Candidates are selected from literary works published in the previous ten years by a panel that included scholars and former award winners. The inaugural award was given to Harivanshrai 'Bachchan' for his four volume autobiography,  Kya Bhooloon Kya Yaad Karoon, Needa Ka Nirman Phir, Basere Se Door and Dashdwar se Sopan Tak.
Candidates are chosen from recent literary works by a panel of experts and past winners. The inaugural prize was given to Harivanshrai 'Bachchan' for his four-volume autobiography, "Kya Bhooloon Kya Yaad Karoon," "Needa Ka Nirman Phir," "Basere Se Door," and "Dashdwar se Sopan Tak."