Shilp Guru Award 2026: ₹2 Lakh Cash Prize, Gold Coin & Eligibility

At a glance

About the scheme

Introduced in 2002 by the Ministry of Textiles to mark the Golden Jubilee Year of Handicrafts Resurgence in India, the Shilp Guru Award represents one of the highest recognitions for master craftspersons. A maximum of 10 awards are conferred annually to artisans who have shown unmatched craftsmanship, dedicated at least 20 years to their craft, and contributed to the revival of languishing arts. Along with monetary awards and mementos, recipient gurus are engaged with premier design institutes like NIFT and NID, nominated to advisory panels, and supported to attend international exhibitions.

Benefits

• Cash prize of ₹2,00,000
• One mounted gold coin
• One shawl and one Tamrapatra
• Financial assistance to innovate and create high-quality, aesthetic products under the Design & Technology Up-gradation scheme
• Active association with activities and advisory committees of Regional Design & Technical Development Centres (RD&TDCs)
• Financial and institutional support to participate in international seminars and exhibitions in India and abroad
• Publication of monographs documenting the artisan's exceptional contribution to Indian arts and crafts
• Inclusion in the State Level Committee for selecting National Award recipients
• Formal linkage with exporters through export councils such as EPCH and CEPC
• Collaboration opportunities with leading institutions including NID, NIFT, IICT, and IICD

Who can apply (eligibility)

• The applicant must be a citizen of India
• Must be at least 55 years old
• Must have a minimum of 20 years of experience in the craft sector as of 31st December of the previous year
• Must be a master craftsperson who is either a National Awardee, a State Awardee of exceptional standing, or an artisan with extraordinary skills and immense contributions
• Must have made significant contributions to the welfare and development of the craft and its community
• Artisans can apply for only one craft category per year
• A maximum of 10 Shilp Guru Awards are conferred each year

Who cannot apply

• Craftspersons younger than 55 years of age
• Applicants with less than 20 years of verifiable experience in the craft sector
• Submission of multiple applications across different craft categories in the same year

Documents required

• Proof of identity and Indian citizenship
• Proof of age
• Proof of 20 years of experience in the craft sector
• Bio-data detailing career experience, awards, and contributions
• Certificates of National or State Awards (if applicable)
• Affidavit declaring that the submitted craft exhibit is personally created by the applicant
• Photographs (at least 4 stages of processing) or videography demonstrating the craftsmanship process
• Affidavit of Risk accepting responsibility for any damages during item transit
• Documentary evidence showing contributions to the welfare of the craft community

How to apply

1. 1Visit your nearest District Industries Centre (DIC), Directorate of Industries, or Regional Development Centre for Handicrafts (RD&TDC) during office hours.
2. 2Collect the official Shilp Guru Award application form from the designated desk.
3. 3Complete all required entries in the form and attach self-attested copies of all prescribed certificates, affidavits, and photographs.
4. 4Submit the completed physical form along with your sample exhibits and documents to the Assistant Labour Commissioner.
5. 5Collect an official acknowledgement receipt containing the date, time, and submission reference number.

Frequently asked questions