Exhibitors

Participation Guidelines

Rules & Regulations:

BONGOPEX-2025 is governed by the India Post Regulations for Philatelic Exhibitions (IP-PER), India Post Philatelic Award System (IP-PAS), Philatelic Jurors Programme (IP-PGP), and other guidelines issued by the Organizing Committee.

Eligibility Conditions:

  • Participation is open to residents of West Bengal, Sikkim, and the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
  • Each exhibit must be the bonafide property of the exhibitor and owned for at least 2 years prior to the exhibition. This condition does not apply to the Philatelic Literature and Youth classes.
  • New entrants who have not participated in an exhibition before are eligible to apply by submitting a copy of the title page or a synopsis of their exhibit.

Automatic Eligibility (Competitive Class):

  • Exhibitors who have won 1st, 2nd, or 3rd prize at district/regional level exhibitions (a copy of the certificate is required).
  • Exhibitors who have participated in a state-level exhibition and have won medals less than or equal to a large silver, or no medals.
  • Exhibitors who have participated at the National Level and have won medals less than or equal to silver, or no medals.

Ineligibility (Competitive Class):

  • Exhibits that have already won a Gold medal at a National exhibition or a Large Vermeil or higher medal at an FIAP/FIP International Exhibition.
  • Exhibitors who have won Vermeil in any State Level Exhibition.
  • Exhibitors who have won Vermeil or above in any National or International Level Exhibitions.

Youth Class:

The Youth Class is divided into groups based on age as of 01.01.2025:

  • Youth A: 10 to 14 years
  • Youth B: 15 to 18 years
  • Youth C: 19 to 21 years

School Collections: Exhibits prepared collectively by students.

Note: No entries below 10 years of age will be accepted. A birth certificate or age proof must be submitted with the application. A participant in the Youth group may enter only one exhibit.

Application & Submission:

  • Participants must apply online via the official website (to be announced shortly) by 28th October, 2025. Incomplete forms may be rejected.
  • A maximum of two entries per participant is allowed, and they must be in different classes. For families, a maximum of 4 entries are permitted. Schools may submit a maximum of three entries.
  • Notification of acceptance and frame allotment will be sent by email by 31st October, 2025.
  • Original exhibits and online payment details must be received by “The Postmaster General, South Bengal Region & Convenor, Exhibition-cum-Bin Sub-Committee” on or before 12th November, 2025.
Classification of Exhibits
  1. Invitation Class (Non-Competitive):
  • Class of Honor – Outstanding Exhibits: For exhibits that have won gold or the highest award at a higher-level exhibition.
  • Official Class-Departmental/Institutional: Exhibits from agencies like the National Philatelic Museum and Army Postal Service.
  • Jury Collections: Exhibits from the appointed Jury and Apprentice Jury.
  • Special Interest: Exhibits from other regions to promote specific exhibition classes.
  1. Competition Class:
  • Championship Class
  • Traditional Philately
  • Postal History
  • Postal Stationery
  • Aerophilately and Astro Philately
  • Thematic Philately (Sub-classes: Nature, Culture, Science & Technology, Sports & Games, UNESCO Heritage Sites, Other themes)
  • Maxima Philately
  • Revenues
  • First-Day Covers and Special Covers
  • Modern Philately: For stamps and stationery issued from 2004 onwards.
  • Open Class: Must include at least 50% philatelic material and relate to West Bengal, Sikkim, or the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
  • Cancellations
  • Picture Postcards
  • One Frame Exhibits: Based on a narrow subject. An extract from a multiple-frame exhibit is not permitted. No medals will be awarded, but marks will be given on the certificate.
  • Philatelic Publications (Literature): For books, periodicals, and other publications released within specified timeframes.

 

Frames

Frame Allocation

The maximum number of frames allotted per exhibitor is as follows:

  • Youth Class A: Maximum 3 frames
  • Youth Class B & C: Maximum 5 frames
  • Competition Class: Maximum 5 frames
  • School Collections: Maximum 5 frames per entry

Number, Size & Capacity of Frames

  • The total number of frames for the exhibition will be approximately 400.
  • The frame measures 98 cm x 129 cm.
  • Each frame holds 16 pages of A4 Size or 8 pages of A3 pages
  • The standard page dimensions are:
    • A4: 210 x 297 mm or 230 x 290 mm
    • A3: 420 x 297mm or 460 x 290 mm
    • Square: 310 x 290 mm
Fees
ClassFee
Youth and School ClassFree
Competitive Class₹800 per frame
Literature Class₹800 per frame
One Frame Exhibit Class₹800 per frame

Payment Details:

The entry fee must be paid online to the following bank account:

Bank: State Bank of India
Account Name: DIRECTOR, KOLKATA GPO
Account No.: 30275900662
Branch: Kolkata Main Branch
IFSC Code: SBIN0000001

Exhibit Entry Form