89th Edition of the Know India Programme (Qatar)

Deadline: 27-Aug-2026

The Know India Programme (KIP) is a Government of India initiative that connects young people of Indian origin with India’s heritage, culture, innovation, governance, and contemporary development. The 89th Edition is open to PIOs, OCIs, and NRIs aged 18–28, divided into two cohorts—Scholars & Innovators aged 18–23 and Young Professionals aged 24–28—with selected participants receiving local hospitality, internal travel, and programme expenses in India. What Is the Know India Programme? The Know India Programme (KIP) was launched in 2003–04 as a flagship initiative of the Government of India to strengthen engagement with young members of the Indian diaspora. The programme provides participants with an immersive understanding of India’s: KIP also encourages young people of Indian origin to develop a stronger connection with India and explore opportunities to contribute to the country’s development. Know India Programme 89th Edition The 89th Edition is structured around two separate age-based cohorts. Scholars & Innovators This cohort is for participants aged 18–23 years. It is designed for young scholars and innovators interested in India’s research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and development ecosystem. Young Professionals This cohort is for participants aged 24–28 years. It provides young professionals with exposure to India’s economic, policy, governance, industry, entrepreneurship, and development landscape. Each cohort is limited to 25 participants. What Does the Programme Offer? The Know India Programme provides a two-week immersive experience in India, including travel time. Participants receive exposure to India’s traditional heritage as well as its modern development achievements.

Key programme components include:

Visits to premier scientific and research institutions. Interaction with start-ups and incubators. Engagement with entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Travel to at least two States or Union Territories. Why the Know India Programme Matters KIP provides diaspora youth with an opportunity to understand India through direct experiences rather than only through family or cultural connections.

The programme helps participants:

Connect with their Indian heritage. Understand India’s cultural diversity. Explore India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Provide documentary proof of Indian origin or NRI status, as applicable. Meet the specified educational requirements. Not have previously participated in KIP or similar government-funded programmes in India.

Preference is given to applicants who:

Have not previously visited India. Are NRIs residing in the Gulf region. Are from Girmitiya countries. What Expenses Are Covered? Selected participants receive support for programme-related expenses within India.

The programme covers:

Local hospitality Internal travel Programme expenses in India This support allows selected participants to take part in the scheduled activities and travel without independently financing the core programme arrangements in India. What Will Participants Experience? The programme combines educational, professional, cultural, and historical experiences. Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Participants can interact with

Start-ups Incubators Entrepreneurs Industry leaders Innovation institutions These activities provide insight into India’s growing entrepreneurship and technology ecosystem. Public Policy and Governance

Participants also receive exposure to

Public policy Governance Economic development Government initiatives National development programmes Science and Research Visits to premier scientific and research institutions help participants understand India’s capabilities in research, technology, and innovation. Heritage and Culture

The programme includes visits to:

Iconic heritage sites Historical locations Cultural institutions Places of regional significance Participants also experience India’s linguistic and cultural diversity through travel across at least two States or Union Territories. How the Know India Programme Works The programme follows an immersive learning model rather than a conventional academic course. The process can be understood in these steps:

Select the appropriate cohort: Determine whether you fall into the 18–23 Scholars & Innovators or 24–28 Young Professionals category.

Check eligibility: Confirm your Indian-origin or NRI status, age, education, English proficiency, and previous participation status.

Prepare documentation: Collect proof of Indian origin or NRI status and other required educational and personal documents.

Submit the application: Complete the application according to the official KIP instructions.

Selection: Applications are assessed according to the programme’s eligibility and selection criteria.

Participate in India: Selected participants attend the two-week programme and participate in institutional visits, cultural activities, professional interactions, and regional travel. Important Eligibility Restrictions Applicants should pay particular attention to the programme’s previous-participation rule. Youth who have already participated in KIP or similar government-funded programmes in India may not be eligible. Applicants should also ensure that their documentary proof clearly establishes their eligibility as a PIO, OCI, or NRI. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying for the wrong age cohort. Failing to provide proof of Indian origin or NRI status. Ignoring the educational requirements. Submitting incomplete documentation. Failing to demonstrate English proficiency. Applying despite having previously participated in KIP or a similar government-funded programme. Assuming that previous travel to India has no relevance to selection. Providing inaccurate information about residency or diaspora status. Applicants should carefully review the official requirements for the 89th Edition before submitting their application. Key Facts About the Know India Programme Programme