India Post to Hold UPU International Letter Writing Competition 2026 for School Students

The theme invites students to reflect on the importance of empathy, relationships and meaningful communication at a time when digital interactions increasingly dominate daily life.

India Post will conduct the UPU International Letter Writing Competition for Young People 2026, part of an annual global initiative of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) aimed at encouraging creativity, critical thinking and the art of letter writing among school students.

Theme for 2026

“Write a letter to a friend about why human connection matters in a digital world.”

The theme invites students to reflect on the importance of empathy, relationships and meaningful communication at a time when digital interactions increasingly dominate daily life.

Nationwide Organisation

The competition will be organised across India through all Postal Circles, in coordination with schools and educational institutions. India Post will promote participation, collect entries, and conduct evaluations at the Circle and National levels.

The best national entry from India will be sent to the UPU for the international competition, where winners will receive Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, certificates and other prizes. The Gold Medal winner may also be invited to visit the UPU Headquarters in Bern, Switzerland, or receive an alternative prize.

Awards at the national level are generally presented on World Post Day (9 October).

Eligibility and Submission Guidelines

• Age group: 9 to 15 years

• Format: Handwritten letter

• Language: English or any language listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India

• Participants: Students of recognised schools or institutions

Schools are requested to:

• Conduct the competition internally

• Forward selected entries to their respective Postal Circles by 20 March 2026

Postal Circles will evaluate submissions and forward the best three entries to the Directorate by 31 March 2026.

Prizes

Circle Level Awards

• First Prize: ₹25,000 + Certificate

• Second Prize: ₹10,000 + Certificate

• Third Prize: ₹5,000 + Certificate

National Level Awards

• First Prize: ₹50,000 + Certificate

• Second Prize: ₹25,000 + Certificate

• Third Prize: ₹10,000 + Certificate

Mandatory Entry Details

Each letter must include the following details on the first page, in English and Hindi:

• Passport-size photograph of the student

• Name of the candidate

• Date of birth

• Gender

• Father’s/Guardian’s name

• Name and full address of the school/institution

• Full postal address

Students, parents and schools may contact their respective Chief Postmaster General, Postmaster General, Director Postal Services or Nodal Officer for assistance. Further details are available on the Department of Posts website: www.indiapost.gov.in.