PM-YUVA Mentoring Scheme for Young Authors
by MyGov (Government of India)
₹50,000/month scholarship
Government of India mentorship scheme that selects young authors up to age 30 through a national proposal contest, with a scholarship, mentorship, and book publication by the National Book Trust.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
Free
Duration
Six-month mentorship period, preceded by the proposal submission and selection window
Format
Individual
Eligibility
- Age range
- 12 to 30 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Open to Indian nationals up to 30 years of age, including PIO or NRI applicants holding Indian passports. No minimum age is prescribed. Authors selected in earlier PM-YUVA editions are not eligible.
Open to Indian nationals up to 30 years of age, including PIO and NRI applicants holding Indian passports. No minimum age is prescribed, so motivated younger writers may apply. Authors selected in previous PM-YUVA editions are not eligible. Proposals are accepted in English and 22 scheduled Indian languages.
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Rewards and recognition
Award
₹50,000/month for 6 months
Each selected author receives a scholarship of 50,000 rupees per month for six months, totalling 3,00,000 rupees.
Career pathways
Selected authors are mentored over six months by eminent authors, literary figures, editors, and publishers.
Recognition
Published by National Book Trust
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Last held
- 11 Jun 2025 to 24 Dec 2025
How to apply
- 1Register on the MyGov portal
- 2Read the scheme guidelines and choose one of the announced themes
- 3Prepare a non-fiction book proposal of up to 10,000 words with a synopsis, chapter plan, sample chapters, and bibliography
- 4Submit the proposal online through the MyGov contest page before the deadline
- 5Selected authors are mentored over six months and their books are published by the National Book Trust
About this opportunity
PM-YUVA is the Government of India's mentorship scheme for young authors, selecting budding writers through a national proposal contest to be mentored by eminent authors and to have their books published by the National Book Trust.
Applicants submit a non-fiction book proposal on an announced theme through the MyGov portal. A National Book Trust committee selects authors across the themes, after which each selected author receives a monthly scholarship and is mentored over six months while developing the manuscript. The completed books are published and promoted by the National Book Trust and may be translated into other Indian languages. The scheme is open to Indian nationals up to thirty years of age, with no minimum age prescribed.
The scheme is run by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, implemented by the National Book Trust, with the contest hosted on the MyGov platform.
What your child will do
- Book proposal submission on the announced theme
- Selection through a national All-India contest
- Six-month mentorship by eminent authors
- Manuscript development and editing
- Publication and promotion by the National Book Trust
Mentors & faculty
Eminent authors, literary figures, editors, and publishers selected by the National Book Trust.
Languages
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
Selected authors develop a full-length non-fiction book on an announced theme over a six-month mentorship, guided by eminent authors and editors, culminating in publication by the National Book Trust.
Frequently asked questions
How do participants manage the six-month commitment alongside other academic or professional obligations?
The program requires a full commitment to the mentorship and manuscript writing. Participants are expected to manage their time effectively to ensure active engagement and timely completion of their literary work. Prior planning for the mentorship schedule is crucial.
What are the key factors considered by the National Book Trust committee when evaluating book proposals?
The committee primarily assesses the originality of the idea, the relevance to the announced themes, the clarity and structure of the proposal, the writing style demonstrated in sample chapters, and the overall potential of the author to develop a full-length non-fiction book.
How does the mentorship program support authors in developing their manuscripts effectively?
Selected authors receive personalized guidance from eminent authors and literary experts. This includes feedback on manuscript development, editorial processes, and insights into the publishing ecosystem, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the writing journey.
What are the long-term benefits for authors whose books are published through this scheme?
Beyond the scholarship and publication, authors gain national recognition, a lifetime royalty on their book sales, and potential translation into other Indian languages. This significantly boosts their literary career and establishes them as published authors.
How can applicants ensure their book proposal aligns with the announced themes and scheme objectives?
Applicants should thoroughly review the official guidelines and themes for the current year. Focusing on a clear, well-researched non-fiction topic that directly addresses one of the specified themes will strengthen the proposal's alignment and relevance.
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