New Delhi – The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) invites students aged 9 to 15 years to participate in the Universal Postal Union (UPU) 2026 international letter-writing competition. The national-level first prize includes a cash award of Rs 50,000 and a certificate. The top national entry will represent India at the international competition.
The competition challenges participants to write a letter to a friend. The specified theme is, "Why human connection matters in a digital world." Schools must organize their internal competitions by March 20 . They must then submit the three best entries to the CBSE directorate by March 31 for national evaluation.
National and Circle Level Prizes
The competition offers cash prizes at both circle and national levels. All participants receive a certificate.
National Level Prizes
| Prize Tier | Cash Prize |
|---|---|
| First Prize | Rs 50,000 |
| Second Prize | Rs 25,000 |
| Third Prize | Rs 10,000 |
Circle Level Prizes
| Prize Tier | Cash Prize |
|---|---|
| First Prize | Rs 25,000 |
| Second Prize | Rs 10,000 |
| Third Prize | Rs 5,000 |
International Competition and Awards
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Bureau (IB) coordinates the international phase. The IB will select three global prize winners from entries submitted by member countries. These winners receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, alongside certificates and other prizes determined by the UPU.
The Gold medalist also receives an invitation to visit the UPU Headquarters in Berne, Switzerland. An alternative prize may be offered at the UPU’s discretion. India’s official entry for the UPU international competition will be the best submission from the national level.
According to an official CBSE notice, the competition aims to promote literacy and encourage young people to express themselves through letter writing. It also highlights the importance of postal services in connecting people globally.
Key Dates for Participants
- School Competition Deadline: March 20
- Submission of Best Entries to Directorate: March 31
Students should contact their respective schools for participation details and internal competition guidelines. Schools must ensure timely submission of entries to CBSE.