Entry Deadline
The ABBY Awards will be accepting entries from 10th of March 2026 and entry fees will be as mentioned on the entry form. Please refer to the individual categories or the fees section for more information.
- Deadline: April 6th , 2026
Eligibility Date
All work must be published or aired between the date below.
"Published" means the advertisement or work appeared in a form of mass media exposed to a substantial audience.
- Entry Eligibility Date:
Between 1st April, 2025 and not later than 31st March, 2026.
Rules & Regulations
Each of the verticals will be judged independently: PRINT, STILL DIGITAL, AUDIO-VISUAL TV, AUDIO
– VISUAL, DIGITAL, OTT (Below And Above 1 MINUTE), AUDIO & RADIO, OUTDOOR, INTEGRATED,
DIGITAL & DIGITAL CRAFT, TECHNOLOGY, SOCIAL CONTENT & INFLUENCER MARKETING, CREATIVE
COMMERCE, USE OF DATA & B2B, DESIGN, DIRECT, BRAND EXPERIENCE & ACTIVATION, PUBLIC
RELATIONS, BRANDED CONTENT & ENTERTAINMENT, HEALTH ABBY, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
GOALS ABBY, YOUNG MAVERICK ABBY AWARD, VIDEO CRAFT, BROADCASTER AND PUBLISHER.
The last date for acceptance of the entries ONLINE is MONDAY, 6TH APRIL, 2026.
A. All the work submitted should:
Have been released for the first time between 1stApril, 2025 and not later than 31st March, 2026.
Have been produced based on a brief given by a regular client and should be a part of an advertising schedule requisitioned by the client. CLIENT AUTHORIZATION IS A MUST.
Not have been created/ released mainly for entering the Abby Awards 2026.
Not be illegal to sell, communicate and advertise in India; no alcohol and tobacco advertising
can be entered (except for categories Digital, Technology & Activation Design Packaging).
Surrogate advertising will have to compete in categories where it has a genuine sale e.g.,
Mineral water in beverages category and CDs in Household appliances and goods category.
Conform to ASCI (Advertising Standards Council of India)guidelines.
Alcohol advertising can be entered in a. Digital, Mobile & Technology Category; b. Only in Activation
Design Packaging Category and not in Outdoor.
B. All print entries submitted should be from publications which meet at least 2 of the following 3 criteria:
Should be accessible to the general public through news-stand or subscription.
Should be released in a periodical with a fixed frequency.
Should be released in a publication with a tariff card offering space for commercial space buyers.
C. Every entry is accepted only on the condition that through the act of entering the work, you are
automatically certifying that you have read, understood and accepted all the rules and
conditions stated in this brochure and that your entry is COMPLETELY in conformity with all of
them.
D. AGC reserves the right to extend the last date of submission of entry but there is no guarantee
that this will happen. Participants are requested to adhere to dates mentioned and late entries
can face disqualification.
E. Creative work entered must have been conceived and it’s execution supervised by a company in India or Pakistan or Sri Lanka or Nepal or Bangladesh. Work executed abroad by producers or international employees of the entering company must have been under the supervision of the Creative Director of the entering company.
A certificate will need to be issued to establish if an international employee of the entering company has used advanced illustration or animation to finish the work. There must be a certificate to the effect identifying what was executed abroad and by whom along with the name of the supervising India based Creative Director.
F. Ads or campaigns conceived and executed abroad with cosmetic local adaptations like a
language dub or available in India message run the risk of being disqualified.
G. Incomplete/incorrect entry forms are liable to get disqualified and no refund will be provided.
H. Entries can be entered in more than one category or sub category
I. Entries must be accompanied by a total list from the Agency or company entering.
WHO CAN ENTER: Creating, Marketing & Producing companies and advertisers can enter. A media
company that has commissioned a creative for a client or itself can also enter.
Please ensure the entry is submitted under the Agency Brand / Standalone Agency name, and not
under a Group Company.
