90th Know India Programme for Young Indian Diaspora (South Africa)

Deadline: 28-Sep-2026

The 90th Know India Programme invites Persons of Indian Origin, Overseas Citizens of India, and Non-Resident Indians aged 18–30 to explore India’s heritage, society, economy, and development. Scheduled from 15 to 29 October 2026, the program provides full hospitality in India and reimburses or covers 50% of eligible economy-class international airfare, with applications due by 10 September 2026.

About the Know India Programme

The Know India Programme, commonly known as KIP, is a flagship diaspora-engagement initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. It provides young members of the Indian diaspora with an immersive opportunity to connect with their ancestral homeland.

Participants gain direct exposure to

Key Dates

The important dates are:

- Application deadline: 10 September 2026.

- Programme start date: 15 October 2026.

- Programme end date: 29 October 2026.

- Duration: Approximately two weeks.

Applicants should confirm their availability for the entire program before submitting an application. Purpose of the Programme

The Know India Programme aims to:

- Reconnect diaspora youth with their Indian roots. - Increase awareness of India’s cultural heritage. - Promote understanding of India’s diverse society. - Showcase economic and social transformation. - Introduce participants to contemporary India. - Strengthen relationships between India and its diaspora. - Encourage long-term cultural engagement. - Build connections among young diaspora members. - Provide first-hand exposure to India’s development. - Promote informed appreciation of India’s achievements and challenges. What the Programme Offers The program provides selected participants with: - A structured cultural and educational journey in India. - Full hospitality during the program. - Boarding and lodging. - Internal transportation. - Exposure to Indian society and institutions. - Cultural visits. - Opportunities to understand India’s development. - Support covering 50% of eligible economy-class international airfare. - Interaction with other young diaspora participants. Applicants should review the official guidelines for the complete list of included and excluded expenses. Hospitality in India Selected participants will receive full hospitality during the program.

This includes:

- Boarding. - Lodging. - Internal transportation connected to the official itinerary.

Participants should consult the official terms for details concerning

- Arrival and departure arrangements. - Meals. - Accommodation standards. - Local transfers. - Personal expenses. - Medical costs. - Travel insurance. - Additional travel outside the official itinerary. Only expenses specifically included in the official program rules should be considered covered. International Airfare Support The program provides 50% of eligible economy-class airfare from the nearest international airport in the participant’s country of residence to India.

Applicants should confirm:

- Whether airfare is reimbursed or booked by the organizers. - Which destination airport in India applies. - Which route is eligible. - Whether prior travel approval is required. - What receipts and boarding passes must be retained. - When the 50% support is paid. - Whether airfare limits apply. - Whether domestic travel to the international airport is covered. Participants should not purchase tickets until they understand the official travel instructions. Illustrative Airfare Calculation If an approved economy-class international ticket costs $1,000, 50% airfare support would equal $500. This example is illustrative only. Actual support will depend on the approved fare, route, booking process, and official terms. The participant is generally responsible for the remaining 50% and any ineligible travel expenses. Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

- Be Persons of Indian Origin, Overseas Citizens of India, or Non-Resident Indians. - Be between 18 and 30 years old. - Hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in any discipline. - Reside outside India. - Be available from 15 to 29 October 2026. - Submit a complete application. - Provide all required documents. - Meet applicable travel and participation requirements. - Not have participated in a previous KIP or IPDY. Applicants should confirm how age is calculated under the official guidelines. Eligible Diaspora Categories

The program is open to:

- Persons of Indian Origin. - Overseas Citizens of India. - Non-Resident Indians. Applicants must provide documentary evidence of the relevant status. Persons of Indian Origin A Person of Indian Origin generally refers to an individual with Indian ancestry who lives outside India and may hold citizenship in another country. PIO applicants should provide the documents specified by the concerned Indian Mission or Post to establish their Indian origin. Overseas Citizens of India An Overseas Citizen of India is a foreign national registered as an OCI cardholder under the applicable Indian legal framework.

OCI applicants may need to provide:

- A valid passport. - A valid OCI card. - Proof of overseas residence. - Other requested identity documents. Non-Resident Indians A Non-Resident Indian is an Indian citizen who ordinarily resides outside India.

NRI applicants may need to provide:

- A valid Indian passport. - Proof of residence outside India. - Evidence of age. - Educational qualifications. - Other documents required by the Indian Mission or Post. Age Requirement Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old. Candidates close to the minimum or maximum age should confirm: - The official age-reference date. - Whether applicants must be 18 by the application deadline. - Whether candidates who turn 31 before or during the program remain eligible. The official KIP guidelines determine final age eligibility. Educational Requirement

Applicants must hold:

- An undergraduate degree; or - A graduate degree, in any discipline. Applicants should prepare degree certificates, transcripts