CBSE Invites Schools to Organize UPU 2026 International Letter Writing Competition on Human Connection

The Central Board of Secondary Education has issued a formal circular to its affiliated schools inviting participation in the 55th edition of the Universal Postal Union International Letter Writing Competition for Young People, scheduled for 2026. The competition is convened under the aegis of the Department of Posts and forms part of a longstanding global initiative to engage young learners in written expression, critical thinking, and literacy skills.

Under the theme for this year, students are asked to write a letter to a friend explaining why human connection matters in a digital world. This theme was announced by the Universal Postal Union as part of its global outreach to young writers aged 9 to 15 years.

CBSE has asked school principals to share competition details with students and to conduct the first stage of the contest within their schools. Entries selected at the school level will advance to a national review process. From those, the best letters will be forwarded to the international judging panel organised by the Universal Postal Union.

The competition encourages participation in English or any language recognised in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, allowing students to express their views in languages familiar to them.

Prizes are available at both circle and national levels, with cash awards and certificates to be presented to top entries. The national winner will represent India at the international stage of the competition. The Universal Postal Union will determine global winners and award medals, certificates and other honours.

CBSE’s circular stresses widespread participation from schools to ensure that students across all regions can engage with this opportunity to express their ideas about the role of meaningful human connections in the digital era.