CBSE Introduces Budding Author Program for Students in Grades 5 Through 10
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at nurturing young literary talent. Known as the Budding Author Program, this scheme is designed specifically for students from class 5 through class 10, offering them a structured platform to develop their storytelling abilities and creative writing skills.
Program Objectives and Structure
The core objective of this initiative is to strengthen writing proficiency among school children while simultaneously boosting their confidence. The program seeks to ignite a genuine interest in creative expression, encouraging students to explore the art of narrative composition in a supportive environment. By participating, students will have the opportunity to refine their linguistic abilities and learn the fundamentals of crafting compelling stories.
The initiative operates in two distinct phases. The first phase, which takes place at the school level, commences on January 6 and continues through January 31. During this initial round, participating schools will organize storytelling activities and writing sessions for their students. The second phase involves registration and story submission, scheduled from February 3 to February 27. Following the conclusion of both phases, the board will select the most outstanding entries at the national level and publish them as a curated collection of short stories.
Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Students participating in this program are not required to pay any registration fees. They are invited to submit original, unpublished short stories written in either Hindi or English. The submissions are categorized into three distinct groups based on grade levels:
- Category 1: Students in classes 5 and 6
- Category 2: Students in classes 7 and 8
- Category 3: Students in classes 9 and 10
Each category has a predefined word limit for the stories, ensuring that submissions remain age-appropriate and manageable for the students. The first round is conducted exclusively within the school environment, allowing students to showcase their work to their peers and teachers before advancing to the broader competition.
Selection Process and Recognition
During the school-level round, there is no restriction on the number of participants from each class. This inclusive approach ensures that every interested student has the opportunity to participate and demonstrate their creative capabilities. After the conclusion of the first round, schools will shortlist a total of 12 outstanding stories—two from each grade level—for submission to the CBSE portal during the February 3 to February 27 window.
All students who successfully participate in the second round of the program will receive an online participant certificate issued by the board. This recognition serves as formal acknowledgment of their creative efforts and encourages continued engagement with writing as a valuable skill.
Skill Development Opportunities
Beyond the immediate goal of producing publishable stories, the Budding Author Program is structured to foster several essential skills among students. Through the process of writing and revising their narratives, participants will develop critical thinking abilities, enhance their language proficiency, and cultivate stronger self-expression. The program provides a meaningful platform for students to explore their imaginative capacities while receiving constructive feedback through the structured evaluation process.
This initiative reflects a growing emphasis on creative education within the school curriculum, recognizing that storytelling serves as a powerful tool for cognitive development and emotional intelligence. By offering students the chance to see their work published in an official collection, CBSE aims to inspire a lasting appreciation for literature and writing among young learners.
