The National Youth Awards have been conferred since 1985. These awards are given to up to 20 individuals and up to 5 voluntary organizations.
The objective of the awards is to motivate young persons aged between 15 and 29 years to achieve excellence in the field of national development or social service, and to encourage them to develop a sense of responsibility towards the community, thereby improving their own potential as good citizens. The awards also seek to recognize the outstanding work done by voluntary organizations working with youth for national development and/or social service.
The eligibility criteria include an age limit of 15–29 years, and the award is given for identifiable excellent work for youth in various fields such as health, research and innovation, culture, promotion of human rights, art and literature, tourism, traditional medicine, active citizenship, community service, sports, and academic excellence and smart learning. The benefits include, for individuals, a medal, a certificate, and award money of Rs. 1,00,000/-, and for voluntary organizations, a medal, a certificate, and award money of Rs. 3,00,000/-.