The agency that has created the work must enter the submission in its own name.
J. Film Production Houses can enter films only in the Video Craft category. Agencies or creating
companies can also enter Video Craft categories where the Agency or creating company has
created the work with proof. Agencies who have produced a film and want to enter in Video
Craft will require a certificate from the CEO of the company on the production details and the
client brand for whom the work was created. In case of both agency and production house
entering same film, which happens to win, the award will be handed over to the production
house.
K. Only entered work will be judged.
L. A single piece of Entry can be entered in more than one category unless otherwise specified in
a sub-category.
M. All entries need to have their form uploaded online for each and every category as also the
corresponding creative material.
N. Work entered in previous year cannot be re-entered unless a significantly different version is
created a new.
O. All broadcaster entries to be accompanied with the copy of channel certificate and the
publisher entries to be accompanied with the copy of the release order.
P. The organizers may refuse entries which offend national or religious sentiments, or public
taste.
Gold winners of Categories PRINT, STILL DIGITAL, AUDIO-VISUAL TV, AUDIO-VISUAL DIGITAL
OTT (BELOW & ABOVE 1 MIN), AUDIO & RADIO, OUTDOOR, INTEGRATED, DIGITAL & DIGITAL
CRAFT, TECHNOLOGY, DESIGN, DIRECT, BRAND EXPERIENCE & ACTIVATION can contend for
Grand Prix in their respective categories. Grand Prix can emerge only from Gold winners in the
12 verticals mentioned. No nomination is possible here.
Grand Prix is defined asthe Ultimate Award forredefining a category orsetting a new paradigm in
the Category.
COMPUTATION OF POINTS (for Agency of the Year recognitions): Points
will be allocated on the basis of Gold, Silver & Bronze.
•Gold: 8 points
• Silver: 6 points
• Bronze: 4 points• Merit: 2 points
•GRAND PRIX: 12 points
NOTE: The points obtained for winning a GRAND PRIX will be included in computation of the
Agency of the Year. A GRAND PRIX generally goes to an entry that is also a Gold winner in a
particular category, hence we will present the Gold Trophy for that entry in that particular
category however the marks will be allocated only once i.e. for the GRAND PRIX and not for the
Gold. The marks for an entry that bags a GRAND PRIX are 12 points. Even in the sheet circulated
post awards that gives the metal tally only Grand Prix will be shown, and the Gold will be
excluded.
VERIFICATION
The Ad Club will verify the year of release and legitimacy of the entry, as well astheir adherence to
the spirit and the rules and regulations of the Abby Awards. Ad Club retain the right to disqualify
an entry, based on their own judgement and the decision of the Awards Governing Council (AGC)
will be final.
(A) All individual entries including large media campaigns and one-off entries must be
accompanied with a client authentication letter and a voucher copy of the released ad or
telecast / broadcast certificate. A one-off ad is defined as a single ad that has been released
only once. Self-work will require to be authenticated by a self-attested release letter with place
and date of release. AGC reserves the right to disqualify an entry with no proper release
supporting or authenticated letters.
(B) Verification of client work having been done by the agency, the date and year of release and
legitimacy of the entry will be done by the auditors along with Awards Governing Council
(AGC). Complaints made by individuals on the shortlisted entries have to be in writing from an
identified person on company letterhead or mail. The only way a complaint can be taken up is
if the letter containing proof or internet link of ads resembling work done earlier or entries
suspected of release outside of the date of competition is addressed to the Ad Club or the
Auditors which the Auditors will table to the AGC. Proof of plagiarism or similarity in creative,
date of release should be supplied by complainer in writing. The AGC will decide on legitimacy
of the entry and date of release based on information given by the auditors. Only the appointed
Jury can deliberate on matters like ads resembling work done earlier or plagiarism.
.After final metals have been decided by the jury based on information available by a cut-off date
there will be no revision of metals even if new proof emerges against a winning entry. Only the
appointed jury can decide on metals and the AGC cannot overrule the jury on metals decided.
