Young India Fellowship (Ashoka University)
Ashoka University · All India
| Scheme Name | Young India Fellowship (Ashoka University) |
| Provided By | Ashoka University |
| Eligibility Summary | PG · Family income up to ₹15 Lakh/year |
Status check
The previous application cycle (2025–26) closed on 31 March 2026. The upcoming 2026–27 cycle is expected to open soon. We will update the links here as soon as the official notification is released.
View active scholarships you can apply for today →About the Program
The Young India Fellowship (YIF) is a prestigious one-year residential postgraduate diploma program in Liberal Arts and Leadership offered by Ashoka University. It nurtures around 100 outstanding individuals from India and abroad through interdisciplinary learning, real-world projects, mentorship, and skill development in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving to create socially-conscious leaders[1][3][4][6]
Benefits & Financial Support
₹11.0 Lakh+
The Young India Fellowship (YIF) offers scholarships ranging from 25% to 100% of the program costs for the Class of 2026-27, which include tuition, residence, and meals. All selected Fellows receive a scholarship, with a guaranteed minimum of a 25% waiver on the tuition fee. The total program fee for the YIF Class of 2027 is INR 1,078,400, comprising INR 7,98,000 for tuition, INR 2,05,000 for residence, INR 5,400 for essential services, and INR 70,000 for a meal plan advance. Therefore, the maximum scholarship awarded is INR 1,078,400 (100% of program costs), and the minimum scholarship amount is INR 199,500 (25% of tuition). Need-based financial aid is available, and some fully funded scholarships may also include stipends for additional financial assistance. The application for need-based scholarships opens on the same day as admission decisions and remains open for one week. There is no explicit mention of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts.
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Post-graduate diploma from Ashoka University
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access to 20+ courses across disciplines
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experiential learning modules (ELM) with live projects
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mentorship by industry leaders and alumni
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lifelong alumni community
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financial aid from 25% to 100% tuition waiver, residence, meals, stipends
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Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship for exceptional candidates[1][3][4]
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | PG |
| Course / Stream | Relevant courses |
| Income Limit | Up to ₹15 Lakh/year |
| Category / Caste | General |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Biographical details
- ✓academic transcripts
- ✓professional experience
- ✓non-academic engagements
- ✓three written essays
- ✓one video essay
- ✓one Letter of Recommendation (if shortlisted)[1]
Selection Process
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Candidates for the Young India Fellowship (YIF) Class of 2026-27 are selected through a rigorous and holistic process
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The initial stage involves an online application that includes biographical details, academic background, professional experience, and non-academic engagements
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Applicants must complete mandatory reflective essays (three written essays and one highly recommended video essay) to provide insight into their thinking, motivations, and fit for the Fellowship
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Supporting documents such as a government-issued ID, a photograph, a one-page CV/resume, marksheets, and supporting documents for non-academic activities are also required
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Shortlisted candidates are invited for a personal interview, typically a 25-40 minute virtual conversation with a panel of faculty, leadership, or alumni, to assess leadership potential and clarity of purpose
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A few candidates may be invited for a second interview or a Chancellor's Scholarship interview
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One Letter of Recommendation (LoR) must be submitted once a candidate is shortlisted
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While academic performance is considered, the selection process is holistic and values diverse experiences, intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, emotional maturity, and a commitment to improving the world
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Work experience is advantageous but not mandatory.
Renewal Policy
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The Young India Fellowship (YIF) is a one-year residential postgraduate diploma program
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Therefore, there are no annual renewal conditions applicable to this fellowship.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1New Registration
Visit the official application portal at [apply.ashoka.edu.in](https://apply.ashoka.edu.in) and click on 'New Registration'. You will need to register with a valid email address and verify it through a link sent to your inbox.
- 2Fill Online Application Form
Log in with your credentials and proceed to fill out the comprehensive online application form. This includes providing your biographical details, contact information, academic background, professional experience (if any), and non-academic engagements.
- 3Complete Essays
The essay section is a critical component. You must complete three written reflective essays and are highly recommended to submit a video essay to convey your personality and thought process.
- 4Upload Documents
Prepare and upload the required supporting documents. These typically include a government-issued ID, a recent photograph, a one-page CV/resume, academic marksheets, and any supporting documents for your non-academic activities.
- 5Review and Submit
Carefully review all sections of your application to ensure accuracy and completeness. The application process is free of cost. Once satisfied, submit your application. Only submitted applications will be considered for evaluation.
- 6Personal Interview
If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited for a personal interview. This is typically a virtual conversation, lasting 25-40 minutes, with a panel of faculty or alumni. Some candidates may be invited for a second interview, or a specific Chancellor's Scholarship interview.
- 7Letter of Recommendation (LoR)
Upon being shortlisted, you will be required to submit one Letter of Recommendation.
- 8Status Tracking
You can track the status of your application on the application portal. The status will update from 'application under process' to 'shortlisted for telephonic interview' and then 'shortlisted for personal interview'.
- 9
Admission Decision and Scholarship Application: You will receive a decision regarding your admission (offer, waitlisted, or denial). If admitted or waitlisted, a separate need-based scholarship form will be available, which you must complete within one week of receiving your offer if you wish to apply for additional financial aid.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Does the Young India Fellowship provide full financial support, and what exactly does it cover?
Yes, all selected Fellows for the Class of 2026-27 receive a scholarship, ranging from 25% to a full 100% waiver of program costs. The program costs covered include tuition fees, residential accommodation on campus, and meals. Some fully funded scholarships may also provide additional stipends. A few exceptional candidates may also be awarded the prestigious Chancellor's Scholarship, which covers 100% of both tuition and residence fees.
Are there any age limits or mandatory work experience requirements to apply for the Young India Fellowship?
No, there is no age limit for applicants to the Young India Fellowship (YIF), and candidates of all age groups and nationalities are encouraged to apply. While relevant work experience (full-time, entrepreneurial, freelancing, or internships) may be considered an advantage during the selection process, it is not a mandatory requirement for eligibility.
How important are academic marks and extracurricular activities in the selection process, and what else does Ashoka University look for?
The YIF selection process is holistic, meaning that while academic performance is considered, it is just one of several factors. The admissions committee evaluates each applicant's unique journey, leadership potential, emotional maturity, strong intellectual ability, and commitment to improving society. Candidates are encouraged to share their non-academic interests, hobbies, and personal experiences as these contribute to understanding their overall profile and potential fit for the interdisciplinary program.
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Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Ashoka University website before final submission.