Know India Programme 89th Edition for Indian Diaspora Youth (Ecuador)

Deadline: 27-Aug-2026

The Know India Programme (KIP) is a Government of India initiative that connects young members of the Indian diaspora aged 18–28 with their Indian heritage while introducing them to India’s contemporary development, governance, innovation, culture, and economy. The 89th Edition will run from 15–29 September 2026, with separate cohorts for Scholars & Innovators aged 18–23 and Young Professionals aged 24–28; applications close on 27 August 2026. What Is the Know India Programme? The Know India Programme (KIP) is an engagement initiative of the Government of India, launched in 2003–04, to strengthen connections between India and young members of the global Indian diaspora. The programme allows eligible participants to experience India’s cultural heritage and contemporary development through educational sessions, institutional visits, cultural activities, interactions with professionals, and visits to different parts of the country. KIP aims to encourage young people of Indian origin to understand India’s development journey and explore ways to contribute to Viksit Bharat @2047. What Are the Two KIP Cohorts? KIP is structured into two separate age-based cohorts:

Scholars & Innovators: 18–23 years

Young Professionals: 24–28 years

Each cohort has tailored activities and learning opportunities based on the participants’ age, education, and professional interests. Each edition generally includes 25 participants per cohort and lasts approximately two weeks, including travel time. When Is the 89th Know India Programme? The 89th Edition of the Know India Programme is scheduled for:

Programme dates: 15–29 September 2026

Duration: Two weeks, including travel time

Application deadline: 27 August 2026

Cohorts: Scholars & Innovators and Young Professionals

Eligible age range: 18–28 years, depending on the cohort

Applicants should check the official programme guidelines for the latest information on dates, travel arrangements, and selection. Who Is Eligible for the Know India Programme? The programme is open to young people of Indian origin who fall into the specified KIP categories.

Eligible applicants may include:

Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) Age eligibility is determined on the first day of the programme.

Eligibility for Scholars & Innovators

Applicants for the Scholars & Innovators cohort must: Be 18–23 years old. Be a PIO, OCI, or NRI. Have completed at least 12th Class or the qualification specified in the programme guidelines. Have proficiency in spoken English. Have studied English at the high-school level or meet the specified English-medium education requirement.

Eligibility for Young Professionals

Applicants for the Young Professionals cohort must: Be 24–28 years old. Be a PIO, OCI, or NRI. Hold a graduation degree from a recognized university or institute. Have proficiency in spoken English. Have studied English at high-school level or completed undergraduate education with English as the medium of instruction. Who Gets Preference? The programme gives preference to certain applicants, including: NRIs residing in the Gulf region. Applicants who have not previously visited India. Preference does not replace the basic eligibility requirements. Applicants must still satisfy all applicable KIP conditions. Who Is Not Eligible? Applicants cannot participate if they have previously participated in: Any edition of the Know India Programme. Another programme organized and funded by the Ministry of External Affairs. A programme organized and funded by another Ministry or Department of the Government of India. A programme organized and funded by a State Government in India. Applicants who do not satisfy the required age, education, Indian-origin, or English-language requirements are also ineligible. What Does the Know India Programme Offer? KIP provides participants with a broad introduction to India’s society, institutions, economy, culture, innovation ecosystem, and development priorities. Participants also gain first-hand exposure through institutional visits, cultural experiences, and interactions with Indian professionals and organisations.

Scholars & Innovators: What Will Participants Explore?

The Scholars & Innovators cohort focuses particularly on India’s innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and development ecosystem. This cohort is designed to help young scholars and innovators understand India’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem.

Young Professionals: What Will Participants Explore?

The Young Professionals cohort provides greater exposure to India’s institutions, governance systems, policymaking, economy, and professional environment.

Participants may visit or learn about institutions such as

Parliament of India Rashtrapati Bhavan Election Commission of India Government institutions Research and educational organisations Industry and business institutions The objective is to help participants understand India’s democratic institutions, governance architecture, economic transformation, and global role. Cultural and Heritage Experiences KIP is not limited to classroom-based learning. Participants are introduced to India’s cultural and civilizational heritage through activities such as: Yoga Ayurveda Classical Indian music Classical dance Visits to heritage sites Cultural programmes Regional experiences Potential heritage destinations may include: Red Fort Qutub Minar Taj Mahal Khajuraho Temples Konark Sun Temple The programme also provides exposure to India’s regional, linguistic, and cultural diversity. How Does KIP Showcase India’s Development?

Participants learn about India’s progress across a wide range of sectors

These may include:

Science and Technology Participants gain exposure to India’s scientific research, technology development, and innovation capabilities. Digital Transformation KIP introduces participants to India’s digital development, including Digital India and Digital Public Infrastru