The key facts
- The dictation runs online from November 9 to 15, with in-person venues operating on November 14 and 15
- 20 questions in 60 minutes, 5 points for each correct answer, maximum of 100 points
- In 2025, more than 534 thousand people from Russia and foreign countries took part
Format and timeline of the campaign
On November 9, Russia launched the nationwide educational campaign “Cossack Dictation — 2026,” dedicated to the history, culture, and traditions of the Cossacks. According to Life.ru, citing the All-Russian Cossack Society, knowledge can be tested free of charge until November 15 inclusive — both online and at special venues across the country.
Participation rules
Participants must answer 20 questions within 60 minutes. Each correct answer is worth five points, with a maximum score of 100 points. After completing the test, everyone receives an electronic certificate indicating their result. Online testing is available from November 9 to 15 on the official website of the campaign. The in-person format takes place at registered venues on November 14 or 15, with an hour and a half allotted for in-person participation, including the briefing and filling out a questionnaire.
Who can take part
Residents of Russia aged eight and older can join, regardless of education, profession, or Cossack affiliation. For children aged five to seven, in-person participation is provided through registered preschool institutions. Foreign citizens living outside Russia are also allowed to test their knowledge. The correct answers to this year’s tasks will be published by the organizers on November 16.
The scale of previous years
The organizers hope to maintain interest in the dictation, which attracts more and more participants every year: in 2025, more than 534 thousand people from Russia and foreign countries tested their knowledge. The practical difference between the formats for participants is that the online version gives a week to complete the test and an hour for the test itself, while in-person participation is limited to two days and requires more time on site — but it is available to younger children, for whom there is no online version.
