Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Essay Competition Scheme for Class 10th-12th & Colleges/Universities/Institutions Students in 22 Indian Languages and English
Essay competition prizes up to ₹1 lakh · Classes 10–12 and college students · 22 languages
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
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Social-impact founders can use this competition as an engagement tool — sponsoring essay workshops in colleges aligned with your company's social mission while exposing students to your brand creates goodwill at negligible cost.
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
- Contact your school, college, or institution to apply — applications are submitted through the institution, not individually.
- Write an essay on the assigned topic (related to Dr. Ambedkar's thoughts on social justice, empowerment, and national development) in one of 22 Indian languages or English.
- Enclose the typed essay, an originality certificate, and a covering letter with your details.
- Submit through your institution by the specified deadline — your institution forwards to the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.
- Winners are announced and prizes are disbursed by the Foundation.
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 your own work)
- Covering letter with participant's name, address, and institution details