Prime Minister’s Young Authors Mentorship Scheme (YUVA) Scheme

The Themes of PM-YUVA 3.0 are: Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building; Indian Knowledge System; and Makers of Modern India (1950-2025). The scheme will help to develop a stream of writers who can write on various facets of India encompassing the past, present and future. Besides, the scheme will also provide a window to the aspiring youth to articulate themselves and present a comprehensive outlook of contribution of Indians across fields in ancient and present times.

• The scheme invites applications from aspiring writers through MyGov India’s online portal.
• A competitive process shortlists 50 young authors based on a well-defined evaluation criterion.
• The National Book Trust (NBT) will constitute the selection committee.
• Applicants are required to submit a book proposal of 10,000 words, which is then reviewed by a panel.
• The shortlisted candidates undergo a multi-stage selection process before the final selection.

• Selected authors receive a mentorship program spanning six months.
• The authors undergo workshops, interactions with mentors, and exposure to India’s literary ecosystem.
• They receive financial assistance of ₹50,000 per month for six months.
• Their works are published and promoted by the NBT in multiple languages.
• Under the mentorship, a National Camp will be held for the PM-YUVA 3.0 Authors during the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026.
• Selected authors get the opportunity to present their work at literary festivals and international forums.

The Theme of PM-YUVA 2.0 was Democracy (Institutions, Events, People, and Constitutional Values). The scheme helped in developing a stream of writers who can write on various facets of Democracy in India encompassing the past, present and future. Besides, the scheme also provided a window to the aspiring youth to articulate themselves and present a comprehensive outlook of Indian democratic values at domestic as well as international platforms.

• The competition received an overwhelming response, with a diverse pool of participants from across the country.
• 75 authors were selected through a competitive process. They were also required to submit a book proposal of 10,000 words.
• The mentorship program included interaction with constitutional experts, historians, and renowned authors.
• Special training sessions were held to enhance research skills, language proficiency, and storytelling techniques.

• The Union Minister for Education launched 41 new books under the PM YUVA 2.0 scheme at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 in February.
• Several books were published in multiple Indian languages, making them accessible to a broad readership.
• Young authors gained national and international recognition, participating in events like the World Book Fair and literary forums.
• Many participants had their books included in academic and government libraries for research and reference.
• Some authors had the opportunity to meet and interact with policymakers and scholars, further enriching their perspectives.

The theme was National Movement of India with focus on Unsung Heroes; Little known facts about the Freedom Struggle; Role of various places in National Movement; Entries bringing out new perspectives related to political, cultural, economic, or science related aspects of national movement etc. as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. This scheme helped to develop a stream of writers who can write on a spectrum of subjects to promote Indian heritage, culture and knowledge system.

• The contestants were asked to submit a manuscript of 5000 words.
• 75 young authors were selected, representing diverse linguistic and regional backgrounds.
• The selection was made by a committee constituted by National Book Trust (NBT).
• Mentorship included training in writing, editing, and publishing processes.
• Special sessions were conducted by eminent historians, journalists, and literary figures.
• A consolidated scholarship of Rs.50,000 per month for a period of six months per author will be paid under the Mentorship Scheme.

• The results were announced on 25.12.2021.
• The books produced under YUVA 1.0 were translated into multiple Indian languages, enhancing their reach.
• The initiative contributed to India’s literary heritage, encouraging young voices to document historical narratives.
• Several young authors gained recognition, contributing to mainstream literature and academic discussions.
• The scheme established a strong foundation for young writers, many of whom went on to publish additional books independently.
• 10% royalty is being paid by NBT on publication and sale of the books.