RAS 2026 challenge rules

Six creative challenges rooted in Rajasthani culture. Open to students and professionals across India and abroad.

For every challenge

One flat entry fee per entry, charged per challenge. No student / professional split.

One entry per participant (or team) per challenge. You can enter more than one challenge.

The Top 20 entries in each challenge go to a final jury curated by the RAS 2026 Organizing Committee.

Work is submitted digitally via Google Drive links. Formats and deadlines are shared at least 10 days before the festival.

Entry fees are non-refundable once participation is confirmed.

Entrants grant RAS 2026 the right to use submitted work for promotion, with credit to the creator.

Offensive, defamatory or culturally insensitive content is disqualified.

Cash prize values are suggestive and may be substituted with sponsored goodies, experiences or rewards of equal value.

Winner

₹5,100 + Trophy + Certificate

Runner-up

₹2,100 + Trophy + Certificate

“Not the postcard. The pulse.”

Submit a set of 3 photographs that capture the real Rajasthan from your perspective: story-driven visuals, open to photographers from anywhere in India or abroad.

AI-generated photographs are not permitted in this category.

Judged on

General terms & conditions

All submissions must be original, camera-captured photography. AI-generated images are not permitted and will be disqualified.
Only one entry (set of 3 photographs) per participant is allowed.
This is a solo-entry category; group registrations are not applicable.
This category is open to all participants at a single flat entry fee, charged per entry.
Top 20 entries in this category will be reviewed by a final jury curated by the RAS 2026 Organizing Committee.
Submissions must be made in digital format via Google Drive as per format guidelines.
By participating, entrants grant RAS 2026 the right to use submitted work for promotional purposes, with due credit to the creator.
Registration fee is non-refundable once participation is confirmed.
Any offensive, defamatory, or culturally insensitive content will lead to immediate disqualification.
Final authority on jury selection and results rests with the RAS 2026 Organizing Committee.
Category-specific submission formats and deadlines will be shared with registered participants at least 10 days before the festival.

Evaluation parameters (100 marks)

Criteria	Marks
Creativity & Originality Unique perspective, concept, or visual style	30
Thematic Rootedness Genuine connection to Rajasthani culture, place, or identity	20
Composition & Technique Framing, lighting, perspective, and editing skill	25
Emotional Impact Ability of the visuals to evoke feeling or narrative depth	15
Consistency Across Set Cohesion in storytelling across the 3 photographs	10
Total	100

Winner

₹11,000 + Trophy + Certificate

Runner-up

₹5,100 + Trophy + Certificate

Special mention

Certificate

“Some stories are carried by the wind.”

Create a 10-minute vertical drama exploring Rajasthani life, identity, memory, or landscape, told across 5 episodes, each under 2 minutes.

This is a transmedia challenge: choose whichever medium suits your story – live action, animation, motion graphics, stop motion, or any combination. The format is vertical video, built for the feed.

Judged on

General terms & conditions

All submissions must be original works of the participant/team. AI-generated content without meaningful human creative input is not permitted and will be disqualified.
Only one entry per participant/team is allowed.
Team entries must submit member details at the time of registration.
The entry must be delivered as 5 distinct episodes, each under 2 minutes, totalling approximately 10 minutes of content.
All 5 episodes must be submitted together, clearly labelled and sequenced (Episode 1 through Episode 5), either as one combined file or as five separate files.
The entry fee is charged once per entry, whether solo or team.
Top 20 entries in this category will be reviewed by a final jury curated by the RAS 2026 Organizing Committee.
Submissions must be made in digital format via Google Drive as per format guidelines.
By participating, entrants grant RAS 2026 the right to use submitted work for promotional purposes, with due credit to the creator.
Registration fee is non-refundable once participation is confirmed.
Any offensive, defamatory, or culturally insensitive content will lead to immediate disqualification.
Final authority on jury selection and results rests with the RAS 2026 Organizing Committee.
Category-specific submission formats and deadlines will be shared with registered participants at least 10 days before the festival.
Pre-recorded music may be used only with appropriate rights or licenses. If using copyrighted tracks, a maximum of 30 seconds per episode is permitted, with mandatory credit to the composer and a link to the track in the end credits.

