The following are the eligibility criteria for Telugu Maatlaata for the current year, 2026.

• Telugu Maatlaata ® is open to all children from Telugu-speaking families who are currently enrolled in schools in North America during the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Registrants don't need to be students of SiliconAndhra ManaBadi.
• Registering children must fall into the three categories explained below, based on the child's age as of January 1st, 2026:
  • Budatalu: 5-7 yrs.
  • Sisindrilu: 8-11 yrs.
  • Chirutalu: 12-16 yrs.
• Winners and Runners-up from previous years' Finals in a given game category are NOT eligible to participate again in any age group in that game category.
• Other Internationals participants are eligible to participate again in that game category.
• Contestants and their parents are understood to have accepted the General Rules of the games when they register. These rules are meant to ensure that the games are held in the spirit of friendly fairness and friendly competition.
• Contestants participating in Online Prelims, and their parents, are also understood to have accepted the Technology Rules and Guidelines at the time of registration.