Applications Open!

Ministry of External Affairs invites Persons of Indian Origin to join the

88th Know India Programme (KIP) 2026

Duration: 16- 29 August, 2026  Apply by: 16 July 2026

*****

GUIDELINES FOR KNOW INDIA PROGRAMME (KIP) 

1. INTRODUCTION 

The Know India Programme (KIP) is a flagship initiative of the Government of India that connects young members of the Indian diaspora with their ancestral roots while showcasing India's rich cultural heritage, rapid development, and vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Open to Indian-origin youth aged 18–28 years, including PIOs, OCIs, and NRIs, the programme offers an immersive experience of India's history, culture, innovation, and governance. It also encourages participants to strengthen their ties with India and contribute to the country's developmental journey. Preference is given to first-time visitors, NRIs from the Gulf region, and participants from Girmitiya countries. 

2.  MAIN ELEMENTS OF KIP

KIP is focused on dissemination of information pertaining to India’s contemporary polity, economy, history, culture, governance architecture, development trajectory and evolving global role. Its content has been specially curated to adapt to the distinct interests of the two cohorts, namely Scholars & Innovators (18–23 years) and Young Professionals (24–28 years). 

Scholars & Innovators (18–23 Years)

1. • Exposure to India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem through interactions with start-ups, incubators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders, including institutions such as T-Hub, IITs, IIMs, ISRO, BARC and other premier scientific and research organisations.
   • Interactive sessions and discussions on public policy, innovation, governance, economic development and flagship national initiatives such as Digital India, Skill India, Startup India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
   • Immersion programmes and peer-learning opportunities through interactions with faculty, students, researchers and young innovators at prestigious universities, colleges, and institutes.
   • Demonstrating India’s achievements across diverse sectors including Science & Technology, Information Technology, Space Research, Infrastructure, Digital Public Infrastructure, Education, Agriculture and
   • Visits to places of historical, cultural and civilizational importance, including iconic heritage sites such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Taj Mahal, Khajuraho Temples, Konark Sun Temple, Bodh Gaya and the ghats of Varanasi, among others.
   • Familiarisation with India’s rich cultural and civilizational heritage through exposure to Yoga, Ayurveda, classical music and dance, regional traditions and cultural performances.
            Visits to at least two States/Union Territories to provide participants with an immersive experience of India’s regional, linguistic and cultural diversity.

Young Professionals (24–28 Years)

• Exposure to key institutions of democracy, governance and policymaking such as the Parliament of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Election Commission of India, Reserve Bank of India, NITI Aayog, UIDAI, NPCI, and MP-IDSA, along with interactions with high dignitaries and
• Showcase India’s achievements across diverse sectors including Science & Technology, Information Technology, Space Research, Infrastructure, Digital Public Infrastructure, Education, Agriculture and Tourism.

• Exposure to India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem through interactions with start-ups, entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

• Interactive sessions   and   discussions   on   public   policy,   governance, economic development and India’s evolving global role.
• Visits to places of historical, cultural, and civilizational importance, including UNESCO and other iconic heritage sites across India.
• Exposure to India’s rich cultural and civilizational heritage through experiences in Yoga, Ayurveda, classical music and dance, regional traditions, and cultural performances.

• Visits to at least two States/Union Territories to provide participants with an immersive experience of India’s regional, linguistic and cultural diversity.

3.  ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 

• Age: The programme is open to youth of Indian origin, including Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Participants have been grouped into two cohorts based on age, namely ‘Scholars and Innovators’ and ‘Young Professionals’, with eligibility determined as on the first day of the month in which the programme is scheduled to commence. 

• Scholars and Innovators: 18–23 years
• Young Professionals: 24–28 years 

• PIO applicants must provide their OCI card number or PIO card number, or that of their parents or grandparents. In the absence of documentary proof of Indian origin, the applicants must submit a written undertaking affirming their Indian origin, duly attested by the DCM/DCG or the HOM/HOP of the concerned Indian Mission/Post.

• Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are eligible to apply under the programme. Preference will be accorded to NRIs residing in the Gulf region and those who have not visited India previously. NRI applicants must provide proof of Indian citizenship/residency abroad to qualify for NRI status as prescribed by the Government of India.

• The Programme shall have a total intake of 25 participants per cohort in each edition, selected in accordance with the prescribed eligibility and selection criteria.
• Previous participation: The applicant must not have participated in any previous edition of the Know India Programme or in any other programme organized and funded by the Ministry of External Affairs, or by any other Ministry/Department of the Government of India or a State Government in India.
• Educational Qualification: The minimum qualification required for participants in the “Scholars and Innovators” cohort is 12th Class Graduation from a school/institution recognized by the host The minimum qualification required for participation of “Young Professionals” cohorts in the Programme is Graduation from a recognized University/Institute.

• Language: Applicants must be proficient in spoken English and should have either studied English as a subject at the High School level or completed their undergraduate education with English as the medium of
• The applicants who have not visited India before will be given

4.  DURATION

Separate editions of the Programme will be conducted for the two distinct cohorts with each edition comprising of 25 participants, as follows:

• 18–23 years: Scholars and Innovators (2 weeks including travel time, 25 participants)
• 24–28 years: Young Professionals (2 weeks including travel time, 25 participants)

5.  INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

All KIP participants will be required to submit a valid comprehensive international travel and medical insurance policy covering the entire duration of their stay in India.

6.  SUBMISSION    OF    PROGRAMME    REPORT    BY    THE    SELECTED PARTICIPANTS

For successful completion of the KIP, participants will be required to submit a 750–1000-word Programme Report outlining their experiences and insights gained during the programme. The report shall comprise of key takeaways of the KIP and how the programme has helped the participants acquire a better understanding of contemporary India and its rich cultural legacy.

Participants will be awarded certificates upon completion of each edition of the programme.

To apply, kindly contact Embassy of India, The Hague email: fspic.thehague@mea.gov.in

Application form for the 88th Edition of the Know India Programme (KIP)