PM Young Authors Mentorship Scheme (YUVA) 3.0: Check Theme, Features, Objectives, and Achievements

The Ministry of Education (MoE) and the National Book Trust (NBT) of India introduced the third edition of the Prime Minister’s Young Authors Mentorship Scheme (YUVA 3.0) on March 11, 2025. This initiative is tailored to identify and guide aspiring writers under the age of 30, helping them refine their skills and gain industry exposure. Building on the momentum of YUVA 1.0 and YUVA 2.0, the program is dedicated to fostering literary talent, encouraging a reading and writing culture, and preserving India’s vast cultural legacy.

PM YUVA 3.0: Key Features and Objectives

PM YUVA 3.0 Theme and Scope

PM YUVA 3.0 focuses on three central themes:

1. Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building

2. Indian Knowledge System

3. Makers of Modern India (1950-2025)

This edition aims to cultivate a new generation of writers who can provide insights into India’s evolution and its future trajectory. It encourages young minds to engage with India’s diverse history and cultural contributions through literature.

Source:innovateindia.mygov

What is the Selection Process for PM-YUVA 3.0?

The selection follows a structured multi-stage process:

1. Application Submission: Aspirants must apply through the MyGov India portal.
2. Proposal Submission: Candidates submit a 10,000-word book proposal for evaluation.
3. Screening: A selection committee formed by NBT assesses the submissions.
4. Final Selection: Based on predefined criteria, 50 authors are chosen for the mentorship program.

Source: pib

What are the Benefits for Selected Authors in PM YUVA 3.0?

Selected participants receive:

• A six-month mentorship under industry experts.
• Access to workshops, literary discussions, and publishing sector insights.
• A financial grant of ₹50,000 per month for six months.
• Publication and multilingual promotion of their books by NBT.
• Opportunity to attend the National Camp at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026.
• Invitations to present their work at major literary festivals and international events.

What is the Background of the YUVA Scheme?

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 underscores the importance of empowering youth and instilling leadership skills. With over 66% of India’s population being young, the YUVA initiative aims to create literary ambassadors who can represent Indian literature globally.

YUVA Scheme Timeline:

• PM YUVA 1.0: Launched on May 31, 2021
• PM YUVA 2.0: Initiated in October 2022
• PM YUVA 3.0: Commenced in March 2025

YUVA 1.0: Launch and Legacy

Theme and Focus

The first edition revolved around India’s National Movement, with sub-themes including:

• Unsung Heroes of the Freedom Struggle
• Little-known facts about India’s Independence Movement
• Role of different regions in the struggle for freedom
• Political, cultural, economic, and scientific dimensions of the independence movement

Selection and Implementation

• 75 authors were selected through a rigorous selection process.
• Candidates submitted 5,000-word manuscripts for assessment.
• Mentorship covered writing techniques, editing, and publishing.
• Sessions featured historians, journalists, and literary experts.
• Authors received a stipend of ₹50,000 per month for six months.

Outcomes and Impact

• Results were announced on December 25, 2021.
• Books were published in multiple Indian languages.
• Several authors continued writing and published additional works independently.
• A 10% royalty was granted to authors on book sales.

YUVA 2.0: Expansion and Milestones

Theme and Vision

The second edition centered on Democracy: Institutions, Events, People, and Constitutional Values, encouraging young writers to explore India’s democratic evolution and governance framework.

Selection and Execution

• A competitive selection process resulted in 75 authors being chosen.
• Candidates submitted a 10,000-word book proposal.
• Mentorship involved interactions with scholars, historians, and literary figures.
• Training sessions emphasised research skills, language enhancement, and storytelling.

Achievements and Impact

• 41 books from YUVA 2.0 were launched at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025.
• Publications were translated into various Indian languages.
• Authors gained recognition at national and international literary forums.
• Several books were included in academic and government libraries.
• Participants engaged in discussions with policymakers and intellectuals.

Conclusion

The YUVA scheme has played a pivotal role in nurturing young literary talent in India. By promoting creative expression and multilingual literary traditions, it has provided aspiring authors with opportunities to showcase their work on a national and international platform.

The initiative has already contributed to shaping contemporary Indian literature. With sustained support and innovative expansion, YUVA is set to remain a key driver in India’s cultural and literary growth.