Young Authors'
Mentorship
Program 2026
An immersive two-day literary experience bringing together mentorship, workshops, and a national-level writing contest to nurture the next generation of storytellers and thinkers.
Get Recognised Nationally.
Built for the next generation of voices.
The Young Authors' Mentorship Program integrates mentorship, workshops, and a national writing contest — enabling participants to learn, apply, and showcase their work within a single cohesive platform.
Craft Development
Develop creative and critical writing skills through structured workshops led by experienced mentors and industry professionals.
Publishing Ecosystem
Gain rare exposure to how the publishing world works — from manuscript to bookshelf — with insights from those who live it.
National Recognition
Earn recognition on a national platform. Meet renowned authors, judges from NBT, and industry experts who will shape your journey.
Mentorship Sessions
One-on-one and group mentorship with established writers and storytellers who bring their experience directly to you.
Peer Community
Connect with 200 aspiring writers from across India — peer learning, idea exchange, and friendships that last beyond the event.
Bilingual Platform
Write in Hindi or English. Your language is your strength. Both are celebrated equally on this platform.
The Program
Every session is designed to push your thinking, sharpen your craft, and connect you with the wider world of writing and publishing.
Engage
- Structured Writing Workshops
- Mentorship Sessions with Established Authors
- Publishing Insights & Industry Exposure
- Interactive Discussions & Idea Exchange
- Creative Expression Spaces
& Win
- Advanced Mentorship & Feedback Sessions
- National-Level Writing Contest — Results
- Winner Awards Ceremony
- ₹21,000 Cash Prize per Winner
- Closing Address by NBT Dignitaries
They are how we make meaning.
Important Dates
Registrations close on 20th May. Don't miss your window — seats are limited to 200.
Registration & Submission
Open to all applicants aged 14–25. Submit your original write-up (up to 1000 words, PDF) as part of the registration process.
Evaluation Period
All entries are reviewed by the National Book Trust, India through a structured evaluation process across categories and age groups.
Day 1 — Workshops Begin
Arrive at Rishihood University, Sonipat. Morning sessions, mentorship, workshops, and industry sessions kick off.
Day 2 — Awards & Closing
Results announced. Winners honored during the closing ceremony. ₹21,000 cash prize awarded to each of the 8 winners.
The Writing Contest
Submit an original write-up — Fiction or Non-Fiction — in Hindi or English. Entries are evaluated separately by category, language, and age group.
What You Can Submit
One entry per participant
Original & unpublished work only
Competition Structure
English
English
Choose Your Topic
I Met the Person I Pretended to Be
A World Without Stories
The Day I Found a Door to Another World
One Idea That Can Make a Difference
The Silence Between Two People
The Pressure of Being 'Seen' Online
Choose Your Experience
Whether you're coming for the day or staying for the full immersive experience, we have a place for you. Only 200 seats — first come, first served.
- ✓ Access to all sessions across both days
- ✓ Meals included (both days)
- ✓ Workshop materials & resources
- ✓ Contest participation & certificate
- ✗ No overnight accommodation
- ✓ Full program access — both days
- ✓ On-campus accommodation included
- ✓ All meals included
- ✓ Evening & exclusive residential sessions
- ✓ Extended peer learning & mentorship
Ready to Write?
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Young Authors' Mentorship Program 2026.
- 100 seats for Non-Residential (Day Participants)
- 100 seats for Residential Participants
- Non-Residential: Access to all daytime sessions across both days, including scheduled meals. No accommodation provided.
- Residential: Full access to the entire program, including accommodation, all meals, and exclusive residential activities.
- 2 Formats: Fiction & Non-Fiction
- 2 Languages: Hindi & English
- 2 Age Groups: Junior (14–19 years) & Senior (20–25 years)
- ₹1,000 – Non-Residential (Day Participants)
- ₹4,000 – Residential (including accommodation & meals)
NH-44 (GT Road), Near Bahalgarh Chowk, Sonipat, Haryana 131021. Participants must arrange their own travel.
- Valid ID proof
- Personal essentials
- Any required medication
- Comfortable, event-appropriate clothing
- Exposure to structured writing mentorship
- Interaction with experienced speakers and professionals
- Understanding of the publishing ecosystem
- Skill development in writing and expression
- Opportunity to be recognized on a national platform
- Registration & Submission: 1st – 20th May 2026
- Program Dates: 30th – 31st May 2026
- Result Announcement: 31st May 2026 (closing ceremony)