Call for Applications: 90th Edition of the Know India Programme (Malawi)

Deadline: 28-Sep-2026

The High Commission of India in Lilongwe is inviting young people of Indian origin aged 18–30 to apply for the 90th Know India Programme. Scheduled from 18 to 31 October 2026, the two-week program offers an immersive introduction to India’s culture, heritage, innovation, technology, and development, with participants responsible for only 10% of their international airfare.

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 opportunity to reconnect with their ancestral homeland and gain first-hand knowledge of contemporary India. The program combines cultural immersion with exposure to India’s technological, economic, social, and institutional development.

About the 90th Edition

The 90th edition will offer selected participants a structured two-week experience in India.

Program details include:

- Start date: 18 October 2026.

- End date: 31 October 2026.

- Duration: Two weeks.

- Eligible age range: 18–30.

- Minimum education: 10+2 or equivalent.

- Funding: Fully sponsored, except for 10% of international airfare.

- Inviting mission: High Commission of India in Lilongwe.

Applicants should ensure that they are available throughout the complete program period. Purpose of the Programme

The Know India Programme aims to:

- Reconnect diaspora youth with their Indian roots. - Increase awareness of India’s cultural heritage. - Introduce participants to the country’s regional diversity. - Showcase innovation and technological progress. - Provide insights into India’s development journey. - Strengthen relationships between India and its diaspora. - Encourage long-term cultural and professional engagement. - Build networks among young people of Indian origin. - Promote a balanced understanding of traditional and contemporary India. - Foster appreciation of India’s achievements and continuing development. Key Areas of Focus The program will introduce participants to: - Indian culture. - Historical and cultural heritage. - Regional traditions. - Innovation. - Science and technology. - Entrepreneurship. - Economic transformation. - Social development. - Public institutions. - India’s overall development trajectory. The High Commission or Ministry of External Affairs will provide the confirmed itinerary and activity schedule to selected participants. Cultural Heritage India’s cultural heritage reflects its long history and extensive social, linguistic, artistic, and regional diversity.

Participants may gain exposure to

- Historical monuments. - Art and architecture. - Music and dance. - Languages and literature. - Traditional crafts. - Festivals and customs. - Regional traditions. - Cultural institutions. - Community life. - Contemporary cultural expression. These experiences are intended to strengthen participants’ connection with their ancestral heritage. Innovation and Technology The program will showcase India’s progress in innovation and technology.

Relevant areas may include:

Participants will gain a broader understanding of how technology contributes to India’s development. India’s Development Journey The Know India Programme presents India as both an ancient civilization and a modern, rapidly developing country.

Participants may learn about

This exposure helps diaspora youth better understand India’s progress, opportunities, and contemporary priorities. Funding and Sponsorship The program is fully sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, except for 10% of the international airfare. This means selected participants are expected to contribute: - 10% of the international airfare. The Ministry’s sponsorship will cover eligible program-related expenses, subject to the official terms. Applicants should confirm with the High Commission: - How airfare is booked. - How the participant’s 10% contribution is calculated. - Whether payment is required before travel. - Which route or fare class applies. - Which expenses are considered program-related. - Whether personal expenses are excluded. - Whether insurance, visas, or domestic travel to the departure point are covered. The official sponsorship rules should be treated as authoritative. International Airfare Contribution

Participants must pay 10% of the applicable international airfare

For example, if the eligible international ticket cost were $1,000, the participant’s 10% share would be $100. This example is illustrative only. Actual costs will depend on the approved route, fare, booking process, and official program rules. Applicants should not purchase tickets independently unless instructed by the High Commission. Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

- Be youth of Indian origin. - Be between 18 and 30 years old. - Have completed at least 10+2 education or its equivalent. - Be available from 18 to 31 October 2026. - Be able to contribute 10% of the international airfare. - Meet all documentation and travel requirements. - Follow the application process established by the High Commission. - Comply with all program rules. Applicants should seek clarification from the High Commission regarding citizenship, residency, previous participation, and jurisdiction-specific eligibility. Age Requirement Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years old. Applicants close to the minimum or maximum age should confirm: - The reference date used to calculate age. - Whether candidates must be 18 before the application deadline. - Whether applicants who turn 31 before or during the program remain eligible. The High Commission’s official guidance will determine final eligibility. Educational Requirement

Applicants must have completed:

- 10+2 education; or - An equivalent high-school qualification. Candidates should be prepared to provide certificates, transcripts, or other evidence showing completion of the minimum educational qualification. A