Goa government has launched Photo Contest And Exhibition Scheme 2026 to encourage local photography talent and provide a platform for creative expression. The scheme, run by the Department of Information and Publicity, offers cash prizes up to ₹20,000 in each category along with exhibition opportunities.
Photo Contest And Exhibition Scheme invites individual photographers from Goa to participate in a state-level competition. The scheme aims to promote photography and photojournalism as a path to self-employment and creative growth. Eligible participants can submit entries in two defined categories and compete for attractive cash rewards.
The scheme is open to all photography enthusiasts who are residents of Goa. Individuals born in Goa or those who have resided in the state for at least 15 years receive preference during selection. The contest welcomes both amateur and skilled photographers who wish to showcase their work on a public platform.
Each year, the Department of Information and Publicity releases a fresh notification with updated topics and deadlines. The latest notification for the 2025 cycle was issued in September 2025, and the scheme follows the same annual pattern. Participants should watch for the next official announcement to confirm the 2026 dates and topics.
Goa State Photo Contest And Exhibition Scheme - Key Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Photo Contest And Exhibition Scheme |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Goa |
| Category | Science, IT & Communications, Sports & Culture |
| Sub Category | Culture |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Information and Publicity Department |
| Tags | Exhibition, Photography, Photojournalism, Contest |
Benefits and Prize Structure
Photo Contest And Exhibition Scheme rewards creativity through a clear prize structure in each category. Winners receive cash awards along with certificates of merit. The prize breakdown for each category is as follows:
| Award Tier | Prize Amount |
|---|---|
| First Prize | ₹20,000 |
| Second Prize | ₹16,000 |
| Third Prize | ₹12,000 |
| Consolation Prize (Five Winners) | ₹2,000 each |
In addition to cash prizes, participants receive a certificate of merit for their best entries. Winning photographs also get displayed in a public exhibition, giving photographers valuable exposure and recognition.
Eligibility
This scheme welcomes all photography enthusiasts. However, individuals born in Goa and those who have resided in the state for 15 years or more receive preference during the selection process. There is no entry fee and no age restriction for participation. The scheme is open to all residents of Goa who can submit original photographic work.
Exclusions
Employees of the Department of Information and Publicity are not eligible to participate. Mobile phone images and drone-captured photographs are strictly not accepted for this contest. Only original photographs taken with a conventional camera are eligible for submission.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Prepare your entries along with all necessary documents. Make sure your photographs are original works and meet the size and format requirements. Each print should be 12x8 inches in color and properly mounted.
STEP 2 - Write your name, nationality, postal address, mobile and telephone number, and email address in block letters on the back of each print. Also note the technical specifications of the camera used and add a brief description of the work (limit 50 words) and your biography (limit 100 words).
STEP 3 - Attach a signed certificate confirming that the photographs are your original work. Also include a valid residence certificate to verify your eligibility status. Prepare a soft copy of your high-resolution photographs on a pendrive as well.
STEP 4 - Send the physical prints and soft copy to the Director of Information and Publicity, 3rd Floor, Udyog Bhavan, Panaji, Goa. Superscribe the envelope with "Entries for Photo Contest And Exhibition". Make sure your entry reaches the address before the deadline mentioned in the official notification.
Documents Required
To complete your entry, organize the following items before sending your application:
- Color prints sized 12x8 inches, properly mounted.
- Soft copies of your high-resolution photographs on a pendrive.
- Your full details (Name, Nationality, Postal Address, Mobile and Telephone Number, Email) written in block letters on the back of each print.
- Technical specifications of the camera used for each photo.
- A brief description of your work (limit to 50 words).
- Your brief biography (limit to 100 words).
- A signed certificate confirming that the photographs are your original work.
- A valid residence certificate to verify your eligibility status.
Categories and Topics
Photo Contest And Exhibition Scheme has two categories each year. The topics are announced along with the official notification. Based on the latest available notification, the categories were:
- Category 1 - Viksit Goa: Overall development of the State, covering Goa's growth, infrastructure, and cultural heritage.
- Category 2 - Forests and Wildlife of Goa: Showing Goa's natural beauty including its stunning landscapes, mountains, lakes, rivers, and rich biodiversity.
Participants can submit a maximum of 4 different photographs, which may be split across one or both categories. The topics may change with each annual notification, so applicants should check the latest guidelines before submitting.
References
View Official Guidelines (2025 Notification)
FAQ's
What are the two categories for the photo contest and what topics do they cover?
The categories change each year as per the official notification. The latest available notification listed Viksit Goa (Overall development of the State) and Forests and Wildlife of Goa (Showcase Goa's natural beauty). Check the current year's notification for the exact topics.
What personal details must be included on the back of each submitted photograph?
You must write your name, nationality, postal address, mobile and telephone numbers, and email address in block letters on the back of every submitted photograph.
Are mobile phone images acceptable for submission in the contest?
No, mobile phone images are not considered for entry. Only photographs taken with a conventional camera are accepted.
What technical details about the photograph must accompany the submission?
You should provide the specific details of the camera used to capture each photograph.
Is there a word limit for the brief description of the photograph and the photographer's bio-data?
Yes, keep the photograph description under 50 words and your personal bio-data under 100 words.
What certification is required to confirm the originality of the submitted photographs?
You must submit a written certificate declaring that all photographs are original works created by you.
Are soft copies of the photographs required for submission?
Yes, you must submit a soft copy containing high-resolution versions of your work on a pendrive alongside your physical prints.
What are the size and color requirements for the printed photographs?
You should submit high-quality color prints in 12 x 8 inches format.
How many photographs can an entrant submit for the contest?
You can submit a maximum of 4 different photographs, which may be split across one or both categories.
Is there an entry fee or age restriction for participating in the contest?
No, there is no entry fee or age restriction for this contest.
Are photographs taken using drones eligible for submission?
No, images captured using drones are strictly excluded.
What are the cash prizes for the first, second, and third prizes in each category?
The prizes are ₹20,000 for first, ₹16,000 for second, and ₹12,000 for third place in each defined category.
Are there any consolation prizes, and what is their value?
Yes, there are five consolation prizes of ₹2,000 each assigned to each category.
Will the submitted photographs remain the property of the entrant after submission?
No, once submitted, the photographs become the property of the Department of Information and Publicity and they may use them for future exhibitions or official publications.