National Youth Award 2026: Up to ₹3 Lakh Prize, Eligibility & How to Apply
Verified with the official myScheme record on हिंदी में पढ़ें
Quick answer
The National Youth Award honors young Indians and voluntary organizations for outstanding contributions to social service and national development. Individual awardees receive a medal, certificate, and ₹1,00,000, while organizations receive ₹3,00,000. Eligible candidates can apply or be nominated online through the official awards.gov.in portal.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Up to ₹3,00,000 with medal and certificate |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Youth Affairs & Sports |
| Level | Central Government |
| Age | 15–29 years |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the National Youth Award motivates young individuals and non-profit organizations to achieve excellence in nation-building and community service. The initiative recognizes impactful work across domains like health, education, research, culture, sports, and human rights, encouraging active citizenship and social responsibility among Indian youth.
Benefits
- Individual awardees receive a medal, certificate, and a cash award of ₹1,00,000.
- Voluntary youth organizations receive a medal, certificate, and a cash award of ₹3,00,000.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Individual applicants must be citizens of India.
- Individuals must be aged between 15 and 29 years as of 1st January of the nominated year.
- Individuals must have demonstrated identifiable and extraordinary social work.
- Voluntary organizations must be registered non-profits under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (or State equivalent) for at least three years.
- Organizations must have rendered extraordinary youth-oriented service for at least three years without discrimination based on sex, religion, caste, or creed.
Who cannot apply
- Persons employed in any government service, including Central or State Government, PSUs, universities, colleges, and schools.
- Individuals or organizations that have already received this award once in the past.
Documents required
- Proof of Date of Birth (DOB).
- Supporting documents demonstrating outstanding social work and achievements.
- Recommendation letter.
How to apply
- 1Visit the official National Awards portal at awards.gov.in.
- 2Click on the Registration button and select Individual or Organization.
- 3Enter your personal details, Aadhaar number, contact information, and submit the registration form.
- 4Log in to the portal using your credentials.
- 5Select National Youth Award from the list of schemes and click Nominate / Apply Now.
- 6Fill in all required fields in the application form and submit.
Frequently asked questions
What cash prize is given under the National Youth Award?+
Individual winners receive ₹1,00,000 with a medal and certificate, while voluntary organizations receive ₹3,00,000 with a medal and certificate.
What is the age limit for the National Youth Award?+
Individual applicants must be between 15 and 29 years of age as of 1st January of the nominated year.
Can government employees apply for the National Youth Award?+
No, individuals employed in Central or State government, PSUs, universities, colleges, or schools are not eligible.
Can an applicant win the National Youth Award more than once?+
No, the award is conferred only once in a lifetime.
Where can I apply for the National Youth Award?+
Applications and nominations are submitted online through the official portal at awards.gov.in.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)