Archive · 13 Aug 2026
New India Foundation Opens Applications for 13th Book Fellowship
The New India Foundation is a group that helps people write books about India.
It is now accepting applications for its thirteenth book fellowship.
Each fellowship gives writers 18 lakh rupees to support their work.
Writers also get help from editors and access to leading writers and thinkers.
Both new writers and those who have published books before can apply.
Anyone who is an Indian citizen can apply, even if they live in another country.
The books must be nonfiction, such as reportage, academic studies, or memoirs.
The books should help people understand today's India better.
Applications are accepted from August 15 to November 15, 2026.
The chosen writers will begin their fellowship in August 2027.
New India Foundation (NIF) announced applications for the 13th round of its Book Fellowship, open from August 15 to November 15, 2026.
Each fellowship carries a grant of Rs 18 lakhs (₹18,00,000).
The fellowship is open to Indian citizens, including those living abroad, and to both debut and established authors.
Fellows receive in-house editorial support, access to leading writers and thinkers, and guidance through to publication.
Shortlisted candidates will be informed in March 2027, with interviews in June 2027 and fellowships beginning in August 2027.
- Who
- New India Foundation (NIF), the nonprofit organization running the fellowship; applicants must be Indian citizens, including those living abroad.
- What
- Announced applications for the 13th round of its Book Fellowship, offering a grant of Rs 18 lakhs plus editorial support, mentorship, and publication guidance.
- When
- Applications open on August 15 and close on November 15, 2026; shortlisting in March 2027, interviews in June 2027, and fellowships beginning in August 2027.
- Where
- India, with eligibility extended to Indian citizens currently living abroad.
- Why
- To support deeply researched, original nonfiction books that contribute to a fuller understanding of contemporary India.
- Organization
- New India Foundation (NIF)
- Fellowship round
- 13th
- Grant amount
- Rs 18 lakhs (₹18,00,000)
- Application period
- August 15 – November 15, 2026
- Eligibility
- Indian citizens, including those living abroad
- Applicants
- Debut and established authors
- Genres
- Nonfiction: reportage, academic study, memoir
- Key dates
- Shortlist March 2027; interviews June 2027; fellowships begin August 2027
