Education ministry launches YUVA 3.0 scheme for young authors; writers to receive Rs 50,000 per month

NEW DELHI: The ministry of education and the National Book Trust (NBT) have launched the third edition of the Prime Minister’s Young Authors Mentorship Scheme, PM-YUVA 3.0. The initiative aims to support writers under 30 by providing mentorship and publishing opportunities. The scheme aligns with the Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat vision.

The themes for YUVA 3.0 are the contribution of the Indian diaspora in nation-building, the Indian knowledge system, and the makers of modern India (1950-2025). The scheme aims to develop writers who can document India's past, present, and future while presenting India’s contributions across various fields.

PM-YUVA 3.0: Selection process

Applications will be invited through MyGov India’s online portal. A selection committee formed by NBT will shortlist 50 young authors based on evaluation criteria. Applicants must submit a book proposal of 10,000 words, which will be reviewed in a multi-stage selection process before finalisation. The timeline for the YUVA 3.0 scheme is given in the table below.

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YUVA 3.0 Mentorship Scheme: Workshops and interactions

According to the official press release, selected authors will undergo a six-month mentorship programme. Authors will participate in workshops, interact with mentors, and gain exposure to India’s literary ecosystem.

Each author will also receive financial assistance of Rs 50,000 per month for six months. NBT will publish and promote the selected works in multiple languages.

A national camp for YUVA 3.0 authors will be held during the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026. Participants will also have opportunities to present their work at literary festivals and international forums.

“The YUVA scheme, in its three editions, has played a crucial role in nurturing young literary talent in India. As the program continues to evolve, it reinforces India’s commitment to promoting creative expression, multilingual literary heritage, and a culture of reading and writing among the youth. The impact of the scheme is evident in the success stories of young authors whose voices have been amplified at both national and international levels,” the official press release said.