Frequently Asked Questions
About the contest
1. What is Art for Awareness?
Art for Awareness is a cause-based drawing contest. Each edition rallies people around a social or environmental cause and turns their artwork into public awareness.
2. Is this a competition or a contest?
We run it as a contest, not a competition. The aim is to spread a message and recognise meaningful work, not to pit people against each other.
3. Who organises Art for Awareness?
It is an initiative by COMMUNITREE, which works on environmental action and community awareness.
4. Why does the contest exist?
To use drawing as a way to spark thought and action on causes that matter — starting with the environment.
5. How often is it held?
A new edition runs each month, with a fresh cause and theme every time.
6. Is it only for people in India?
No. You can take part from anywhere in the world. Everyone gets a certificate and winners get a Winner Certificate. The watch gift is delivered only to addresses in India, so a winner abroad can give the address of family or friends in India.
7. Where can I follow updates?
Follow our Instagram and website, where every theme, deadline, and result is announced.
Who can take part
8. Who can participate?
Everyone, from LKG to 90 years and above: children, students, college students, teachers, principals, working people, artists and senior citizens, in India or outside it. There are 28 categories so everyone is judged among peers.
9. Do I need an account or to register first?
No. Just draw, then fill the form once.
10. Can I take part from outside India?
Yes, you are welcome. Entries from outside India are judged in the same categories, in the same anonymous way, and can win. Everyone gets a Certificate of Participation. All dates and times are India time (IST).
11. Do winners outside India get the watch?
The watch is delivered only to addresses in India, so a winner abroad can give any address in India on the claim form, for example a family member's. Without an address in India, you still get your Winner Certificate from the Results page. The watch cannot be sent abroad or exchanged.
12. I live outside India. Which phone number do I give?
Any country's number is accepted. Type it with + and your country code, for example +971 50 123 4567 (India is +91; an Indian 10-digit mobile works as it is). The WhatsApp code is sent only to Indian numbers, so with another country's number the form skips that step. For State and District, choose "Not listed" and type your country and city.
13. Is there an age limit?
No upper limit. Everyone from LKG (about 3 years) to 90 years and above can take part.
14. Can young children join?
Yes, from LKG (about 3 years). For anyone under 18, a parent or guardian's name and email are needed, and they give consent on the form.
15. Do I need to be a trained artist?
No. The contest welcomes every skill level — the idea and message matter as much as technique.
16. Can adults and senior citizens enter?
Yes. Beyond students there are dedicated Corporate, Teachers, Principals, Artists, Others (Under 59 years), Others (Above 60 years), and Others (Autism) categories.
17. Can college students take part?
Yes, through the College category.
18. Can a parent submit on behalf of their child?
Yes. A parent can fill the form for the child, and a parent's email is fine. The drawing must be the child's own work, and the child's name, class and school go on the form.
19. Can brothers and sisters use the same email and phone?
Yes. Each child sends their own drawing with their own form, and you can use the same parent email and phone for all of them.
20. How much can a grown-up help?
A grown-up can guide and encourage. The child must do the drawing and colouring. Little ones in LKG and UKG can get help to start.
21. I'm older and not comfortable with phones. Can someone help?
Yes. A family member can fill the form for you. The drawing must be yours.
Categories
22. What categories are there?
There are 28 categories across 9 groups: Kindergarten (LKG, UKG), School (Grade 1 to Grade 12, each on its own), College (UG, PG, Research Scholar), Corporate (3 levels by years of work), Teachers (School, College), Principals (School, College), Artists, and Others (Under 59 years, Above 60 years, Autism).
23. How do I know which category I belong to?
Pick the class you are studying in now (LKG to Grade 12). College: UG, PG or Research Scholar. Working: Corporate, by years of work. Teachers and Principals: School or College. Artists: independent artists. Everyone else: Others (Under 59 years, Above 60 years, or Autism).
24. Why are categories grade-based?
So entries are judged fairly. A Class 3 student is only judged against other Class 3 students.
25. Can I enter a category above my grade?
No. Choose your real class or group, so judging stays fair to everyone.
26. What is the Others (Autism) category?
It is for autistic participants of any age, judged as one category. No certificate or proof is needed.
27. It's the summer holidays and my child moves up soon. Which class?
Choose the class you were in on the day you submit.
28. My child is home-schooled or not in school. Which class?
Choose the class that matches your child's age.