MATERIAL (NO PHYSICAL ENTRY)
AUDIO-VISUAL TV, AUDIO-VISUAL DIGITAL, OTT (ABOVE & BELOW 1 MIN), VIDEO CRAFT
Videos uploaded must be inmp4 format. File size should not be more than100MB.
Product Demos entered in film categories will be DISQUALIFIED.
AUDIO & RADIO
Audio Spots uploaded must be in mp3 format. File size should not be more than 100MB.
Audio Spots should not exceed over 2 minutes. Audio Promos entered in these categories will be
DISQUALIFIED.
PRINT, PRINT CRAFT, STILL DIGITAL:
The files uploaded must be in jpeg format. File size should not be more than 10 MB.
Please upload the jpeg of actual proof or copy of the newspaper, magazine or insert as
appropriate. This is in keeping with what is recommended at Cannes.
OUTDOOR:
Outdoor files uploaded must be in jpeg format. File size should not be more than 10MB.
Videos uploaded must be in mp4 format (not more than 3 minutes). File size should not be more
than 100 MB.
You are recommended to upload a case film of not more than 3 minutes to strengthen the
presentation.
INTEGRATED:
The Integrated category has been instituted to promote and encourage 360-degree
communication in different major media as well as events, entertainment content, in-film
placement across various touch points. This award will be judged on how well different pieces
of work from different media integrate with the central idea of the entry. The creative extension
of the idea in various media is key in this category.
There are 2 parts to entry here.
1. Entries in AV form in 2 to maximum of 4 minutes must be uploaded featuring work released
and included must be across at least 3 different media. Print and poster will be clubbed under a
single medium in this category. AV File size should not be more than 100MB.
2. Actual Creative Work done for the campaign must be uploaded. Please do not upload more
than three examples (creative pieces) per medium.
Still Ads and Out of Home in JPEG, Video in mp4 format and Radio in MP3 (not more than 3
minutes) format for online submission.
DIGITAL&TECHNOLOGY
URL is a must.
In case of social media where the pages are not available any more the screen grabs need to be
uploaded. Video presentations (not more than 3 minutes) of the case studies can be uploaded
online in mp4 format.
Phone models on which the work is accessible should be clearly listed. Plus, a video grab of the
full working apposite on a phone.
FOR ALL DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY ENTRIES URL IS A MUST.
SOCIAL CONTENT & INFLUENCER MARKETING:
Videos uploaded must be in mp4 format. File size should not be more than 100MB.
All entries must be uploaded preferably with a Case Study AV film of not more than 3 minutes.
CREATIVE COMMERCE, USE OF DATA & B2B:
Videos uploaded must be in mp4 format. File size should not be more than 100MB.
All entries must be uploaded preferably with a Case Study AV film of not more than 3 minutes.
DESIGN:
Design entries uploaded must be in jpeg format. File size should not be more than 10 MB.
Videos uploaded must be in mp4 format (not more than 3 minutes). File size should not be more
than 100 MB.
Your Presentation Board must touch upon and explain the following points: a. Category, b.
Subcategory, c. Entry Details, d. Objective of entered work, e. Creative Solution, f. Results
For large sized executions like environmental and retail design, please upload high-res visual
images
DIRECT:
Direct entries uploaded must be in jpeg format. File size should not be more than 10MB. Videos
uploaded must be in mp4 format (not more than 3 minutes). File size should not be more than 100
MB.
For all entries, you must upload a one-page Presentation Board in jpeg that contains some key
visuals and a simple, clear summary in English of the brief, strategy and results in not more than
100 words. You must not refer to the name of your agency or any contributing creative companies
on the Presentation Board.
Your Presentation Board must touch upon and explain the following points: a. Category, b.
Subcategory, c. Entry Details, d. Objective of entered work, e. Creative Solution, f. Results
For all entries, we strongly recommend that you prepare a Case Film in 3 min duration to support
your entry. This presentation will be used for Jury deliberations.
