Know India Programme 89th Edition for Scholars and Innovators (Russia)

Deadline: 27-Aug-2026

89th Know India Programme 2026: Overview

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India invites applications from eligible Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) aged 18–23 years for the 89th Edition of the Know India Programme (KIP). The 89th edition is themed “Scholars and Innovators” and is designed to connect young members of the Indian diaspora with India’s culture, heritage, academic environment, innovation ecosystem, and contemporary achievements. The programme is scheduled to take place from 15 September to 29 September 2026. Selected participants may receive support for eligible travel and accommodation expenses, subject to the programme’s applicable guidelines and conditions. What Is the Know India Programme? The Know India Programme (KIP) is an initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, that seeks to strengthen engagement between India and young members of the Indian diaspora. The programme gives eligible participants an opportunity to experience India directly and develop a deeper understanding of: - Indian culture and heritage. - India’s history and traditions. - Contemporary economic development. - Academic and research institutions. - Science and technology. - Innovation and entrepreneurship. - India’s evolving start-up ecosystem. - Contemporary achievements and development. KIP is designed as an immersive learning and cultural experience rather than simply a tourism programme. What Is the 89th Edition of KIP? The 89th Edition of the Know India Programme is themed “Scholars and Innovators.” The edition focuses particularly on young members of the Indian diaspora who have an interest or background in academic, research, scientific, technological, or innovation-related fields. Through the programme, participants can strengthen their understanding of India’s academic and innovation landscape while also connecting with the country’s cultural and historical heritage. When Will the 89th Know India Programme Take Place?

The 89th edition is scheduled for:

- Start date: 15 September 2026

- End date: 29 September 2026

- Duration: Approximately two weeks

- Theme: Scholars and Innovators

- Host country: India

Applicants should follow the official programme communication for detailed travel schedules, reporting instructions, programme venues, and other participation arrangements. Why Does the Know India Programme Matter? The programme provides young members of the Indian diaspora with an opportunity to build a direct connection with India. For participants who have grown up outside India, KIP can provide firsthand exposure to India’s cultural identity and its contemporary development.

The programme aims to help participants:

- Understand India’s cultural heritage. - Strengthen their connection with their Indian roots. - Learn about India’s academic ecosystem. - Explore science and technology developments. - Understand India’s innovation landscape. - Discover India’s entrepreneurship and start-up ecosystem. - Build connections with institutions and other young participants. - Develop a broader understanding of contemporary India. For the 89th edition, the Scholars and Innovators theme provides additional emphasis on India’s academic, research, scientific, and innovation capabilities. Who Is Eligible? The 89th Know India Programme is open to individuals who satisfy the programme’s specified age and diaspora-status requirements.

Applicants must:

- Be 18 to 23 years old. - Be a Person of Indian Origin (PIO), Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), or Non-Resident Indian (NRI). - Meet the detailed eligibility conditions specified in the official KIP guidelines. - Be able to participate in the programme during the scheduled dates. The 89th edition is themed “Scholars and Innovators,” making it particularly relevant to applicants with academic, research, scientific, technological, or innovation interests. Understanding the Eligible Categories Applicants should understand the terminology used in the programme. Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) Persons of Indian Origin are individuals of Indian origin living outside India who meet the applicable definition and eligibility requirements. Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) Overseas Citizens of India are individuals who hold OCI status under India’s applicable legal framework. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) Non-Resident Indians are Indian citizens who reside outside India while retaining Indian citizenship, subject to applicable rules. Applicants should rely on the official KIP guidelines when determining whether their status qualifies for the programme. What Is the “Scholars and Innovators” Theme? The Scholars and Innovators theme highlights the connection between India’s young diaspora and the country’s academic and innovation ecosystem. It is particularly relevant to participants interested in: - Higher education. - Research and development. - Science. - Technology. - Innovation. - Entrepreneurship. - Start-ups. - Academic collaboration. - Knowledge exchange. - Emerging technologies. The theme provides an opportunity for young participants to understand India’s changing role in global research, technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. What Benefits Can Selected Participants Receive? Selected participants may receive support for eligible programme-related expenses in accordance with the official guidelines.

The available support may include:

- Travel assistance - Accommodation support - Programme-related arrangements and activities, subject to applicable conditions Participants also benefit from the educational and cultural experience offered through KIP. The exact level and scope of financial or logistical support should be confirmed from the official guidelines for the 89th edition. What Can Participants Experience? The Know India Programme is designed to provide participants with a broad understanding of India. Potential areas of e