Aspiring young writers across India have a significant opportunity to showcase their talent with the announcement of the 2026 TOTO Awards for Creative Writing in English. Organized by Toto Funds the Arts (TFA), these prestigious awards aim to recognize and support emerging Indian literary voices in poetry, short stories, and short plays.
Key Takeaways
- Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 18-29, residing in India, born between January 1, 1996, and January 1, 2008.
- Categories: Poetry, Short Stories, and Short Plays.
- Prizes: Two winners will each receive ₹60,000.
- Deadline: September 15, 2025.
About the TOTO Awards
The TOTO Awards for Creative Writing in English are dedicated to fostering originality, craft, and a strong literary voice among young Indian writers. The competition welcomes diverse submissions, from performance poetry to science fiction, providing a vital platform for emerging talent.
Submission Guidelines
Applicants can submit entries in one, two, or all three categories, with each category requiring a separate submission. Specific word count requirements apply:
- Poetry: Minimum of 10 poems, totaling up to 7,500 words.
- Short Stories: Minimum of two stories, with a combined word count between 3,500 and 7,500 words.
- Short Plays: Maximum of 10,000 words.
All submissions must adhere to strict formatting rules: Times New Roman, 12-point font, and 1.5 line spacing. Entries should be submitted as MS Word documents via email, ensuring the author’s name is not included in the file or document itself.
Originality and Copyright
The submitted work must be original, with applicants holding full copyright. While unpublished work is highly preferred, a limited number of previously published poems or stories can be included if publication details are provided. Excerpts from novels and single short story submissions are not eligible.
The jury, comprising esteemed poets, literary critics, novelists, journalists, scholars, and teachers, will make the final decisions. Winning works may be featured on the TFA website and promotional materials, with full credit given to the author, while copyright remains with the creator.
Important Dates
The deadline for all submissions is September 15, 2025. Winners will be announced for the 2026 awards. It is important for winners to credit the “WINNER – TOTO Award for Creative Writing in English 2026” for any future publications of their awarded work for a period of two years.
For further details, interested writers are encouraged to visit the Toto Funds the Arts website.