29. Is there a separate category for schools?
Schools take part through their students' grade categories, with a bulk-submission option for teachers.
30. What if my grade isn't listed?
The 28 categories cover everyone from LKG to senior citizens. If you're unsure, message us on +91 89258 99463 and we'll point you to the right one.
31. Are entries from different categories compared?
No. Each category is scored on its own, so winners are chosen within each group.
Cost & how it's funded
32. Is there an entry fee?
There is no entry fee to submit your artwork.
33. How is the contest funded then?
Each edition is supported by a sponsoring partner who funds gifts and running costs.
35. Do schools pay to take part?
Students submit without an entry fee. Any school programme arrangements are handled directly with our team.
36. Will I ever be asked to pay to claim a gift or certificate?
No. We never ask you to pay: no fee to enter, to get a certificate, to claim a gift or for delivery. If anyone asks you for payment in our name, do not pay and tell us on +91 89258 99463.
37. Someone asked me to pay in your name. What should I do?
Do not pay and do not share bank or card details. That is not us. Send a screenshot to +91 89258 99463 or contact@artforawareness.art so we can warn others.
Latest contest
38. What is the theme for November 2026?
The November 2026 theme is Mountains Give Us Life — Every River Begins on a Mountain
39. What is the last date to submit for November 2026?
Entries for Mountains Give Us Life close on 30 November 2026 at 7:00 PM IST. Late entries cannot be accepted.
40. What time do entries close?
This edition closes at 7:00 PM IST on 30 November 2026. The closing date and time are always on the home page, the rules page and the art sheet.
41. When are the November 2026 results?
Results are declared on 8 December 2026.
42. What can my November 2026 drawing show?
Anything that reflects the theme: Mountains Give Us Life — Every River Begins on a Mountain
43. Where do I submit my November 2026 entry?
Use the Mountains Give Us Life contest page on our site to submit your work.
44. Can I still join after 30 November 2026?
Not this edition: it closes on 30 November 2026 at 7:00 PM IST and late entries cannot be accepted. A new edition with a new theme comes every month.
Themes
45. How is each month's theme chosen?
Each edition centres on one cause, often tied to a meaningful date — for example the environment around World Environment Day.
46. Where do I find the current theme?
It's shown on the contest page and announced on our Instagram at launch.
47. Does my drawing have to match the theme?
Yes. Theme Fit is one of the four things the jury scores equally, so your drawing must show this month's theme.
48. Can I interpret the theme freely?
Absolutely. Original, personal takes on the theme are encouraged.
49. Do past themes come back?
Important causes may be revisited, but each edition is judged as its own contest.
How to submit
50. How do I submit my drawing?
It takes about 5 minutes and no account is needed. 1) Download this month's art sheet from the home page and draw on it by hand. 2) Take a clear photo of the whole sheet. 3) Tap Submit Artwork. 4) Enter name, email, WhatsApp number, category, school or company, state and district (plus a parent's name, email and consent for under 18). 5) Add the drawing photo (and an optional face photo for the certificate), crop to the circle, tick the pledge and submit. See the step-by-step guide.
51. What details do I need to provide?
Name (exactly as it should appear on the certificate), email, WhatsApp number, category, school, college or company, and state and district, plus the photo of your drawing. A face photo for the certificate is optional. For under 18, a parent or guardian's name, email and consent.
52. What file types can I upload?
JPG or PNG, up to 10 MB. A normal phone photo is fine, and a scan works too.
53. Does my drawing need to be on paper?
Yes. By hand, on paper only, on this month's art sheet (or plain white A4 with a big circle drawn by hand if you cannot print). Digital drawings and AI pictures are not accepted. Upload a clear photo of the whole sheet.
54. How do I photograph my drawing well?
Use daylight near a window, no flash. Hold the phone straight above the sheet, not at an angle. Keep the whole sheet in the photo with all four corners visible, with no shadow of your hand or phone. Tap to focus and check it is sharp before you send.
55. I don't have a phone camera. What can I do?
A scan works too, and a family member's phone is fine.
56. Will I get a confirmation after submitting?
Yes. Your certificate appears on screen as soon as you submit, and a copy with a confirmation is emailed to you. If it doesn't arrive, check spam and Promotions, or get a fresh link from the Results page.
57. Can I change my entry after submitting?
The drawing cannot be changed after submitting, so choose carefully before you send. A wrong name or detail can be fixed: message us with the correct details and your email.
58. Can I submit from my phone?
Yes. The form works on mobile — just upload the clearest photo you can take.
