Empowering India’s budding storytellers to get published globally by the world’s leading publishing house with confidence and creativity
New Delhi, September 2025; Big Red Education, in collaboration with Penguin, proudly announces the launch of the first-ever National Young Authors Challenge, a groundbreaking nationwide short story competition for students in Grades 8–12. The competition will commence on September 18, 205, with the submission deadline set for January 15, 2026.
For the first time in India, aspiring young writers will have the unprecedented opportunity to see their work published by one of the most iconic publishing houses. The top 50 selected stories will be compiled into an exclusive anthology published by Penguin, an extraordinary milestone for budding authors at the very start of their creative journeys. But the challenge doesn’t stop at publication. Every participant will gain access to a special writing bootcamp conducted by Penguin with acclaimed authors and talented editors, where they will learn the art of creative writing, storytelling techniques, and what it takes to bring an idea to life on the page. This ensures that each student not only competes but also learns, grows, and develops their voice as a writer.
Speaking on the launch, Pallavi Narayan, General Manager- Corporate Communications at Penguin Random House India, said, ‘At Penguin, we believe in the power of the written word to transform both individuals and communities. Every person carries stories within them, but it takes courage and craft to bring those stories to life. The National Young Authors Challenge is a powerful way for young people to uncover that ability and begin shaping their own narratives. We are proud to partner with Big Red Education, whose commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for students helps them build confidence, agency, and a deeper sense of self. For us, this is more than a competition — it is an invitation to discover the next generation of storytellers and to understand better the creative potential that exists across the country. We look forward to the voices and perspectives this journey will reveal.’
The National Young Authors Challenge is led by Big Red Education, an India-based education firm known for creating transformative opportunities for high school students. This competition marks one of its most ambitious steps yet in empowering students through real-world recognition.
With its unparalleled publishing partnership, first-of-its-kind anthology, and exclusive writing competition, the National Young Authors Challenge sets a new benchmark in youth competitions in India, empowering students to write their heart out, get discovered, and make their mark with Penguin.
About Big Red Education
Founded in 2016, Big Red Education is an India-based education firm offering transformative learning experiences beyond the classroom. Its programs prepare high school students to innovate, lead, and make a meaningful impact on a global stage.
About Penguin Random House
Penguin Random House India is the country’s leading trade publisher, publishing over 450 new titles every year and managing a diverse backlist of more than 3,500 books. Our publishing spans literary and commercial fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books — from politics, history, memoir, and business to health, self-help, cookery, and culture.
We are home to some of India’s and the world’s most celebrated voices — including winners of the Nobel Prize, Booker Prize, Jnanpith Award, and Sahitya Akademi Award. Several of our authors have also been honoured with the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan, reflecting the influence of their work in literature and public life.
Penguin Random House India also serves as the exclusive distribution partner for several major international and local publishers, bringing books to readers across India and the subcontinent.
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