Sangeet Natak Akademi decided to institute “Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar” from the year 2006 to be awarded to artists who have shown/demonstrated conspicuous talent in the fields of music, dance and drama. Young outstanding practitioners upto the age of 35 years are eligible to be considered for the Yuva Puraskar every year. The age as on the date of nomination received will be reckoned from the 1st April of the year of the Puraskar.

Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar carries a purse money of Rs 25,000/- (Rupees twenty five thousand only).

The Yuva Puraskar is presented at a special ceremony, presided over by the Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi. The investiture of Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for the year 2009 and festival of music, dance and drama featuring some of the recipients was held from 10-17 August 2010.

Guidelines were made in the same line of Akademi Awards. However, in the General Council Meeting held on 29th of June, 2010, it was decided that revision of the present Guidelines would be made before inviting the nomination of Yuva Puraskar for 2010.