Rajbhasha Gaurav Puraskar Scheme has been revised for the year 2025-26 by the Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs. The updated scheme now also covers books translated from English and other Indian languages into Hindi, expanding its scope beyond only original Hindi works. A new notification dated 14 March 2026 introduced the revised framework.
Books published during January to December 2026 are eligible for awards under this revised scheme. The latest guidelines were released on 23 March 2026 and the application process is open for authors and translators.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Visit the official website at rajbhasha.gov.in and navigate to the Rajbhasha Gaurav Puraskar section to download the updated application proforma for the year 2025-26.
STEP 2 - Fill out the proforma accurately with your personal details, book details, and the category of submission you are applying under.
STEP 3 - Attach three physical copies of your book along with the completed proforma and send them to the Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, before the announced deadline.
Eligibility
You can apply if you meet these criteria:
- You are a citizen of India.
- The book must be an original work in Hindi, or a translation from English or other Indian languages into Hindi.
- The book should have at least 100 pages.
- The book must include an ISBN.
- The content should be an analytical review of the chosen subject.
Works submitted as Ph.D. theses, novels, poetry collections, storybooks, plays, or academic textbooks are not eligible. Also, authors who have received an award from the Department of Official Language in the last three years are not eligible to apply again.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Rajbhasha Gaurav Puraskar Yojna |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Nodal Department | Department of Official Language |
| Implementing Agency | Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Year | 2025-26 |
| Eligible Books | Original Hindi books and books translated into Hindi |
| Application Window | Books published January to December 2026 |
Benefits
The scheme awards three prizes in each of the five categories. The prize amounts range from Rs. 1,50,000 for the first prize to Rs. 40,000 for the third prize. Every winner also receives a certificate and an official memento. Travel allowance includes 2nd AC rail fare and a daily allowance for the trip, though lodging remains the responsibility of the awardee.
| Category | Prize | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science & Allied Subjects | First Prize | ₹1,50,000 |
| Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science & Allied Subjects | Second Prize | ₹1,00,000 |
| Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science & Allied Subjects | Third Prize | ₹40,000 |
| Law, Police Research, Forensic Science & Criminology | First Prize | ₹1,50,000 |
| Law, Police Research, Forensic Science & Criminology | Second Prize | ₹1,00,000 |
| Law, Police Research, Forensic Science & Criminology | Third Prize | ₹40,000 |
| Culture, Heritage, Arts & Literature | First Prize | ₹1,50,000 |
| Culture, Heritage, Arts & Literature | Second Prize | ₹1,00,000 |
| Culture, Heritage, Arts & Literature | Third Prize | ₹40,000 |
| Translation into Hindi (from English & Indian languages) | First Prize | ₹1,50,000 |
| Translation into Hindi (from English & Indian languages) | Second Prize | ₹1,00,000 |
| Translation into Hindi (from English & Indian languages) | Third Prize | ₹40,000 |
| Other Allied Subjects | First Prize | ₹1,50,000 |
| Other Allied Subjects | Second Prize | ₹1,00,000 |
| Other Allied Subjects | Third Prize | ₹40,000 |
Documents Required
Keep these ready before starting your application:
- Valid identity proof
- A personal mobile number and an active email address
- Three physical copies of your book
- Duly filled application proforma
FAQ's
What is the primary objective of Rajbhasha Gaurav Puraskar Yojna?
The revised scheme aims to encourage both original Hindi writing and the translation of books into Hindi, making specialized knowledge accessible in the official language for researchers, government employees, and the public.
Are co-authors allowed to apply for the same book?
Yes, co-authors can apply together. If awarded, the prize money is split equally among all co-authors, and each person must fill out their own entry proforma.
Can a book that was previously awarded by another organization apply?
No, books that have already received an award from another government organization are not eligible.
Is a translated book eligible for this award?
Yes, the revised scheme for 2025-26 now includes books translated from English and other Indian languages into Hindi. This is a new addition to the scheme.
What is the minimum page requirement?
The book must contain at least 100 pages to be considered for an award.
When is the application window for the current cycle?
Books published during January to December 2026 are eligible for the revised 2025-26 award cycle.
References
Rajbhasha Gaurav Puraskar Resolution