Young India Fellowship Invites 2026–27 Applications with Scholarships for All

Are you looking for a world-class liberal arts program in India? The Young India Fellowship (YIF) has officially opened applications for its 16th cohort (Class of 2026–27). This year brings massive news: every single selected Fellow will receive a scholarship funded by HDFC Bank.

Entering its 15th year, the YIF is a prestigious one-year residential program. It is designed to train young minds to become critical thinkers and leaders. With a class size of around 100 students, the competition is tough, but the rewards are huge.

Fellowship Overview & Key Details

What is New This Year?

The program keeps evolving. For the 2026–27 batch, YIF has introduced a Postgraduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies. This adds significant academic value to the certificate.

The biggest update, however, is financial. Thanks to HDFC Bank, financial barriers have been removed. If you are good enough to get in, you will get scholarship support. This makes the program accessible to a much wider pool of applicants from different backgrounds.

Program Structure: What Will You Learn?

The YIF is not a typical classroom course. It is an intense, one-year residential experience. Here is how it is structured:

• Coursework: Fellows typically complete around 18 courses covering diverse subjects.
• Mentorship: You will receive guidance from top faculty members and successful alumni.
• Experiential Learning: The program includes a "Critical Enquiry and Expression" component and real-world applied projects.
• Holistic Engagement: It is about more than just books; it focuses on building character and leadership skills.

Application Deadlines

The selection process is multi-staged and rigorous. You need to pay close attention to the dates:

• Priority Deadline: If you want an early decision, apply by December 8, 2025.
• Round 1 Final Deadline: The last date for the first round is January 19, 2026.

How to Apply

Applications are strictly online. If you are a recent graduate or a final-year student with a spark for leadership, visit the official Young India Fellowship website to start your application. Don't miss the priority deadline if you want the best chance.