CFAs: Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors (India)

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.

Thematic Areas

• The Themes of PM-YUVA 3.0 are:
  • Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building:
    • Suggested Sub-themes for Book Proposals on the theme Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building:
      • Indian Diaspora in Africa
      • Indian Diaspora in Europe
      • Indian Diaspora in Asia
      • Indian Diaspora in Latin America
      • Indian Diaspora in North America
      • Indian Diaspora in Australia
      • Contributions of Indian Diaspora in Independence Movement
      • Indian Diaspora in Contemporary Times
      • Indian Diaspora Writings (literature)
      • Role of Indian Diaspora in International Relations
  • Indian Knowledge System:
    • Suggested Sub-themes for Book Proposals on the theme Indian Knowledge System:
      • Texts: The Vedas, Upanishads, and other ancient texts
      • Practices: Yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda
      • Arts: Indian music, dance, visual arts, and performing arts
      • Architecture: Traditional architecture and town planning
      • Science: Astronomy, mathematics, and concepts like zero and decimal notation
      • Philosophy: Vedanta, Tantra, and other philosophical traditions
      • Cultures: Cultural and social practices, traditions, and heritage
      • Institutions
      • Management and Ethics through Ancient texts
      • Importance of Yoga and Ayurveda in Holistic Well-being
      • Mindfulness and Stress Management: Yoga and other Indian practices
      • Importance and Role of IKS in Present Times
  • Makers of Modern India (1950-2025):
    • Suggested Sub-themes for Book Proposals on the theme Makers of Modern India (1950 – 2025):
      • Visionary Leaders and Political Architects
      • Educational Trailblazers and Knowledge Builders
      • Scientific Innovators and Tech Revolutionaries
      • Economic Architects and Industrial Pioneers
      • Infrastructure Builders and Urban Planners
      • Cultural Icons and Artistic Luminaries
      • Social Reformers and Champions of Equality
      • Global Diplomats and Advocates of International Leadership

Benefits

• The books thus published under the scheme may be translated into other Indian languages ensuring the exchange of culture and literature between different states of India and thereby promoting Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat.
• They will also be given a platform to promote their books and also to propagate the Reading and Writing culture on a national scale.
• National Book Trust, India will organise a Writers’ Online Programme for the selected candidates in the form of Master classes.
• The young authors will be trained by eminent authors/mentors from NBT’s panel of accomplished authors and writers.
• In addition, eminent authors/mentors under NBT’s Advisory Panel and other eminent authors from various languages will mentor and guide them on how to exercise their literary skills.
• The eco-system of publishing how a content is created, authors are  mentored, the editorial processes that take place, literary agents spot creative talent would be an integral aspect of the programme.
• The authors will get to expand their understanding and hone their skills through interaction at various international events such as Literary Festivals, Book Fairs, Cultural Exchange Programmes, etc.

Funding Information

• ₹50,000 per month for a period of six months.

Expected Outcomes

• This scheme will ensure creation of a pool of authors in Indian languages as well as English who are ready to express themselves and project India on any international platform, as well as it will help in projecting Indian culture and literature globally.
• It will make sure to bring reading and authorship as a preferred profession at par with other job options, making the youth of India take reading and knowledge as an integral part of their grooming up years. In addition, it will bring a positive psychological push to the young minds given the impact and effect of the recent pandemic on mental health of the youth.
• India being the third largest publisher of books in the world, this scheme will give a boost to the Indian publishing industry, by bringing in new generation of authors writing for national and international audience.

Eligibility Criteria

• Contestants should not have any personal, professional, or academic obligations that interfere with the mentorship schedule during the PM-YUVA 3.0.
• The maximum age of the contestant should be exactly 30 years or below.
• The genre of the entry of PM-YUVA 3.0 scheme should be Non-Fiction only.
• The change of topic of the Book Proposal will not be allowed after submission.
• There should be only one entry per person.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Applicants who had qualified for the PM-YUVA Scheme 1.0 and PM-YUVA Scheme 2.0 are not eligible for PM-YUVA 3.0 Scheme 2025-26.

Selection Criteria

• A total of 50 authors will be selected.
• The number of authors to be selected as per the theme:
• Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building: 10 authors
• Indian Knowledge System: 20 authors
• Makers of Modern India (1950-2025): 20 authors

Application Requirements

• Word Limit: 10,000 words
• Language: 22 Official Indian Languages and English.

For more information, visit MyGovIndia.