A Big Boost for Young Indian Writers
PM-YUVA 3.0: Mentoring the Next Generation of Young Indian Authors: The Government of India has launched PM-YUVA 3.0, a scheme dedicated to mentoring young Indian authors under the age of 30. The aim? To empower India’s youth to write about the nation’s cultural identity, knowledge traditions, and modern development. The scheme was officially launched on March 11, 2025, by the Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education.
This is the third edition of the programme. The first two editions were huge successes and saw participation in 22 Indian languages and English. This initiative is more than just a writing competition—it’s about building a nation of storytellers who understand their roots and can showcase India’s journey to the world.
A Fresh Look at India Through New Voices
PM-YUVA 3.0 encourages writers to explore three powerful themes. The first one is the Contribution of the Indian Diaspora in Nation Building. From CEOs of global companies to cultural ambassadors abroad, Indians across the world have made their mark while staying connected to India. Their stories are inspiring and deserve to be written.
The second theme is the Indian Knowledge System. Think about Ayurveda, Yoga, ancient astronomy, or mathematics—India has contributed to world knowledge for centuries. Writers can explore how these systems evolved and how they still impact lives today.
The third theme, Makers of Modern India (1950–2025), focuses on individuals who have shaped the country post-independence. This includes people from diverse fields—scientists, educators, reformers, artists, and even lesser-known change-makers.
How It Works: Mentorship, Not Just Competition
The scheme is being implemented by the National Book Trust (NBT), India, which will guide selected authors through a 6-month mentorship programme starting from June 30, 2025, to December 30, 2025. During this time, writers will be trained in creative writing, publishing, and cultural research. They’ll also get to interact with renowned authors, attend a national literary camp at the New Delhi World Book Fair in 2026, and see their work published in multiple Indian languages and English.
Timeline and Selection Process
Applications for PM-YUVA 3.0 are open from March 11 to April 10, 2025, on MyGov.in. Out of thousands of entries, 50 young authors will be selected: 10 for Indian Diaspora, 20 for Indian Knowledge System, and 20 for Makers of Modern India. Results will be announced by June 2025, followed by the mentorship phase.
Why It Matters: More Than Just Books
India has a youth population of over 66%, and this scheme directly taps into their creative potential. It aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which talks about nurturing leadership, culture, and communication skills. It also supports Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, encouraging literary works across languages to build national unity.
On a global level, this initiative helps promote Indian literature internationally, giving young writers a platform to tell India’s story in their own words.
Static GK Snapshot
PM-YUVA 3.0: Mentoring the Next Generation of Young Indian Authors:
| Feature | Details |
| Scheme Name | PM-YUVA 3.0 (Mentoring Young Authors) |
| Launched On | March 11, 2025 |
| Implemented By | National Book Trust (NBT), India |
| Target Group | Indian authors below 30 years |
| Total Authors Selected | 50 (10+20+20) |
| Key Themes | Indian Diaspora, Knowledge System, Modern India |
| Mentorship Period | June 30 – December 30, 2025 |
| Camp Venue | New Delhi World Book Fair, 2026 |
| Aligned With | NEP 2020, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat |
