Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition
by Cambridge Centre for International Research (CCIR)
$500 CCIR Scholarship
Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition is a competition by Cambridge Centre for International Research (CCIR) for children aged 11–18, open to students across India. Registration closes 10 May 2026.
Mode
Online
Fee
Registration fee applies
Duration
The competition runs annually from January to July.
Format
Individual
Time needed
Varies based on individual research and writing process.
Key Dates
- Registration opens
- 15 Jan 2026
- Registration closes
- 10 May 2026
Online · CCIR Admissions Portal (via Smapply)
About This Opportunity
The Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition is an international platform designed to encourage high school students to engage in critical thinking and explore a wide range of thought-provoking topics. The competition covers diverse subjects, inviting participants to analyze their various facets and implications, promoting intellectual exploration and challenging established norms.
This competition is open to talented high school students from all over the world, typically between the ages of 11 and 18, who have not yet started their undergraduate studies. It provides an opportunity for young minds to contribute their unique perspectives on pressing global issues while developing crucial research, argumentation, and academic writing skills highly beneficial for future university studies.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Age Range
- 11 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Must be a current high school student who has not yet commenced undergraduate studies.
Prerequisites
- Proficiency in English writing
- Ability to conduct independent research and formulate a strong argument
- Interest in contemporary global issues and diverse subjects
Open to students aged 11 to 18 worldwide. Participants must be enrolled in a high school program and should not have started their undergraduate studies. There are no geographical restrictions for participation.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The competition does not follow a fixed curriculum. Instead, it presents a series of thought-provoking and often controversial essay prompts across various interdisciplinary themes. Past themes have included Animal Rights and Society, Freedom and Accountability, Technology and Ethics, Space Exploration and Governance, Biotechnology, Economics and Globalization, Public Health, and Laws and Society. Participants are expected to conduct independent research to formulate a well-structured, evidence-based argument on their chosen topic.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
$500
Gold Award winners receive a $150 cash prize and a $500 scholarship for CCIR Academy programs. Silver winners receive $100 cash and a $300 scholarship, and Bronze winners receive $50 cash and a $200 scholarship.
Prizes
Gold, Silver & Bronze Awards
Top essays are recognized with Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards. Special prizes are also awarded for Best Argument (Logos), Best Writing (Pathos), and Best Research (Ethos).
Certificate
Certificate of Participation
All participants who submit an essay receive a digital certificate of participation. The top 10% of submissions receive an Honourable Mention certificate.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Rounds & format
This is a single-round contest with only one submission.
How entries are judged
Essays are evaluated based on the originality of ideas, quality of argumentation, depth of research, and clarity of writing. The review process is double-blind to ensure impartiality.
Selection process
Winners are selected after four rounds of blind review by a panel of judges. The top 0.25% of submissions receive awards, and the top 10% receive Honourable Mentions based on the overall quality and intellectual rigor of their essays.
How to apply
- 1Register a participant account on the official CCIR website.
- 2Select an essay prompt from the provided list of topics.
- 3Write and format the essay according to the specified guidelines (e.g., 2000-word limit, MLA 8 citation style).
- 4Provide the email address of an adult academic referee, such as a teacher or counselor, for verification.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
There are no fees required to enter this essay competition.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to register for Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition?
The registration deadline is 10 May 2026.
Is Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition free?
Registration fee applies
Who can participate in Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition?
children aged 11-18.
What will my child gain from Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition?
Win cash prizes up to $150 USD.. Receive scholarships valued at up to $500 for CCIR Academy programs.. Earn prestigious Gold, Silver, or Bronze awards for outstanding essays.. Get invited to an exclusive Award Ceremony and Dinner at the University of Cambridge.. Be featured in an interview on the CCIR podcast and website.. Develop advanced research, critical thinking, and academic writing skills.. Gain international recognition, enhancing your profile for university applications..
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