The Yuva Puraskar (Hindi: युवा पुरस्कार), also known as Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar, is a literary honor in India. India's National Academy of Letters gives the prize each year to young writers of outstanding works in one of the twenty-four major Indian languages. The first Yuva Puraskar prizes were given in 2011. Writers must be younger than 35 years to win. National Academy of Letters wants to encourage and promote young writers. The award includes a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 and an engraved copper plaque.