Nominations open for NIF Book Prize 2026

The New India Foundation (NIF) has opened nominations for the 9th Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize, recognising excellence in non-fiction writing on modern and contemporary India.
 
The NIF Book Prize includes a cash reward and a formal ceremony, which is set to take place later in 2026. The foundation is inviting publishers, authors, and translators to submit their works for consideration.
 
Instituted in 2019, the Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize builds on the New India Foundation’s effort to champion rigorous research and original scholarship, while encouraging high-quality writing to democratise access to literature.
 
To qualify for the 9th edition of the Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize, submissions must be book-length non-fiction works that provide an examination of modern or contemporary India. 

The Prize is open to titles first published between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025, including works originally written in English and those translated into English from other languages. 

While the Foundation welcomes a diverse range of ideologies and genres, and maintains no restrictions on the author’s nationality, it has clarified that recipients of the New India Foundation Fellowship are ineligible for nomination. 

The deadline set forth by the NIF is 31 January 2026.

Speaking about the Prize, Nandini Nair, associate director, the New India Foundation, said, “The Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize celebrates India’s finest books on modern India. Since its inception, the award has recognised works of in-depth research and intellectual rigour. It honours publications that enhance understanding of India’s past and present, fostering an informed discourse among a broad readership."
 
The selection process will be overseen by a jury appointed by the New India Foundation, which will review all eligible entries and determine the longlist, shortlist and the final winner.