The Punch Magazine has launched 50 Indian Poets Under 50, a nationwide initiative aimed at discovering, celebrating, and amplifying some of the most compelling poetic voices of today. Open to Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin, the program invites submissions of five original poems that showcase the writer’s craft, imagination, and unique voice.
Over the past decade, The Punch Magazine has built a strong legacy of publishing poetry anthologies featuring both acclaimed and emerging poets from India and across the globe, spotlighting over 500 voices and fostering a rich diversity of languages and traditions. This new initiative continues that mission by bringing together established and promising poets in a single anthology designed to reach a wider audience.
Applications opened on 1 August 026, and registrations will close on 30 September 2026. Final submissions must be completed by 1 October 2026.
The selected 50 poets will be featured in a special collector’s edition of The Punch Magazine, each with a profile and five original poems.
Eligibility is limited to Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin who will be under the age of 50 as of 1 January 2027. Submissions must be in English, though poets writing in other languages may apply if their work has been translated into English.
Applicants are required to submit a 1,000-word statement detailing their poetic journey and reasons for selection, along with a 300–500-word biography, a recent high-resolution color photograph (minimum 300 dpi), five original poems (not exceeding six pages in total), and proof of payment.
A non-refundable submission fee of ₹2,000 applies. Further details are available here.
