Open to high school students aged 13–18, the Franklin Essay Prize challenges you to explore today’s most pressing questions through powerful, original essays.
Deadline: 31st July 2025, 11:59 PM IST
Cost to Participate: Free
Students interested in making a submission must choose one prompt from one category:
– Discuss the importance of integrating ethical frameworks in the development of artificial
intelligence technologies.
– Designing for everyone: How can computer science make technology more inclusive?
– Analyze the increasing threats to digital security and the measures being implemented to
protect personal and organizational data.
– Rewriting History: If one historical event had gone differently, how would the world look
today?
– A letter from the future: Describe your country in the year 2125.
– What makes something ‘art’? Debate whether AI, memes, or graffiti count as
legitimate art, with reference to art history or philosophy.
– Investigate how the rise of gig work platforms is reshaping traditional employment
structures and economic policies.
– Evaluate how government policies aimed at combating climate change affect economic
growth and industry sectors.
– Explore the feasibility of UBI as a response to technological unemployment and its
economic and social implications.
– “What’s the most important invention no one talks about?” Unearth a lesser-known
breakthrough and explain its impact.
– Discuss recent innovations in renewable energy sources and their implications for global
energy consumption and environmental sustainability.
– Investigate new food technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact and feeding
a growing population.
– Does the popularity of shows like Adolescence impact the conversations you have with
your peers about gender and mental health? Elaborate.
– Analyze how platforms like TikTok and Instagram influence attention spans and cognitive
development, particularly among adolescents.
– Explore how climate change-induced anxiety affects the mental health of young people,
and discuss potential societal responses to mitigate this issue.
1st Prize
₹2,500 Amazon Gift Card + Certificate + 1-Month Free PIPPAMS Access
2nd Prize
₹2,000 Amazon Gift Card + Certificate
3rd Prize
₹1,500 Amazon Gift Card + Certificate
Age: 13–18 years
Grade: Grades 9 to 12 (as of 2025); Homeschooled students welcome
Citizenship/Residency: Open to students worldwide
Graduation Year: Students who graduated in 2025 are not eligible
Cost: Participation is completely free
File Format: PDF (preferred) or Word document
Include: Your name, school, grade, and chosen prompt on the first page
Word Limit: Maximum 1,000 words (excluding citations & references)
Referencing: Any style is allowed, but be consistent throughout
Each participant can submit only one essay
More than 10% plagiarism
AI-generated content
Multiple submissions
Submission Deadline
31st July 2025
Boost your college applications with a globally recognized academic contest
Sharpen your research, writing, and analytical skills
Compete with students from around the world
Get access to PIPPAMS—a powerful tool for extracurricular tracking and college readiness
Choose a prompt from any one subject
Write your essay (max 1,000 words)
Save as PDF or Word file
Include your name, school, grade, and chosen prompt
Email your essay to essayprize@essai.in
Subject Line Format: Name | School | GradeNo. Only one submission per student is allowed.
Yes! As long as you meet the age and grade criteria.
Essays exceeding 1,000 words (excluding citations/references) may be disqualified.
No. Any AI-generated content will lead to disqualification.
No. The competition is completely free.
Have any doubts or need clarification before submitting your essay?
Email us at essayprize@essai.in, we’re here to help.
