In order to continue to improve quality and affirm its position as a national award in the publishing sector, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has amended, supplemented and completed the charter and regulations with many new points.
The structure of the VIII National Book Award is adjusted in the direction of streamlining from 5 categories to 4 categories. Accordingly, the political and economic book category is merged with the social science and humanities book category into the political, economic, social science and humanities book category. This arrangement aims to create conditions for evaluating works in a more comprehensive, interdisciplinary and substantive manner.
The science book segment has been expanded, supplementing content on education and innovation, reflecting the requirements of knowledge development in the context of digital transformation.
The system of award criteria has also been reviewed and concretized in a clear and transparent direction. The criteria emphasize the ideological, academic value and practical contribution of the work; and at the same time emphasize the universalization of new knowledge, especially in the fields of education, science, technology and innovation.
The organizers also increased the proportion of assessment on reader access and spread in society, and at the same time added separate criteria for translated books to ensure fairness.
In addition to nominations from publishers, the award continues to expand the subjects of nominations, allowing readers and press agencies to participate in introducing works. The "Books loved by readers" category is maintained and improved in the selection process, combining professional judging and public voting, thereby fully reflecting the voice of the community.
In particular, for works proposed for high prizes, the organizing committee coordinates with technology units to synthesize and analyze public opinion data from newspapers and media platforms, creating an objective reference basis for the council during the review process.
According to data from the Publishing, Printing and Issuing Department, the 8th National Book Award attracted 46/52 publishers nationwide to participate with 397 book titles and book sets (512 copies), an increase of 25 book titles and book sets, 57 copies compared to the previous period.
The "Books loved by readers" category alone recorded more than 150 books nominated by readers.
The judging process is carried out seriously and scientifically through many rounds of independent evaluation, criticism and secret ballot by more than 70 professors, scientists, experts and reputable managers belonging to the Preliminary Examination Council, the Final Examination Council and the Award Council.
Based on the voting results, the council has summarized and submitted to the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for consideration and awarding prizes to 50 books and sets of books. The expected structure includes 2 A prizes, 17 B prizes, 23 C prizes, 5 consolation prizes and 5 "Books loved by readers" prizes, of which 2 books won 2 prizes at the same time.
The 8th National Book Award Ceremony will take place at 8:00 PM on March 8, 2026 at Vietnam Television Station, broadcast live on VTV1 channel.
Within the framework of the program, the organizing committee coordinates with publishers to display and introduce high-value book sets and award-winning works through periods, contributing to further spreading the value of books and connecting reading culture in the community.
