Shankar's On-The-Spot Painting Competition 2026
About Shankar’s On-the-Spot Painting Competition
Shankar’s On-the-Spot Painting Competition is one of India’s most iconic and prestigious children’s art events, celebrated for encouraging creativity, imagination, and artistic confidence among young learners. The competition evolved as an extension of the renowned Shankar’s International Children’s Competition, and was first introduced in 1952 in New Delhi to prove that artworks submitted to the international contest were original and genuinely created by children themselves.
A legacy loved by students, parents and schools
For more than five memorable decades, this annual event became a festival of colours and imagination, where over 10,000 children from Delhi, NCR, and nearby states participated every year. It was more than just a competition—it was a joyful gathering filled with learning, enthusiasm, and happy faces. The event continued successfully until 2005, when it was paused due to space constraints and traffic challenges surrounding the venue.
After a long-awaited gap, the competition made a powerful comeback in 2022, coinciding with Children’s Day, bringing back smiles, brushes, and creativity together once again.
The enthusiasm continued and in the following years between 2023 2024 the competition was held not once but twice!
The wait is over — We are back!
After a forced gap in 2025 on account of high AQI levels and government restrictions we are thrilled to announce that the much loved Shankar’s On-the-Spot Painting Competition returns with even more excitement, energy, and celebration of young talent. This New Year 2026 brings a wonderful artistic beginning for children, where imagination meets colours, and creativity meets courage.
Event Date & Venue
🗓️ January 11, 2026
📍 Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Pragati Vihar, Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110003, India
📢 Complete venue guidance for Shankar’s On-The-Spot Painting Competition 2026 (gate number, metro, parking) will be updated here soon. Stay tuned.
With paint brushes, colours, and a heart full of dreams, we are gearing ourselves to celebrate art together with you again. So let’s gather, let’s express freely, let’s fill the winter morning with colours and joy.
This is your chance to create memories, explore imagination, and paint your dreams on paper.
📌 DON'T MISS: RULES FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS
*(While registration is mandatory Kindly refrain from registering more than once.)
Stay connected with Children’s Book Trust for ALL UPDATES on registration, date, venue, group, and participation guidelines for Shankar’s On-the-Spot Painting Competition 2026.
Scan the QR code to get Children’s Book Trust contact details. Send us a message to join the official WhatsApp group and receive real-time updates about the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🧐 The competition will take place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Pragati Vihar / Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003.
🧐 The event starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 1:30 PM. Entry opens at 9:30 AM. No child will be admitted after 11:00 AM.
🧐 Children between 5 and 16 years (born between January 2010 and January 2021) are eligible to participate.
🧐 No. Participation is completely free. Just register online.
🧐 Participants can register online through the Registration Button / QR Code provided at the top of the page. After submitting the form, you will receive a confirmation email as proof of registration.
🧐 The topic will be revealed on the spot at the beginning of the competition — it is not shared beforehand.
🧐 Participants must bring their own drawing materials such as paper, colours, brushes, drawing board, and any required items.
🧐 You may bring any size painting sheet, but it must not be smaller than Quarter Imperial size (15” x 11”). Larger sheets are also allowed.
🧐 Paintings should preferably be in colour. Pencils may be used for sketching or shading.
🧐 Participants must write: Full Name, Residential Address, Date of Birth, Email ID, School Name, Mobile Number, Gender (Boy / Girl).
🧐 Shankar’s Memorial Award (Best entry), Children’s Book Trust Award, Children’s World Award, plus many additional prizes.
🧐 Yes. Entries selected for exhibition will be awarded Certificates of Merit.
🧐 No. Only children are allowed inside the competition area. Parents, teachers, and adults must wait in designated seating zones. Unauthorized entry may lead to disqualification.