Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Essay Competition Scheme for Class 10th-12th & Colleges/Universities/Institutions Students in 22 Indian Languages and English
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation runs an annual essay competition open to Class 10–12 school students and college/university students on themes related to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's contributions to social justice, caste equality, and national integration. Prize money reaches up to ₹1,00,000 for first place at the college level, with cash prizes in Hindi, English, and 22 Indian languages. There is no entry fee — contact your school or college to participate, or watch for the annual newspaper advertisement.
About This Scheme
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation runs an annual essay competition open to Class 10–12 school students and college/university students on themes related to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's contributions to social justice, caste equality, and national integration. Prize money reaches up to ₹1,00,000 for first place at the college level, with cash prizes in Hindi, English, and 22 Indian languages. There is no entry fee — contact your school or college to participate, or watch for the annual newspaper advertisement.
Full official description
The "Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Essay Competition Scheme for Class 10th–12th and College/University/Institution Students in 22 Indian Languages and English" is implemented by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. Under this scheme, cash prizes and recognition are awarded to school and college/university students who write insightful essays on Babasaheb Ambedkar’s thoughts on social justice, empowerment, and national integration. Objective: The primary objective of this Essay Competition is to encourage school, college and university students of 10th and 12th standards to write on the contribution of Babasaheb, particularly on his thoughts on social justice, empowerment of the depressed section, removal of caste-based discriminations like untouchability and atrocities on Dalits, national integration, communal harmony and the like. Topics: The topics of the essay shall be selected every year by the respective Chairs from the themes based on Dr. Ambedkar’s thoughts on social justice, removal of inequality and discrimination, ameliorating the conditions of weaker sections of the society, removal of untouchability, caste-based prejudices, disparities, equality of opportunity, social democracy etc. Medium: The essays may be written in Indian Languages and English. Indian languages: (1) Assamese, (2) Bengali, (3) Gujarati, (4) Hindi, (5) Kannada, (6) Kashmiri, (7) Konkani, (8) Malayalam, (9) Manipuri, (10) Marathi, (11) Nepali, (12) Odiya, (13) Punjabi, (14) Sanskrit, (15) Sindhi, (16) Tamil, (17) Telugu, (18) Urdu (19) Bodo, (20) Santhali, (21) Maithili and (22) Dogri.
Benefits
- College/University prizes per language: 1st ₹1,00,000 | 2nd ₹50,000 | 3rd ₹25,000
- School prizes per language: 1st ₹25,000 | 2nd ₹15,000 | 3rd ₹10,000
- Winners felicitated at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi
- Travel and accommodation covered for winners (₹4,000/day for 2 days, winner + escort)
- Winners receive a citation and a curated set of books on Dr. Ambedkar
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Bonafide students of Class 10 or 12 in any recognized state or central board school
- OR bonafide students in colleges or universities recognized by the UGC
- No entry fee required
- Essay must be original work — plagiarism above 20% results in disqualification
- One essay per participant; word limit: 3,500 words (English) or 2,500 words (Indian languages)
How to Apply
- Interested students may contact their respective school, college, or institution to apply under this scheme.
Notes:
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Essay Competition for students of recognized schools, colleges, universities, and institutions shall be held every year.
An advertisement in this regard will be published in major national and regional newspapers.
The advertisement will also be made available on the websites of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation and the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (https://socialjustice.gov.in/).
Advertisements will additionally be published on the websites of all the Ambedkar Chairs.
Submit the complete entry (essay + documents) as per instructions provided by the implementing chair or Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.
The list of winners will be published on the DAF website and notice boards of the implementing chair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for this essay competition?
School students of class 10th and 12th, and college/university students enrolled in UGC-recognized institutions.
Is there an entry fee for this competition?
No, participation in the essay competition is completely free.
In which languages can I submit my essay?
Essays can be written in English or any of the 22 Indian languages.
What is the word limit for the essay?
3500 words for English; 2500 words for Indian languages.
Can I submit more than one essay?
No, only one essay entry per participant is allowed.
What are the evaluation criteria for the essays?
Essays will be judged on content (50 marks), analysis (20 marks), presentation (15 marks), and writing skills (15 marks).
Where will the award ceremony be held?
At the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), New Delhi.
Is plagiarism allowed?
No. Plagiarism above 20% will result in disqualification.
Can I submit a handwritten essay?
No. Only clean typed copies of the essay are accepted.
How will I know if I’ve won?
Results will be posted on the DAF website and notice boards of the participating Chairs.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Typed Copy of the Essay (clean copy)
- Originality Certificate (declaring the essay is the participant's own work)
- Covering Letter with Participant’s Name, Address, School/College/University Details, Topic, Language, Email ID, Phone Number, Bank Account Details
- Signature of the Head of the Institution
- Identity Proof (School/College/University ID Card)
- Any other documents if required