining a tradition of greatness and a future of endless possibility.
National Young Authors Challenge 2.0
India's biggest creative writing competition is back, bigger, better, and open to Grades 5–12.
Presented by Big Red Education in partnership with Penguin
This year, the National Young Authors Challenge returns with its biggest edition yet. With expanded participation from Grades 5–12, exciting new recognition opportunities, and an even larger platform for young storytellers, NYAC 2.0 invites students across India to discover the power of storytelling and share their voices with the world.
Whether you dream of becoming an author or simply love writing, this is your opportunity to create, inspire, and be recognized nationally.
Welcome to NYAC 2.0
Every great author begins with a single story.
The National Young Authors Challenge is a nationwide creative writing competition that empowers students to explore their imagination, express their ideas, and develop the confidence to tell meaningful stories.
Following the tremendous success of the inaugural edition, NYAC returns with Version 2.0, offering an even larger platform, expanded eligibility, enhanced recognition, and new opportunities for young writers to showcase their creativity.
This year, the competition welcomes students from Grades 5-12, creating separate categories to ensure age-appropriate evaluation while celebrating exceptional storytelling across every age group.
NYAC 2.0
What's New in NYAC 2.0?
Bigger Participation
Now open for students from Grades 5–12 across India.
Two Competition Categories
Stories will be evaluated separately for Grades 5–8 and Grades 9–12.
More Recognition
More students than ever before will receive national recognition for their writing.
Bigger Publishing Opportunity
Selected stories from both categories will be showcased through Penguin, giving young writers a national platform for their work.
Stronger Learning Experience
Students don't just participate in a competition. They become part of a journey that celebrates creativity, storytelling, and original thinking.
The Spark
You've always had stories in your head — worlds, characters, emotions. Now, it's time to bring them to life and share them.
Enter the Competition
Submit your original writing to a platform that recognizes real talent. No limits. Just your imagination and a blank page.
Recognition & Certificates
Every participant gets a certificate that celebrates your creativity — a milestone for your personal and academic journey.
Get Published by Penguin
Yes, the Penguin. One of the world's most respected publishing houses. Your story will sit alongside legendary authors and inspire readers everywhere.
Do Any of These Apply to YOU?
Our Gallery
Outstanding young authors will be invited to a special recognition ceremony celebrating creativity, storytelling, and literary excellence. The ceremony brings together students, educators, publishing professionals, and fellow writers to celebrate the incredible achievements of India's next generation of storytellers.
Pricing that scales with your cohort
Choose the plan that fits your needs. Institutional pricing is optimized for larger teams and includes additional support.
Price
Price
value
Get Published by Penguin!
Penguin isn’t just a publisher, it’s a global storytelling powerhouse with a legacy that stretches back to the 1800s. Home to timeless classics and today’s bestsellers, it has published books for every age and stage of life.With over 80 Nobel Prize-winning authors and hundreds of the world’s most celebrated voices, Penguin has shaped generations of readers across the globe.When you become part of the Penguin family, you're joining a tradition of greatness and a future of endless possibility.
Here’s What Winners Take Home
Top 50 young authors will be published in print. The next 50 will be featured on Penguin’s Website.
Winners also receive exclusive Penguin merchandise.
William Jackson
WordPress Dev.
Your Journey from Writer to
Published Author With Penguin
Step 1: The Spark
You've always had stories in your head worlds, characters, emotions. Now, it's time to bring them to life and share them.
Step 2: Enter the Competition
Submit your original writing to a platform that recognizes real talent. No limits. Just your imagination and a blank page.
Step 3: Recognition & Certificates
Every participant gets a certificate that celebrates your creativity a milestone for your personal and academic journey.
Step 4: Get Published by Penguin
Yes, the Penguin. One of the world’s most respected publishing houses. Your story will sit alongside legendary authors and inspire readers everywhere.
Certificate
Every entrant will receive an official Certificate of Participation signed by the Penguin Senior Vice President. This formal certificate celebrates each student’s creativity and dedication to the National Young Authors Challenge and serves as a distinguished addition to academic portfolios, college applications, and future writing endeavors.
Guidelines
Everything you need to know before you send in your short story.
Eligibility
1. Open to high school students in Grades 8–12.
Competition Format
1. Fully online submission process.
2. Submit entries in PDF format only - on the submission portal.
What to Write
1. Accepted formats: Short Stories (only).
2. Genre - Fiction.
Number of Entries
1. Each entry must be unique and submitted seperately.
2. Each participant can submit up to 3 entries.
Word Limit Options
1. 500 to 650 words.
2. Top 50 entries published in a book by Penguin.
Custom Software
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradise
what will the students get
Not just the winners win! While the top entries will see their books published, every single participant walks away with exclusive benefits, resources, and recognition designed to boost their writing journey.
Every entrant will receive an official Certificate of Participation signed by the Penguin CEO. This formal certificate celebrates each student’s creativity and dedication to the National Young Authors Challenge and serves as a distinguished addition to academic portfolios, college applications, and future writing endeavors.
Participants will get attend comprehensive 2-day bootcamp conducted by experienced Penguin authors and editors, offering in-depth guidance on writing, editing, and preparing work for publication.