59. What if my upload keeps failing?
Try a smaller photo, another browser, or a stronger connection. If it still fails, call +91 89258 99463 or write to contact@artforawareness.art and we will help you upload it through the form. Artwork sent by email is not counted as an entry.
Artwork & media
60. What art media are accepted?
Anything by hand on paper: pencil, colour pencils, crayons, sketch pens, markers, watercolour, poster colour, oil pastels and ink. Not allowed: digital drawings, AI pictures, printed pictures, stickers, photos, glued objects or glitter that falls off.
61. Can I write my name or school on the drawing?
No. Do not write your name, school or phone on the front. The judges must not know who drew it. Your details go only in the form.
62. What language can words or a slogan be in?
Any language: Tamil, Hindi, English or any other. Words are optional.
63. Can I send a drawing I made earlier, or one I sent to another contest?
No. Make a new drawing for this month's theme, on this month's sheet.
64. Can I send more than one drawing?
No. One artwork per person per contest, so choose your best one. If two arrive, we keep the first one.
65. Can two children make one drawing together?
No. One person, one drawing. Each child can send their own.
66. Does my artwork need a caption?
No. Words are optional. Strong entries usually tell their story visually.
67. Can I add a slogan to my drawing?
Yes, in any language. It is optional, and the drawing should still carry the idea on its own.
68. Is there a required size or paper?
Print the art sheet on A4 or A3. If you cannot print, use plain white A4 paper with a big circle drawn by hand, and draw inside it.
69. Can I print the art sheet in black and white, or at a shop?
Yes. Any printer, colour or black and white, at home or at a shop, on A4 or A3.
70. I don't have a printer. What do I do?
Draw on plain white A4 paper: draw a big circle by hand and make your drawing inside it.
71. Can I submit a photo of a physical painting?
Yes, as long as it was made by hand on this month's art sheet (or plain A4 with a hand-drawn circle). Photograph the whole sheet in daylight, straight-on.
72. Will my entry be checked before judging?
Yes. Every entry is screened for appropriate content before it reaches the judges.
73. What artwork is not allowed?
Digital drawings, AI pictures, tracing, copying someone else's picture, printed pictures, stickers or photos stuck on, a drawing made earlier or for another contest, group drawings, and anything offensive or off-theme.
Judging
74. How are entries judged?
An independent jury scores every entry on four things: Concept, Execution, Theme Fit and Impact. Judging is anonymous: the jury never sees a participant's name, school or city. Scores from several judges are combined to decide the winners in each category.
75. Which criterion matters most?
All four count equally: Concept, Execution, Theme Fit and Impact are each scored from 1 to 5. An original idea that stays on the theme matters as much as neat technique.
76. Is technique judged by age?
Yes. Technique and effort are assessed in an age-appropriate way, so younger participants aren't held to adult standards.
77. Are all entries judged together?
No. Each grade category is judged separately, so you're only compared with peers in your category.
78. Who judges the entries?
An independent jury, scoring anonymously. Judges never see a participant's name, school or city, and sponsors have no say in judging.
79. Does neatness decide everything?
No. A simple but original, on-theme, emotionally strong drawing can score higher than a polished but generic one.
80. Will I get my individual scores?
Individual scores aren't shared, but the four criteria show exactly what judges look for.
81. What happens if two entries tie?
Ties are fine. There is no 1st, 2nd or 3rd: every winner is simply a Winner.
Results & certificates
82. When are results announced?
On the result day for each edition. For November 2026, that's 8 December 2026. Check on the Results page by typing your child's name, school or class.
83. Does every participant get a certificate?
Yes. Everyone who submits a valid entry gets a Certificate of Participation by email in a few minutes. Check spam and Promotions too.
84. Do winners get something extra?
Yes. Winners get a Winner Certificate and a watch with the winning drawing printed on the dial, delivered to an address in India.
85. How do I receive my certificate?
By email, a few minutes after you submit, to the address you entered. No email after an hour? Enter your email on the Results page and we send the link again. Winners get their Winner Certificate the same way after results.
86. My certificate didn't arrive — what do I do?
Check spam and Promotions first. No email after 1 hour? Open the Results page, enter your email, and we send the link again. Still nothing? Message us on +91 89258 99463.
87. Where are winners announced?
Winners and selected entries are featured on our website gallery and social channels.
