Have you ever dreamed of seeing your poetry gain nationwide recognition? The Wingword Poetry Competition 2025 is the perfect opportunity to turn that dream into a reality. This online competition is designed to discover and uplift new, emerging poets from India, offering them a platform to showcase their work and reach a wider audience.
Empowering Poets, Fueling Dreams
The Wingword Poetry Competition is not just a contest, but a gateway for aspiring poets to carve their place in the rich literary world of India. The competition aims to find the finest poems written by Indian poets, whether they are seasoned writers or first-time participants. For the winners, this competition offers much more than just recognition; it provides the resources and support needed to launch their literary careers.
What the First Prize Winner Gets
The first prize winner will be awarded a generous INR 50,000 in prize money, recognizing their exceptional poetic talent. But that’s not all—this prize also comes with a unique pro-bono book publishing deal. Wingword provides continuous support throughout the winner’s literary journey, helping them navigate the publishing world and gain exposure in the literary community.
The winner will have six to eight months to complete their poetry manuscript, which will then be edited by a renowned editor. Afterward, the manuscript will be published by Delhi Poetry Slam, one of the most respected names in the Indian poetry scene. As part of the support, the winner will be promoted on Wingword’s online platforms, with their work reviewed by critics and recommended to media publications for interviews and features.
The Prizes
The Wingword Poetry Competition offers exciting prizes for participants:
-
1st Prize: INR 50,000 + a book publishing deal with Delhi Poetry Slam
-
2nd Prize: INR 30,000
-
3rd Prize: INR 20,000
-
Top 10 Winners: INR 10,000 each
-
Commendable Mentions: 100 selected poems will be featured in the Wingword Collection of Selected Poems
-
Certificates of Participation: Every participant will receive a certificate of participation.
Rules and Guidelines
The Wingword Poetry Competition is open to all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin who are 15 years and older. The competition welcomes poems written in English or Hindi under the main category. If your poem is written in any other Indian language, such as Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Oriya, Assamese, Urdu, Punjabi, or Gujarati, you can submit it under the Regional Languages Category.
Some key rules to keep in mind:
-
Originality: Poems must be the original work of the participant. AI-generated poems are not accepted.
-
Length and Style: There are no restrictions on the length or style of poetry. Whether it’s free verse, sonnet, haiku, or another form, all are welcome.
-
Themes: Poems on any topic are encouraged. The judges are looking for poems that reflect original thought, creativity, and rhythmic qualities.
-
Entry Fees: The entry fee is INR 1000 for one poem, INR 2000 for three poems, INR 3000 for five poems, and INR 5000 for ten poems.
Scoring Criteria
Poems will be judged based on:
-
Originality of thought
-
Creativity in expression
-
Use of poetic form and technique
-
Rhythmic flow and impulse behind the poem
Complex vocabulary and intricate rhyme schemes are not required; what matters most is the emotion and message conveyed through the poem. Wingword seeks poems that resonate with sincerity, passion, and authenticity.
Important Dates
-
Final Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026 (midnight)
A Call to All Aspiring Poets
The Wingword Poetry Competition is the perfect platform for beginners and established poets alike. Whether you're just starting your poetic journey or you're already an experienced writer, this competition gives you the chance to showcase your work to a national audience and gain the recognition you deserve.
Join the movement of young, aspiring poets and let your voice be heard. The Wingword Poetry Competition 2026 is a chance to be part of something bigger—a journey of growth, creativity, and literary success.
