89th Edition of the Know India Programme for Indian Diaspora Youth (Colombia)

Deadline: 25-Aug-2026

The Know India Programme (KIP) is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, offering young members of the Indian diaspora a two-week educational, cultural, and professional immersion experience in India. The programme is open to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) aged 18–28, with separate cohorts for Scholars & Innovators and Young Professionals. Selected participants receive major travel and hospitality support, including 90% of international airfare, accommodation, meals, domestic transportation, airport transfers, and a gratis visa. Each cohort admits up to 25 participants per edition. What Is the Know India Programme? The Know India Programme (KIP) was launched in 2003–04 by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. It aims to strengthen connections between young members of the Indian diaspora and India by providing first-hand exposure to the country’s: The programme combines educational sessions, institutional visits, cultural activities, professional interactions, and opportunities to engage with India’s contemporary development. Who Can Participate in the Know India Programme? KIP is structured into two age-based cohorts. Scholars & Innovators This cohort is designed for young participants aged 18–23 years.

The content focuses particularly on:

Academic and research opportunities. Innovation. Entrepreneurship. Start-ups. Science and technology. Research institutions. India’s innovation ecosystem. Young Professionals The Young Professionals cohort is intended for participants aged 24–28 years. Applicants must meet the programme’s nationality, age, education, and other eligibility requirements.

Generally, applicants must:

Be Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), or Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Be between 18 and 28 years of age, depending on the selected cohort. Meet the minimum educational qualifications specified for the relevant cohort. Have proficiency in spoken English. Meet other requirements stated in the applicable programme guidelines. Preference is given to applicants who have not previously visited India. Applicants who have previously participated in the Know India Programme or similar Government of India-funded programmes in India are not permitted to participate. What Does the Programme Offer? KIP provides a structured two-week immersion in India. Participants receive exposure to both traditional Indian heritage and contemporary developments. What Can Participants Learn About India’s Innovation Ecosystem? A major component of KIP is exposure to India’s rapidly developing innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Participants may interact with

Start-up founders. Entrepreneurs. Incubators. Innovation organizations. Industry leaders. Researchers. Scientific institutions. These interactions allow young members of the Indian diaspora to understand India’s growing role in technology, entrepreneurship, research, and innovation. What Scientific and Technological Areas Are Covered? The programme provides exposure to India’s achievements across multiple sectors.

These can include:

Science and technology. Information technology. Space research. Agriculture. Infrastructure. Education. Scientific research. Innovation. Entrepreneurship. Visits to premier scientific and research institutions help participants understand India’s research and development capabilities. What Cultural Experiences Are Included? KIP is not limited to professional and academic exposure. Participants also experience India’s cultural heritage through activities and visits related to: Previous similar Government-funded India programme: Not permitted

Preference: Applicants who have not previously visited India

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Know India Programme? The Know India Programme (KIP) is a Government of India initiative that gives young members of the Indian diaspora an opportunity to experience India’s culture, heritage, innovation, institutions, and economic development through a structured two-week immersion programme. Who can apply for KIP? Young Persons of Indian Origin, Overseas Citizens of India, and Non-Resident Indians can apply, subject to the applicable age, educational, and other eligibility requirements. What are the two KIP cohorts?

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

Does the Government of India pay for international airfare? The Government of India covers 90% of international airfare for selected participants. The remaining 10% must be paid by participants. Are accommodation and internal travel covered? Yes. Selected participants receive local hospitality, including boarding, lodging in designated hotels, internal transportation, and airport transfers within India. Is a visa provided to selected participants? Yes. Gratis visas are issued to selected participants through Indian Missions or Posts abroad, subject to applicable requirements. Can someone who has already participated in KIP apply again? No. Previous participation in KIP or similar Government of India-funded programmes in India is not permitted under the stated eligibility conditions. Conclusion The Know India Programme provides young members of the Indian diaspora with a unique opportunity to experience India’s heritage while exploring its modern innovation, entrepreneurship, science, technology, governance, industry, and economic development. With separate Scholars & Innovators and Young Professionals cohorts, substantial government-supported travel and hospitality, and a two-week programme of institutional, cultural, and professional exposure, KIP is designed to strengthen long-term connections between India’s global diaspora and contemporary India.