89th edition of Know India Programme for Indian Diaspora Youth (Vietnam)

Deadline: 27-Aug-2026

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 providing exposure to India’s culture, heritage, innovation, and contemporary development. The programme is open to youth of Indian origin aged 18–28 years and is divided into two cohorts: Scholars & Innovators and Young Professionals.

About the Know India Programme

Launched in 2003–04, the Know India Programme is designed to strengthen engagement between India and its global diaspora. It provides participants with a first-hand understanding of India’s history, society, economy, governance, culture, and development. The programme also encourages diaspora youth to contribute to India’s developmental journey by connecting them with institutions, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and young innovators. Each edition lasts approximately two weeks, including travel time, and accommodates up to 25 participants in each cohort. Know India Programme Cohorts The programme is organised into two age-based cohorts:

Scholars & Innovators: Participants aged 18–23 years.

Young Professionals: Participants aged 24–28 years.

Each cohort follows a tailored programme based on the participants’ academic, professional, and developmental interests. What Does the Programme Offer? Participants receive an immersive introduction to contemporary India through educational sessions, institutional visits, cultural activities, and interactions with prominent organisations and individuals. Participants may also travel across multiple States and Union Territories, allowing them to experience India’s regional, linguistic, and cultural diversity. Financial Support and Hospitality The Government of India provides substantial financial support to selected participants.

Support includes:

90% of international airfare between the participant’s country of residence and India

Participants are responsible for the remaining 10% of airfare

Boarding and lodging in designated hotels Internal transportation within India Airport transfers Local hospitality during the programme Gratis visas for selected participants through Indian Missions/Posts abroad The programme therefore provides substantial support for participants during their stay in India. Who Can Apply? The Know India Programme is open to young people of Indian origin living outside India.

Eligible applicants may include:

Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) Applicants must generally be between 18 and 28 years of age, depending on the cohort. The programme gives preference to applicants who have not previously visited India and, in relevant cases, to NRIs residing in the Gulf region. Educational Requirements Applicants must meet the minimum educational requirements applicable to their cohort. For the Scholars & Innovators cohort, applicants must meet the prescribed minimum educational qualification, while Young Professionals are required to have graduated from a recognised university or institution. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in spoken English. Who Is Not Eligible? Applicants who have previously participated in the Know India Programme or similar government-funded programmes in India are generally not eligible. This includes previous participation in programmes organised or funded by the Government of India or relevant government departments, subject to the applicable programme guidelines. Programme Duration and Participants Each KIP edition runs for approximately two weeks, including travel time.

The programme generally accommodates:

25 Scholars & Innovators 25 Young Professionals The exact itinerary and activities may vary according to the edition and cohort. Why Participate in the Know India Programme? KIP provides diaspora youth with an opportunity to experience India directly rather than learning about the country only through family, media, or academic sources.

The programme can help participants:

Reconnect with their Indian heritage Understand India’s cultural diversity Explore India’s innovation ecosystem Learn about governance and public policy Meet Indian entrepreneurs and professionals Visit leading educational and research institutions Explore India’s scientific and technological achievements Experience Indian traditions and heritage Build professional and cultural networks Develop a deeper understanding of contemporary India Application Requirements Applicants should carefully review the specific edition guidelines before applying. Depending on their category, applicants may need to provide documentation proving their Indian origin, citizenship or residency status, educational qualifications, and other eligibility requirements. Selected participants may also be required to comply with programme-specific travel, visa, insurance, and reporting requirements. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Know India Programme? The Know India Programme is a Government of India initiative that enables young members of the Indian diaspora to reconnect with their Indian heritage and experience India’s culture, economy, innovation, institutions, and contemporary development. Who can participate in KIP? Youth of Indian origin, including PIOs, OCIs, and NRIs, can apply, subject to the age, education, English-language, and other eligibility requirements of the relevant cohort. What are the age groups for KIP?

KIP has two cohorts: Scholars & Innovators for ages 18–23 and Young Professionals for ages 24–28.

How long does the Know India Programme last? Each edition generally lasts two weeks, including travel time. Does the Government of India pay for airfare? Yes. The Government of India covers 90% of international airfare for selected participants. Participants are responsible for the remaining 10%. Does KIP provide accommodation? Yes. Selected participants receive local hospitality, including boarding, l