Have a powerful nonfiction idea about contemporary India? Get a ₹1 lakh monthly fellowship to spend a year researching and writing the book — plus editorial, publishing and mentorship support.
Overview
The New India Foundation (NIF) Book Fellowship supports emerging and established writers developing original nonfiction books that contribute to a fuller understanding of contemporary India. The current Round 13 call opened in August 2026 and is accepting applications until November 2026. NIF provides a substantial financial grant alongside editorial, publishing, legal, mentorship and community support.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity Type: Book / Writing Fellowship
- Host: New India Foundation
- Location: India
- Countries Involved: India
- Monthly Fellowship: ₹1,00,000 for 12 months
- Manuscript Milestone: ₹3,00,000 upon signing the manuscript
- Publication Milestone: ₹3,00,000 upon publication
- Total direct fellowship support: Up to ₹18,00,000
- Editorial Support: Provided
- Publishing Support: Provided
- Legal Support: Provided
- Mentorship: Provided
- Duration: 12 months
- Age: None
- Nationality: Indian citizen
- Degree: None
- Work Experience: Not specified
- Fields/Themes: Any nonfiction topic contributing to a fuller understanding of contemporary India
- Application Fee: None
- Deadline: November 15, 2026
Funding & Benefits
NIF provides:
- ₹1,00,000 monthly stipend for 12 months
- ₹3,00,000 on signing the manuscript
- ₹3,00,000 on publication
- In-house editorial support
- Publishing and legal support
- Access to publishers and literary agents
- Mentorship from NIF’s Governing Board and published Fellows
- Online and offline community support
The direct financial package therefore totals ₹18 lakh if all stated milestone payments are received.
Eligibility
The official NIF information states that the primary requirement is that the proposed work be nonfiction and contribute to a fuller understanding of contemporary India. The fellowship is open to both debut and established writers.
- Nationality: Indian citizen
- Age: No age limit
- Academic degree: Not required
- Previous publication: Not required
- Work experience: Not specified
- Co-authored proposals: Eligible according to NIF fellowship information.
What Can You Write About?
NIF welcomes nonfiction across genres and themes. Previous books have covered subjects including politics, law, environment, sports, gender, society, arts and culture.
The central requirement is that the proposed book should deepen understanding of India after Independence.
Application Process
- Develop an original nonfiction book idea focused on contemporary India.
- Prepare your proposal and supporting material.
- Submit the application through NIF’s official application form.
- Trustees assess submissions and shortlist candidates.
- Shortlisted applicants are invited for an interview.
- Final Fellows are selected after the interview process.
- The fellowship begins in August 2027.
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