ICCR Kala Saadhak Prize

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is proud to introduce the ICCR Kala Saadhak Prize, recognizing outstanding ICCR scholars who actively promote Indian culture. Twelve foreign students studying in India on ICCR scholarships will be awarded the ICCR Kala Saadhak Prize every year, on a quarterly basis, for sharing their learning of different facets of Indian culture, including dance, music, art, yoga, languages, and more.

Winners will be acknowledged for their contribution towards strengthening India’s cultural presence globally and will be featured on ICCR’s website, social media and newsletter.

Cash Prizes

12 cash prizes will be given annually, on a quarterly basis.
Deadline for submissions by ICCR scholars for upcoming awards will be: 30 June 2025, 30 September 2025 and 31 December 2025.

• 1st Prize – ₹ 30,000
• 2nd Prize – ₹ 25,000
• 3rd Prize – ₹ 15,000

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to ICCR scholars who contribute to the promotion of Indian culture and its tangent.
• Scholars enrolled in ICCR scholarships for Dance, Music, and Performing Arts are not eligible for the ICCR Kala Saadhak Prize in the categories in which they are enrolled for study in India. They may however, apply in other categories. For instance, a scholar pursuing Indian dance studies may submit videos of him/her learning other art genres like music, painting etc.
• The content must be original, non-political, and centered on Indian traditions.
• Videos must be in English, Hindi, or any Indian language (if in a regional language, provide English subtitles or description).
• Previous winners can participate again but cannot win more than once in a calendar year.
• The submitted content must have been recorded within the last six months.
• Duplicate entries will not be considered.

Submission Process

• Participants must submit their entry via the Google Participation Form circulated by the respective ICCR Zonal Offices to ICCR scholars.
• Scholars must fill in the form with the following details:
  • Full Name
  • Email ID
  • Scholarship Scheme and ID
  • University/Institution Name
  • Course and Year of Study
  • Contact Number
  • Links to the videos/posts/content uploaded on social media in the last 6 months
  • Brief description or caption of the submitted content
• The form will remain active until the last day of the quarter. (Submission end dates: 31 March, 30 June, 30 September & 31 December)
• Scholars are encouraged to maintain originality and authenticity in their submissions.
• For any technical assistance or clarification, scholars may contact their respective Zonal Office.

Evaluation Criteria

• Content Authenticity & Cultural Depth – 40% (Depth of knowledge and accuracy in showcasing Indian culture)
• Presentation & Creativity – 30% (Quality of storytelling, artistic expression, and innovation)
• Impact & Engagement – 30% (Potential influence and effectiveness in cultural promotion)

Selection Process

A two-tiered selection process will be followed:

A Screening Committee of ICCR comprising the following officials will shortlist the Top 10 Entries:

• Program Director (Chairman)
• Program Officer (Member)
• Media Consultant (Member)

Jury Panel comprising the following officials will select the Final Winners:

• DG ICCR (Chairman)
• DDG ICCR (Member)
• Two officials of Director Level (Members)
• One official from Administration/Finance Section (Member)

Declaration of Winners

• Winners will be announced on the ICCR’s website, social media handles & newsletters.
• ICCR’s Zonal Offices will hand over the Cash Prizes in a Quarterly Ceremony.

Terms & Conditions

• ICCR reserves the right to modify the guidelines without prior notice.
• Entries must comply with copyright and intellectual property regulations.
• The cost of content creation is the responsibility of the participant.
• ICCR may use the submitted content for promotional and archival purposes with due credit.
• Any disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of Delhi, India.
• The decision of the Jury shall be final and binding on all participants. No queries shall be entertained in this regard.

Participation Details – ICCR Kala Saadhak Prize

Interested participants may register by filling out the form here: Click here to participate
(Last Submission date: 30th June 2025)

Contact Information

Email: section-media[at]iccr[dot]gov[dot]in