In March 2025, the Department of Higher Education (DHE) under the Ministry of Education (MoE) has introduced the 3rd edition of the Prime Minister’s Young, Upcoming, and Versatile Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0) Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors .
- PM-YUVA 3.0 builds on the participation of young authors in 22 Indian languages and English in its previous editions.
- The third edition aims to provide a platform for new perspectives on Indian culture, history, and modern achievements.
Background:
i.PM-YUVA scheme was launched in 2021 as part of India@75 Project (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav), aims to foster a culture of reading, writing, and book creation in India, with a special focus on encouraging young authors.
ii.This initiative is designed to encourage young writers under 30 years old, promoting reading, writing, and a strong literary culture in India. The scheme supports the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes a knowledge-driven society.
iii.In February 2025, the MoE launched 41 new books under the PM YUVA 2.0 scheme which was launched in 2022.
About the PM-YUVA 3.0 Scheme:
I.Focus: The main areas of focus include the Indian diaspora and its contributions in various fields,
- The Indian Knowledge System, highlighting ancient wisdom and its relevance today,
- The achievements of key figures in fields like science, education, economy, and social development.
II.Selection Process: The program starts with a national level competition on MyGov Portal, running from March 11, 2025 to April 10, 2025.
- Out of all participants, 50 authors will be chosen based on three themes:
1.Indian diaspora and its role in nation-building – 10 authors
2.Indian Knowledge System – 20 authors
3.Makers of modern India (1950-2025) – 20 authors
- Candidates who were selected for PM-YUVA Scheme 1.0 or PM-YUVA Scheme 2.0 are not eligible to apply for PM-YUVA 3.0
- The results will be announced between May 2025 to June 2025 and the selected authors will undergo mentorship from June 30 to December 30, 2025.
iii.New Delhi, (Delhi) based National Book Trust (NBT), under the MoE, will manage the scheme and guide the selected authors. Their work will be published and translated into different Indian languages to promote literary exchange.
iv.The program also includes: Interactions with experienced writers, Participation in literary events, Opportunities to contribute to contemporary discussions.
v.As part of the mentorship program, a National Camp will be organized for PM-YUVA 3.0 authors during the New Delhi World Book Fair which will be held from 10 to 18 January 2026.
About Ministry of Education (MoE):
Union Minister– Dharmendra Pradhan (Constituency- Sambalpur, Odisha)
Minister of State (MoS)– Jayant Chaudhary Constituency- Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, UP); Sukanta Majumdar (Constituency- Balurghat, West Bengal, WB)
