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Nehru Child Literature Prize

NCLP

Published: Oct 2026

4 min read

Reviewed by Navin, Editor · First published: 11 Oct 2026

Nehru Child Literature Prize
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Written by Navin · Editor, tsmpb.inUpdated: 17 Oct 2026 · How we verify scheme facts

About this skills scheme

The Arts and Culture Department of Puducherry launched the "Nehru Child Literature Prize" scheme for authors/writers. Financial assistance with a certificate will be provided for their contribution to children's literature books published in Tamil.

The Arts and Culture Department of Puducherry launched the "Nehru Child Literature Prize" scheme. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance of Rs. 10,000/- with a certificate to writers/authors for the books published in Tamil on Childrenโ€™s Literature. The applications will be accepted offline.

Benefits at a glance

Scheme nameNehru Child Literature Prize (NCLP)
Launched byArts and Culture Department, Puducherry
Benefit typeCash (money paid to your bank account)
CategorySkills
Level / StateState ยท Puducherry
Official portalart.py.gov.in (link at the end of this page)

Key facts

Scheme forIndividual
Application modeOffline
Last dateOngoing (no last date notified)
DBT (direct bank transfer)No
Age18 to 80 years

Who can apply (quick check)

  • ๐Ÿ‘คAll genders
  • ๐ŸŽ‚Age 18 to 80 years
  • ๐Ÿ“Offline

Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.

What you receive

  • Financial Assistance of Rs. 10,000/-. with a certificate.

Who qualifies

  1. The applicant should be a writer/author/ joint author.
  2. The applicant should be a native of Puducherry by virtue of birth or continuous residence of not less than five years.
  3. The applicant should submit texts that must be printed and published as first edition by 31st December from the first day of the specified year.
  4. A one-time awardee is ineligible to apply for the subsequent four years.
  5. The applicant should not submit an abridgment, adaptation, translation, or paraphrase of another text for the competition.
  6. Essay and thesis submitted for a university degree or examination are not eligible for this award.
  7. The texts written for the syllabus will not be accepted for the prize competition.
  8. The Children's literature should be published in Tamil not exceeding 120 pages.
  9. Foundation lectures, other lectures, serials in journals Published, etc. will not be accepted.
  10. The applicant should include categories such as novels, short stories, poems, plays, travelogues, collections of essays, etc. written for children's literature.

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Registration walkthrough

Offline

Step 1: The interested applicant should visit (during office hours) the Department of Art and Culture and request the hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form from the staff exclusively entrusted to issue and collect filled-in applications.

OR

The interested applicant downloads the application form.

Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).

Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the superintendent, Department of Art and Culture, No.1, Roman Roland Road, Puducherry 605 001.

Step 4: Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the superintendent to whom the application has been submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains essential details such as the date and time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).

NOTE 1: Five texts received for the competition cannot be returned for any reason.

NOTE 2: Only application forms sent with the author's signature will be accepted for the competition.

NOTE 3: If a book is the joint effort of several authors, the prize money will be distributed among the joint authors.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Nehru Child Literature Prize?

The Nehru Children's Literature Prize is an award given to authors of children's literature published in Tamil, aimed at recognizing and encouraging quality writing for children.

Who is eligible to apply for the Nehru Child Literature Prize?

Authors born in Puducherry or who have resided continuously in the Union Territory of Puducherry for at least five years prior to the application date are eligible.

What type of works are eligible for submission?

Eligible works include novels, short stories, poems, plays, travelogues, collections of essays, and other forms of children's literature written in Tamil.

What is the prize for the winning author?

The winning author will receive Rs. 10,000/- along with a certificate.

Can an author who has won the prize before apply again?

A previous winner is ineligible to apply for the next four years.

Are translated or adapted works eligible for the prize?

No, translations, abridgements, adaptations, or paraphrases of other texts are not eligible.

What are the requirements for submitting an application?

Applicants must submit a complete application form, a separate form for each publication, five copies of the text, and the authorโ€™s signature on the application form.

What is the page limit for the submitted children's literature?

The children's literature should not exceed 120 pages.

How are the submitted works evaluated?

A five-member committee of experts appointed by the Government scrutinizes the books and selects the prize winner.

Can multiple authors submit a joint work for the competition?

Yes, joint works can be submitted, and the prize money will be distributed among the authors if they win.

What happens if there are issues with the implementation of the scheme?

The Government's decision regarding any issues with the scheme's implementation is final and binding.

Can the Government change the regulations of the scheme?

Yes, the Government has the full power to amend, alter, or delete any provisions related to the scheme as needed.

When must the submitted texts be published to be eligible?

Texts must be printed and published as first editions by 31st December of the specified year to be eligible.

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