The Global Ability Photography Challenge 2026 is the 5th edition of an inclusive international photo competition presented by Youth4Jobs and NotJustArt in partnership with Adani GreenXTalks. Positioned by the organisers as India’s first and largest inclusive photo challenge, it is dedicated to photographers with disabilities and invites participants to submit images that bring their own perspectives and lived experiences into public view.
For 2026, the challenge does not set a fixed theme, but it encourages photographs that speak to inclusion, dignity, resilience, hope, and the everyday lives of persons with disabilities. Entrants may submit up to three photographs, and the official guidance allows reasonable post-processing such as brightness, contrast, and colour correction as long as the image remains truthful to the original scene. Files must be submitted as JPEGs in RGB colour mode, with a maximum of 2000 pixels on the longest side, a minimum file size of 4 MB, and no watermarks or identifying marks.
What makes this contest especially relevant is its clear social purpose alongside substantial visibility for selected work. The organisers frame GAPC as a platform that expands representation and challenges limiting assumptions about disability through photography, while also connecting participants to exhibition, recognition, and wider public attention. For photographers seeking a competition that combines creative expression with inclusion-focused impact, the 2026 edition offers a focused and meaningful opportunity.
Entry fee: Free entry; up to three photographs may be submitted per applicant.
Eligibility
Open to persons with disabilities worldwide, at any level of photography experience, submitting original photographs they solely authored.
Prize
The 2026 prize pool totals ₹17,00,000, with ₹5,00,000 for first prize, ₹3,00,000 for second prize, ₹2,00,000 for third prize, and ₹1,00,000 each for fourth through tenth place. The top 10 winners will also receive specially designed trophies, the top 20 photographers will be featured in a special exhibition, an award ceremony is scheduled for June 24, 2026, travel and stay will be sponsored for selected Indian winners and one international winner, and all participants will receive certificates.
