New India Foundation Book Fellowship Program (India)

Deadline: 30-Nov-2026

The New India Foundation Book Fellowship Program supports Indian citizens who want to write original non-fiction books that deepen public understanding of contemporary India. The one-year fellowship provides a stipend, editorial guidance, networking opportunities with publishers and literary agents, and a community of fellow writers. What Is the New India Foundation Book Fellowship Program? The New India Foundation (NIF) Book Fellowship is designed to support writers working on original non-fiction projects focused on present-day India. The fellowship aims to encourage high-quality writing that contributes to public discussion, scholarship, and a deeper understanding of India’s contemporary social, political, economic, cultural, and institutional landscape. Over the years, the programme has supported a diverse group of authors whose books have subsequently been published by leading publishing houses. What Does the Fellowship Support? The fellowship supports the development and completion of an original non-fiction manuscript that contributes meaningfully to understanding contemporary India. The programme does not restrict applicants to one particular academic or ideological perspective. The key requirement is that the proposed work should be non-fiction and relevant to understanding present-day India. What Benefits Do Fellows Receive? Selected fellows receive support throughout the one-year fellowship period.

Key benefits include:

A fellowship stipend. Editorial guidance and support. Opportunities to interact with publishers and literary agents. Networking opportunities within the publishing and writing community. A supportive community of current and former fellows. Opportunities for intellectual and professional exchange. Time and support to complete an original book manuscript. The combination of financial and editorial support is intended to allow fellows to focus on developing a substantial non-fiction work. Fellowship Duration The New India Foundation Book Fellowship is awarded for one year. During this period, fellows are expected to work toward completing their proposed manuscript. Applicants should therefore submit a project that is sufficiently developed to be completed, or brought substantially toward completion, during the fellowship period. Who Is Eligible? The fellowship is open to Indian citizens who are interested in writing an original non-fiction book about contemporary India.

Applicants must:

Be Indian citizens. Propose an original non-fiction work. Have a project that contributes to understanding present-day India. Be prepared to work on the manuscript throughout the one-year fellowship. Submit the application in English. Who Is Not Eligible? OCI card-holders are not eligible for the New India Foundation Book Fellowship. The programme specifically requires applicants to be Indian citizens. What Kind of Books Can Be Proposed? The fellowship welcomes a broad range of non-fiction projects. These examples are illustrative rather than restrictive. The programme allows projects across a wide range of themes and perspectives as long as they are non-fiction and contribute to understanding contemporary India. Why the Fellowship Matters Writing a full-length non-fiction book requires substantial time for research, writing, revision, and editorial development. The New India Foundation Fellowship helps writers undertake this process with dedicated financial and professional support. The programme is particularly valuable because it combines: Financial support to provide time for sustained writing. Editorial guidance to strengthen the manuscript. Publishing connections to help writers understand the publishing process. Peer support through a community of fellows. Intellectual exchange with writers working on different aspects of India. The fellowship therefore supports not only manuscript production but also the development of emerging and established voices contributing to public discourse about India. How the Fellowship Works The fellowship follows a simple core model.

Step 1: Develop a Non-Fiction Book Idea

Applicants should identify a clear subject or question related to contemporary India. The proposed book should have a defined purpose and explain why the topic matters.

Step 2: Develop the Book Proposal

The proposal should clearly communicate:

What the book is about. The central question or argument. Why the subject is important. How the book will contribute to existing discussions. The proposed approach to research and writing. How the manuscript can be developed during the fellowship.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Applications must be submitted in English. Applicants should ensure that all required information and supporting materials are complete before submission.

Step 4: Fellowship Selection

Applications are reviewed based on the strength and relevance of the proposed non-fiction project and the applicant’s ability to develop it into a substantial book.

Step 5: Write the Manuscript

Successful fellows receive one year of fellowship support and are expected to dedicate this period to developing and completing their manuscript. During the fellowship, they can benefit from editorial guidance, networking opportunities, and interaction with the wider fellowship community. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should focus on presenting a compelling and clearly defined book project. Explain Why the Book Matters Do not simply describe the topic. Explain why the subject is important for understanding contemporary India and what readers may learn from the completed work. Present a Clear Argument or Research Question A strong proposal should communicate the central idea of the book clearly. The selection committee should be able to understand what the book is trying to investigate, explain, challenge, or reveal. Demonstrate Originality The fellowship supports original non-fiction works. Applicants should explain what makes their proposed book distin