Evaluation parameters (100 marks)

Criteria	Marks
Narrative & Direction Clarity of story and directorial intent across the 5-episode arc	25
Visual & Technical Craft Craft quality appropriate to the chosen medium (live action, animation, or otherwise)	20
Emotional Engagement Ability to connect, move, or provoke thought	20
Originality of Perspective A fresh or personal take on Rajasthani identity/culture	15
Pacing Across Episodes How well the story sustains momentum and hooks the viewer across 5 short episodes	10
Sound & Post-Production Use of sound, music, and editing to enhance storytelling	10
Total	100

Winner (per track)

₹5,100 + Trophy + Certificate

Runner-up (per track)

₹2,100 + Trophy + Certificate

Special mention

Certificate, one per track

“Every stroke tells a story.”

Create one standout A3-size piece of Rajasthani-rooted visual art. In the Traditional/Hand track, submit a hand-painted A3 artwork (digital photograph or scan of the physical piece). In the Digital track, submit an A3-format illustration, graphic design poster, or comic panel work created digitally.

Raw or source files are required as part of every submission. AI-generated visuals are not permitted in this category.

Judged on

General terms & conditions

All submissions must be original, human-created work. AI-generated visuals are not permitted and will be disqualified.
Artwork must be submitted in A3 size (or scanned/photographed at A3 proportions for physical pieces).
Raw or source files (layered files, sketches, or process files as applicable) must be submitted alongside the final artwork for verification.
Only one entry per participant/team is allowed.
Team entries must submit member details at the time of registration.
Participants must select one track (Traditional/Hand or Digital) at the time of registration.
This category is open to all participants at a single flat entry fee, charged per entry.
Top 20 entries in this category will be reviewed by a final jury curated by the RAS 2026 Organizing Committee.
Submissions must be made in digital format via Google Drive as per format guidelines.
By participating, entrants grant RAS 2026 the right to use submitted work for promotional purposes, with due credit to the creator.
Registration fee is non-refundable once participation is confirmed.
Any offensive, defamatory, or culturally insensitive content will lead to immediate disqualification.
Final authority on jury selection and results rests with the RAS 2026 Organizing Committee.
Category-specific submission formats and deadlines will be shared with registered participants at least 10 days before the festival.

Evaluation parameters (100 marks)

Criteria	Marks
Creativity & Originality Unique concept, style, and visual voice	30
Technical Skill Linework, colour handling, layout, and composition craft	25
Thematic Rootedness Genuine connection to Rajasthani culture, place, or identity	20
Visual Impact Emotional or aesthetic impression on the viewer	15
Craftsmanship & Finish Overall polish and presentation quality	10
Total	100

Winner

₹5,100 + Trophy + Certificate

Runner-up

₹2,100 + Trophy + Certificate

“Beat the drum for RAS 2026.”

Create a 30 to 60 second vertical ad reel promoting RAS 2026 itself, made for the feed and built to spread. Entries are encouraged to use transmedia storytelling techniques.

Every entry must include a clear call-to-action directing viewers to register for RAS 2026 at ras.ramaraj.org.

Judged on

General terms & conditions

All submissions must be original. Plagiarised work, or AI-generated content without meaningful human creative input, will be disqualified.
Only one entry per participant/team is allowed.
Team entries must submit member details at the time of registration.
Every entry must include an on-screen call-to-action directing viewers to register for RAS 2026 at ras.ramaraj.org.
This category is open to all participants at a single flat entry fee, charged per entry.
Top 20 entries in this category will be reviewed by a final jury curated by the RAS 2026 Organizing Committee.
Submissions must be made in digital format via Google Drive as per format guidelines.
By participating, entrants grant RAS 2026 the right to use submitted work for promotional purposes, with due credit to the creator.
Registration fee is non-refundable once participation is confirmed.
Any offensive, defamatory, or culturally insensitive content will lead to immediate disqualification.
Final authority on jury selection and results rests with the RAS 2026 Organizing Committee.
Category-specific submission formats and deadlines will be shared with registered participants at least 10 days before the festival.
Pre-recorded music may be used only with appropriate rights or licenses. If using copyrighted tracks, a maximum of 30 seconds is permitted, with mandatory credit to the composer and a link to the track in the end credits.

Evaluation parameters (100 marks)

Criteria	Marks
Concept & Storytelling Clear narrative, concept strength, and creative idea	30
Editing & Pacing Technical editing skill and visual rhythm	25
Promotional Impact How effectively the reel makes the festival appealing, including CTA clarity	20
Cultural Integration How naturally Rajasthani culture is woven into the promo	15
Visual Quality Framing, motion, graphics, and clarity	10
Total	100

Winner

₹11,000 + Trophy + Certificate

Runner-up

₹5,100 + Trophy + Certificate

“Every disguise tells a tale.”