Gifts
89. What do winners receive?
A Winner Certificate and a watch with the winning drawing printed on the dial, in each of the 28 categories. The watch is delivered only to addresses in India; a winner abroad can give an address in India.
90. How many winners are there per category?
It varies from category to category. There is no 1st, 2nd or 3rd. Every winner is a Winner.
91. What about entries that don't win?
You still get your Certificate of Participation. A new theme comes every month, so try again.
92. Do schools get any recognition?
Yes. A school can ask us for a report or recognition: email contact@artforawareness.art.
93. How is the winner gift delivered?
We email (and WhatsApp) winners a short claim form. Fill it within 14 days: a delivery address in India, PIN code and date of birth, and for under 18 a parent or guardian's name, phone, email and consent. The watch arrives about 5 weeks after the claim form, and you get a message when it is sent.
94. Is there any cost to claim a gift?
No. You never pay to claim a gift or certificate.
Schools & teachers
95. Can schools submit on behalf of students?
Yes. Use the school portal (ask us), or each student fills the form. Still one drawing per student.
96. How does a school request the portal?
Email us with the subject "School Portal" and we'll set it up. See the schools page for details.
97. Are school entries judged differently?
No. Each student's entry is judged individually within its grade category, even when a teacher submits in bulk.
98. How many students can a school enter?
As many as you like, one drawing per student.
99. Does it fit the school curriculum?
The themes connect to environment and values learning, making it easy to run as a school activity.
100. Who is the school's point of contact?
Usually a teacher or coordinator who manages the entries and liaises with our team.
101. What does a participating school get?
Student certificates, possible school-level recognition, and a meaningful values-and-environment activity.
102. When should a school sign up?
Before the edition's deadline. Reach out early so your students don't miss the window.
Sponsors & CSR
103. How are sponsors involved?
Each month a corporate partner sponsors the edition, funding gifts and operations.
104. What do sponsors receive?
Co-branding across the edition plus an impact report covering reach and participation.
105. Do sponsors influence judging?
No. Sponsors have zero editorial control over entries or judging.
106. How does this fit a company's CSR goals?
It supports environmental and community causes and comes with a report you can use for CSR records.
107. How do we become a sponsor?
Email us and we'll share how monthly sponsorship works.
Copyright & usage
108. Do I keep the rights to my artwork?
Yes. You retain full copyright on your drawing.
109. What rights does Art for Awareness get?
A non-exclusive licence to display your artwork on our website and promotional materials, always with credit to you.
110. Can I still post my own artwork elsewhere?
Yes. You own it and can use it however you like.
Privacy, data & safety
111. What personal data do you collect?
Name, email, WhatsApp number, class, school, city, the drawing, and (optional) a face photo for the certificate. Parent details for under 18. Winners also give a delivery address and date of birth on the claim form.
112. Do you collect children's phone numbers or photos?
The form asks for a WhatsApp number (for a child, usually a parent's) and an optional face photo, used only on the certificate. We never show publicly a surname, phone, email, address or face photo.
113. Why is guardian consent required?
For anyone under 18, a parent or guardian's name, email and consent confirm the child can take part safely.
115. Do you follow data-protection laws?
Yes. We comply with applicable data-privacy laws.
116. How do I ask for my data to be removed?
Write to contact@artforawareness.art or use the takedown page, and we'll remove your data or drawing.
Technical & account help
117. The submission form won't load.
Refresh the page, try another browser, or use a stronger connection. If it still won't load, call +91 89258 99463 or write to contact@artforawareness.art and we will help you enter through the form. Artwork sent by email is not counted as an entry.
118. My image is too large to upload.
Resize or compress it, or save it as a JPG, then try again.
119. I entered wrong details — can they be fixed?
Yes. Message us with the correct details and your email, and we fix it. Do not submit again.
120. I didn't get a confirmation email.
Check spam and Promotions first. You can get a fresh certificate link any time from the Results page with the email you used. If it's still missing after a day, contact us with the name and email you used.
121. Can I use the site on any device?
Yes — it works on phones, tablets, and computers.
Contact & support
122. How do I contact the team?
WhatsApp or call +91 89258 99463, email contact@artforawareness.art, or Instagram @artforawareness.art.
123. How quickly will I hear back?
We aim to reply within 24 hours on working days.
124. Who do I contact about a school programme?
Email us with the subject "School Portal" for school and teacher queries.
125. Who do I contact about sponsorship?
Email us and mention sponsorship, and we'll get back to you with details.