Creative Writing in English

Introduced in 2006, the awards in this category have been won by poets, short story writers and playwrights. The volume of entries has grown exponentially over the years and has explored a diversity of styles and themes – from performance poetry to science fiction. The composition of the jury for these awards includes poets, literary critics, novelists, journalists, scholars and teachers from different parts of the country.

2026 Call for Entries – Creative Writing (English)

Supported by : Naboneeta Majumdar (in memory of Dipali and Nitai Majumdar) & Sarita Vellani

Organized by : Toto Funds the Arts (TFA)
Award Prize : ₹60,000 each (two winners)
Deadline : 30 September 2025 [CLOSED]

ABOUT THE AWARDS: The TOTO Awards for Creative Writing in English supports
young Indian writers who show originality, craft, and a strong literary voice. You can send us work in any one (or more) of the following categories:

  • Poetry
  • Short stories
  • Short plays

An independent jury will select two winners, each of whom will receive ₹60,000.

WHO CAN APPLY : 

  • Age: You must be between 18 and 29 years old. Your date of birth must be between 1
    January 1996 and 1 January 2008.
    (No exceptions will be made.)
  • Citizenship: You must be an Indian citizen currently living in India.
    [Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are not eligible.)]
  • Repeat Applicants: If you’ve applied before but did not win, you are welcome to
    apply again — but please submit entirely new work.

WHAT TO SUBMIT : 

You can enter in one, two, or all three categories, but each category must be submitted
separately.

  • Category #1 – Poetry :
    Submit at least 10 poems, with a combined total of up to 7,500 words.
  • Category #2 – Short Stories :
    Submit at least 2 stories.
    Total word count must be between 3,500 and 7,500 words.
    Single-story entries will not be accepted.
  • Category #3 – Short Plays :
    Submit one or more plays, with a combined word count of no more than 10,000
    words.

Note: You may submit entries in all three categories (as three separate emails).
Example:

  • Entry 1 : Poetry
  • Entry 2 : Short Stories
  • Entry 3 : Plays

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Each of your entries must follow these format guidelines:

  • Font: Times New Roman
  • Size: 12 pt
  • Line spacing: 1.5
  • File type: MS Word (.doc or .docx) only

Important :

  1. You must own full and unconditional copyright of all submitted work
  2. Your submission must follow the formatting and word count rules
  3. All submitted material must be original and your own
  4. Email submissions only — we do not accept printed or handwritten entries

HOW TO SUBMIT : 

THE CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR 2026 ARE NOW CLOSED. LONGLISTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN NOVEMBER FOR ALL CATEGORIES.

    AFTER YOU APPLY : 

    • Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for additional details or clarification
    • The jury’s decision is final and cannot be contested in any forum
    • Winning entries may be featured on the TFA website, blog, and related promotional
      materials — with full credit to the writer
    • Full Copyright remains with the writer
    • Winners must ensure that future publications of the awarded word credit the
      “WINNER – TOTO Award for Creative Writing in English 2026”       for two years
      following the announcement

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

    • Can I send excerpts or chapters from an unpublished novel?
      No. We accept only short stories.
    • Can I send work that has already been published?
      We strongly prefer unpublished work. We will not accept work that has been brought out as a printed book by a noted publishing firm. However, if a few of your 10 poems have appeared in online publications, for example, you may include them in your submission. The application form requires you to mention whether, and if so where, any part of your work was previously published or awarded.
    • Can I submit in more than one category?
      Yes. But you must send each category as a separate entry with its own form and email.
    • Can I send just one short story?
      No. You must send at least two stories, with a combined minimum word count of 3,500.
    • I won the TOTO Award earlier. Can I apply again?
      No. If you’ve previously won this award, you are not eligible.
    • I am/will be studying abroad. Can I still apply?
      Yes. If you are temporarily abroad for education or short-term courses, you are still eligible to apply. However, if you have permanently moved abroad or are no longer a resident of India, you are not eligible.

    QUESTIONS?
    For any clarifications, email us at toto.tfaawards@gmail.com

    ABOUT TFA
    Toto Funds the Arts (TFA) is a Bengaluru based not-for-profit public charitable trust set up in memory of Angirus ‘Toto’ Vellani, who was intensely passionate about music, literature and films. TFA encourages and supports emerging young Indian talent in literature, music, film, and visual art.

    The TOTO Awards for Creative Writing in English are supported by Naboneeta Majumdar
    (in memory of Dipali and Nitai Majumdar) & Sarita Vellani