BRAND EXPERIENCE & ACTIVATION:
Videos uploaded must be in mp4 format. File size should not be more than 100MB.
All entries must be uploaded preferably with a Case Study AV film of not more than 3 minutes and a
presentation note.
Your Presentation Note must touch upon and explain the following points: a. Category, b.
Subcategory, c. Entry Details, d. Objective of entered work, e. Creative Solution, f. Results
You are recommended to upload a case film of not more than 3 minutes to strengthen the
presentation.
HEALTH ABBY:
Videos uploaded must be in mp4 format. File size should not be more than 100MB.
All entries must be uploaded preferably with a Case Study AV film of not more than 3 minutes.
PUBLIC RELATIONS:
Videos uploaded must be in mp4 format. File size should not be more than 100 MB.
All entries on Case Study AV Film in not more than 3 minutes duration uploaded along with the
presentation note will be used for Jury deliberations.
Your Presentation Note must touch upon and explain the following points: a. Category, b. Sub
Category, c. Entry Details, d. Objective of entered work, e. Creative Solution, f. Results
BRANDED CONTENT & ENTERTAINMENT:
Videos uploaded must be in mp4 format. File size should not be more than 100 MB.
All entries only as Case Study AV film in 3 minutes to be uploaded. Please include excerpts of
actual content and other support in the film only including print jpegs etc.
You must accompany an uploaded copy of Presentation Note.
Your Presentation Note must touch upon and explain the following points: a. Category, b.
Subcategory, c. Entry Details, d. Objective of entered work, e. Creative Solution, f. Results
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS ABBY:
Print files in JPEG, Films in mp4 format and Radio in MP3 format for online submission. Maximum
file size for film (not more than 3 minutes) or radio (not more than 2 minutes) should not exceed
100MB.
YOUNG MAVERICK ABBY AWARD:
Print files in JPEG and Films in mp4 format for online submission. Maximum file size for film (not
more than 3 minutes) or radio (not more than 2 minutes) should not exceed 100 MB.
BROADCASTER ABBY:
1. 3 minutes Audio Visual in MP4 format. This presentation should not exceed three minutes. A
version longer than this will be disqualified. AV File size should not be more than 100MB.
2. Your Presentation Board in JPEG format must touch upon and explain the following points:
a. Category
b. Subcategory
c. Entry Details
d. Objective of entered work
e. Creative Solution
f. Results
3. Any other Creative collateral / material (not exceeding 5 creatives).
PUBLISHER ABBY:
1. The material to be given is AV in MP4 format OR Presentation Board in JPEG format OR Both.
2. 2 minutes Audio Visual in MP4 format. This presentation should not exceed two minutes. A
version longer than this will be disqualified. AV File size should not be more than 100MB.
3. Your Presentation Board in JPEG format must touch upon and explain the following points: -
a. Category
b. Subcategory
c. Entry Details
d. Objective of entered work
e. Creative Solution
f. Results
4. Any other Creative collateral / material (not exceeding 5 creatives)
The Audio-Visual presentation viewed by the jury during voting and deliberations and would be
used if your entry is a winner in post-festival promotions. This presentation should contain
some key visuals - video, still images or any other appropriate footage to best explain the work
with a simple, clear commentary in English summarizing your entry.
For all entries, you must upload a Presentation Board in JPEG format.
RULES ON MATERIAL:
. If your entry is not in English, please attach and upload an English translation as an integral
part of the entry.
. You must not refer to the name or logo of your agency or any contributing creative
companies on the Presentation Board. This can disqualify your entry.
. Entrants not submitting work in prescribed form will run the risk of disqualification by AGC.
. For the purpose of judging impartiality, there must be no agency branding anywhere on
your entry materials, with the exception ofself-promotion or corporate communications,
nor any reference to anyone who has contributed to the entry.
. Download the entry form from www.theadvertisingclub.net or www.aaaindia.org or
www.goafest.com.
