1. Eligibility & Registration
- Open For: Individual students only. Valid College / University ID is mandatory.
- Email Requirement: Participants must register with an active email address that they can access on the spot to join the Canva Classroom.
- Reporting Time: Participants must report 30 minutes before the competition starts for the technical setup.
2. Equipment & Workspace
- Option A: Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). Participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own Laptops and chargers for the best experience.
- Option B (Computer Lab): Desktop computers will be provided in the University Lab for those without laptops. These are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Prohibited Devices: Tablets, iPads, and Mobile Phones are NOT allowed for the designing process. They may only be used for internet tethering/hotspot.
3. Software & Connectivity
- Platform: The competition is strictly on Canva.
- Canva Pro Access:
- Participants will be added to a temporary “Sangeetam Student Classroom” at the start of the event.
- An invite link will be sent to your registered email or shared via a code on the spot.
- Internet: Wi-Fi will be provided, but participants are advised to have a mobile hotspot backup in case of network fluctuation.
4. Design Rules & Constraints (Strict)
- The Theme: The specific design theme/topic will be revealed exactly at the start time.
- Mandatory Dimensions: All designs must be strictly in Instagram Portrait Size (1080 x 1350 px). Any other aspect ratio will be disqualified.
- The “No-AI” Rule:
- BANNED: Use of “Text-to-Image” (Magic Media), “Magic Design,” or any Generative AI feature that creates the image for you is strictly prohibited.
- ALLOWED: Standard design tools, elements, text, and background remover.
- Template Usage: Pre-made templates can be used as a base but must be heavily customized. If a design looks too similar to a default template, points will be deducted significantly.
5. Submission Process
- Deadline: All designs must be submitted before the 60-minute timer ends.
- Method: Participants must “Share” the design link with “View/Edit Access” to the judge’s email (provided on-site) or upload the exported PNG/JPG to the submission form.
- Late Submission: The submission link closes exactly at the deadline. No grace period.
6. Judging Criteria (50 Points)
- Creativity & Originality: Uniqueness of the concept.
- Relevance to Theme: How well does it communicate the topic?
- Visual Hierarchy & Layout: Is the text readable? Is the balance right?
- Typography & Color Theory: Font pairing and color harmony.
- Adherence to Rules: Correct dimensions and format.
The final divide up and if any changes will be informed to you 72 hours before the competition.
7. Conduct
- Silence: Silence must be maintained in the lab/hall.
- No Collaboration: Helping others or asking for help is prohibited.
- Disqualification: Usage of external software (Photoshop/Illustrator) or banned AI tools will lead to immediate disqualification.
8. Prizes
- Winner: Cash Prize + Certificate.
- Runner-Up: Certificate + Merchandise.
- Results: Winners will be announced after the judging panel reviews the technical files.
9. Organizer Rights
- Organizers reserve the right to modify the schedule or disqualify participants for misconduct.
- Submitted designs may be used by Sangeetam for promotional purposes with credit to the creator.
