Kohima: The 11th Nagaland Spelling Bee Championship returns to the SCERT Hall in Kohima from October 20 to 21, 2026. This year marks a revival for the event, which last ran in 2023. Pandemic disruptions and other hurdles halted the competition in 2021, 2024, and 2025. Organizers are now moving forward under the theme, "The Learning Edge."
Fountain Club is running the show. They are working with the State Council of Educational Research and Training, Excel Logics, The Morung Express, and Mirrorless Films to manage the event. Convenor Neizokhotuo Belho confirmed the eligibility shift. The competition now targets students in classes 6 through 9. This adjustment aims to boost student chances at zonal and regional contests. Past editions saw between 100 and 150 participants, and planners expect at least 100 students this time around. Each school can enter two spellers.
Deadlines are flexible. While the original cutoff was October 15, organizers will accept entry forms right up until the opening ceremony starts at 8:00 am on October 20. Organizers are covering all food and housing costs for students traveling from outside Kohima. Accompanying adults can use these same facilities for a small fee.
Technical Convenor Vilekho Bio confirmed the competition will rely on the 12th edition of the Oxford dictionary. "They have been using Oxford dictionary since the inception of the Championship," Belho added. Winners will claim a top prize of Rs 80,000, with Rs 60,000 and Rs 40,000 going to the runners-up. Quarter-finalists, along with the young and promising spellers, will also take home Rs 10,000 each. Entry details are available on the websites of Fountain Club, The Morung Express, and Excel Logics.
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