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National Young Authors Challenge

Published on August 12, 2025

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National Young Authors Challenge

Deadline Date : 15 Jan 2026 * For Grade 8th to 12th * Deadline Date : 15 Jan 2026 * For Grade 8th to 12th * Deadline Date : 15 Jan 2026 * For Grade 8th to 12th * Deadline Date : 15 Jan 2026
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.

Do Any of
these apply
 to YOU?

I want my words to matter to inspire, to challenge, to make readers feel something real.

I’ve got notebooks full of ideas, but I’m waiting for the right platform to share them with the world.

I dream of seeing my name in print, and this could be the breakthrough I’ve been waiting for!

I’ve written a few things, but I’m looking for guidance, feedback, and a real shot at being heard.

I have a story to tell, but I don’t know if I’m good enough or where to even begin.

Guidelines

Everything you need to know before you send in your story.

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.

A once-in-a-lifetime chance to see your story in a real Penguin book.

Top 50 young authors will be published in print.


The next 50 will be featured on Big Red Education’s official website And Promoted on Penguin’s Website

Write your heart out. Get discovered. Get published by Penguin.

Deadlines & Fee Structure
1st Deadline -
Nov 15 (early bird) - Rs 999
2nd Deadline
Jan 15 - Rs 1499
Fees on number of entries

  • No. of entries 1 - Rs 999
  • No. of entries 2 - Rs 1799
  • No. of entries 3 - RS 2399
  • Eligibility

    Open to high school
    students in Grades 8–12

    Open to Indian citizens

    Competition Format

    Fully online submission process

    Submit entries in PDF format only - on a submission portal

    Participants can submit up to 3 entries

    What to Write

    Accepted formats: Short Stories (only)

    Genre - Fiction

    Word Limit Options

    500 to 650 words

    Top 50 entries published in a book by Penguin
    Next 50 featured on the official Penguin India Webiste

    Number of Entries

    Each entry must be unique and submitted seperately

    Each participant can submit up to 3 entries

    Planning to attend as
    part of a group or
    school delegation?

    Grab an exclusive
    25% scholarship for
    your group or school delegation by clicking on this link!

    Online Writing Competition for Grades 8th - 12th

    National Young Authors Challenge

    Join the National Young Authors Challenge, where young voices journey from Pen to Print to inspire the nation!

    Deadline Date : 15 Jan 2026 * For Grade 8th to 12th * Deadline Date : 15 Jan 2026 * For Grade 8th to 12th * Deadline Date : 15 Jan 2026 * For Grade 8th to 12th * Deadline Date : 15 Jan 2026

    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.

    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 8-hour bootcamps conducted by experienced Penguin authors and editors, offering in-depth guidance on writing, editing, and preparing work for publication.

    Planning to attend as
    part of a group or school delegation?

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