Founders Edition · 2026

Excellence,
beyond the bestseller.

Know an organisation, initiative or individual advancing Indian publishing? Put them forward for the API Excellence Awards 2026.

Nominations close in

Closing at 5:00 pm IST on 10 September 2026.

Awards ceremony · 25 September 2026 Five founding categories

Why these awards

The work behind the work deserves to be seen.

Publishing in India is being reshaped by digital innovation, AI, new distribution models, sustainability imperatives, and a deeper responsibility to widen access to knowledge.

The API Excellence Awards recognise individuals, organisations, publishers and teams enabling that transformation. Entries are considered for their quality, originality, rigour, and demonstrable impact.

Founders Edition · Year One

Choose the right award category

Choose the category that most closely reflects the nominee's primary contribution. If the same nominee is entered in more than one category, submit a separate form for each category.

01

Publishing Innovation Award

Transformative business models, digital-first initiatives, AI-enabled workflows, or platform innovations.

Nominate in this category
02

Editorial Excellence Award

Outstanding editorial craft across trade, education, or academic publishing.

Nominate in this category
03

Production & Sustainability Excellence Award

Excellence in production, supply chains, responsible sourcing, efficiency, or environmental stewardship.

Nominate in this category
04

Publishing for Social Impact Award

Publishing initiatives advancing education, language inclusion, social awareness, or public good.

Nominate in this category
05

Young Publishing Professional of the Year (Under 35)

A rising professional showing leadership, innovation, and measurable contribution to publishing.

Nominate in this category

How nominations are assessed

A clear and fair process.

Independent jury

An independent Jury appointed by API will assess every eligible nomination.

Clear safeguards

Jury members will step aside where they have a direct or material conflict.

Evidence of impact

Entries are considered for the work itself, its significance and its demonstrated impact.

The awards evening

Winners announced in New Delhi.

The five Founders Edition winners will be revealed at the API Excellence Awards ceremony. Finalists are invited to attend.

Date
25 September 2026
Time
7:00 pm onwards
Venue
Tamarind HallIndia Habitat Centre
Lodhi Road, New Delhi
View on map

Before you begin

What you'll need to nominate

Nominations close at 5:00 pm IST on 10 September 2026.

  • Nominee details and one contact person
  • A brief description of up to 300 words
  • Impact and recognition statements of up to 150 words each
  • One optional URL or supporting file, up to 4 MB
Nominations close 10 September 2026, 5:00 pm IST
Step 1 of 4Award
01Select the award

Choose the category that most closely reflects the contribution being recognised. Submit a separate nomination if the same nominee is entered in another category.

Eligibility periodWork must have been undertaken, implemented or substantially delivered in India between 1 January 2025 and 10 September 2026.