NielsenIQ BookData and the Indian Authors Forum (IAF) have announced the launch of The Bestseller Awards – India Edition. The inaugural ceremony will take place on January 17, 2027, in New Delhi, on the sidelines of the New Delhi World Book Fair 2027.
Unlike conventional literary prizes, the awards will use a two-stage process. NielsenIQ BookScan sales data will determine the shortlists, after which readers will vote to select the winners. There will be no literary jury. The initiative aims to create a transparent, reader-centric platform that celebrates commercial success and strengthens the connection between books and readers.
The inaugural edition will recognise books by Indian authors published in English and Hindi between March 1, 2016, and September 30, 2026. Sales performance will be measured from March 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. Categories will include adult fiction, adult non-fiction, children’s fiction and debut authors, along with specialised genres such as literary and contemporary fiction, crime and thrillers, romance and sagas, self-improvement, career and success, and dedicated Hindi fiction and non-fiction awards. A special Hall of Fame will honour authors with consistent bestseller success over several years.
Vikrant Mathur, Executive Director of NielsenIQ BookData for India and the GCC, said the awards combine verified sales with reader voting to create a credible and meaningful platform for authors, publishers and readers.
Pranav Gupta, Co-Founder and Director of the Indian Authors Forum, noted that sales will decide who enters the competition and readers will decide who wins, helping improve discoverability and visibility for Indian writing.
The awards build on NielsenIQ BookData’s existing programmes in the United Kingdom, Italy and South Africa. A dedicated website will provide details on categories, eligibility, shortlists and voting. Further information on the venue and schedule will be announced in due course.