A cosplay competition around an announced Indian or international character theme, prepared ahead and performed live on the RAS 2026 festival stage.

All registered participants submit an initial costume and character submission (photos or a short video) ahead of the festival. The Top 20 shortlisted candidates are invited on stage for a talent walk and judged live for the winning prize.

Judged on

General terms & conditions

Costumes must be the participant's own creation or assembly. Purchased costume pieces are allowed but must be creatively adapted or personalised to fit the announced theme.
Only one entry (solo or group) per participant is allowed.
Group entries must submit member details at the time of registration.
The character theme (Indian or international) will be announced at least 4 weeks prior to the festival to allow preparation time.
All participants must submit an initial costume/character submission (photos or short video) by the announced pre-screening deadline.
Only the Top 20 shortlisted candidates, as selected by the jury from the initial submissions, will be invited to perform live on stage for final judging.
Shortlisted participants must report for on-site check-in at least 1 hour before their scheduled performance slot.
Props are allowed but must be pre-approved by the organizing committee at least 5 days prior to the festival for safety review. Functional or sharp weapons are not permitted.
Any offensive, defamatory, or culturally insensitive costume or content will lead to immediate disqualification.
This category is open to all participants at a single flat entry fee, charged per entry.
Final authority on jury selection and results rests with the RAS 2026 Organizing Committee.
Registration fee is non-refundable once participation is confirmed.
RAS 2026 reserves the right to photograph and film performances for promotional use, with credit to the participant.

Evaluation parameters (100 marks)

Criteria	Marks
Costume Craftsmanship Detail, construction quality, and material work	30
Character Accuracy Resemblance and faithfulness to the chosen character	20
Stage Presence & Performance Confidence, character portrayal, and audience engagement during the talent walk	25
Creativity Original interpretation, styling choices, or character mashups	15
Thematic Relevance Fit with the announced theme prompt	10
Total	100

Winner

₹21,000 + Trophy + Certificate

Space allotted

6 × 4 × 6 ft

“Step into the kingdom.”

Design and build a physical, immersive installation that brings a facet of Rajasthani culture, heritage, or imagination to life within the Rajasthan Creatoverse at the RAS 2026 festival venue.

Space allotted per installation: 6 ft (length) × 4 ft (width) × 6 ft (height). Installations should be designed to be experienced up close and to invite interaction from festival visitors.

Judged on

General terms & conditions

Participants must submit a design concept, materials list, and build plan for organizing committee approval at least 3 weeks prior to the festival, before on-site fabrication or setup begins.
The installation must fit within the allotted space of 6 ft (length) x 4 ft (width) x 6 ft (height); entries exceeding this footprint will not be permitted to set up.
Participants are responsible for their own materials, fabrication, transport, on-site setup, and dismantling within the timelines specified by the organizing committee.
Any electrical, lighting, or powered elements must be disclosed at the time of proposal submission and must meet the venue's safety requirements.
Materials used must be safe for public interaction and comply with venue fire and safety guidelines; hazardous, sharp, or flammable materials are not permitted without prior written approval.
RAS 2026 is not responsible for loss or damage to participant-owned materials or installations left on site outside the scheduled festival dates.
Any offensive, defamatory, or culturally insensitive content will lead to immediate disqualification.
This category is open to all participants at a single flat entry fee, charged per entry.
Final authority on space allocation, jury selection, and results rests with the RAS 2026 Organizing Committee.
Registration fee is non-refundable once participation is confirmed.
RAS 2026 reserves the right to photograph and film installations for promotional use, with credit to the participant/team.

Evaluation parameters (100 marks)

Criteria	Marks
Concept & Originality Strength and originality of the installation's central idea	30
Craftsmanship & Execution Build quality, finishing, and technical execution within the space	25
Cultural Depth Genuine, thoughtful connection to Rajasthani culture or heritage	20
Visitor Experience How effectively the piece invites interaction and engages festival visitors	15
Safety & Space Compliance Adherence to the allotted footprint and safety requirements	10
Total	100

Pick your challenges and register

Enter one or more in a single registration. Pay securely with UPI, cards or netbanking.