Know India Programme for Indian Diaspora Youth in Sweden

Deadline: 27-Aug-2026

The 89th Know India Programme (KIP) is a Government of India initiative for young members of the Indian diaspora aged 18–23 years who want to explore India’s heritage, culture, innovation, and development. Scheduled for 15–29 September 2026, the programme provides exposure to India’s universities, research institutions, start-ups, public policy, technology, and cultural heritage, with the Government of India covering 90% of international airfare and local programme expenses for selected participants. What Is the Know India Programme? The Know India Programme (KIP) is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, launched in 2003–04. The programme is designed to strengthen connections between young members of the Indian diaspora and their ancestral country. KIP combines cultural immersion with educational and professional exposure, helping participants understand both India’s historical heritage and contemporary development. The 89th edition of KIP is designed specifically for Scholars and Innovators aged 18–23 years.

It will take place from:

15 September to 29 September 2026 The two-week programme provides participants with opportunities to learn about India’s innovation ecosystem, research institutions, economic development, cultural heritage, and public policy. Participants will also travel to at least two States or Union Territories, allowing them to experience India’s regional, cultural, and linguistic diversity. Why Does the Know India Programme Matter? KIP provides young diaspora members with first-hand exposure to India rather than relying only on classroom or online learning.

The programme helps participants:

Reconnect with their Indian heritage. Understand India’s contemporary development. Explore India’s innovation and start-up ecosystem. Learn about public policy and economic development. Visit leading educational and research institutions. Experience India’s cultural diversity. Develop professional and institutional connections. Understand India’s role in science, technology, and innovation. The programme also aims to encourage young members of the Indian diaspora to engage with and contribute to India’s development journey. What Will Participants Experience? The 89th edition provides a combination of educational sessions, institutional visits, professional interactions, and cultural activities. Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Participants will gain exposure to India’s growing innovation ecosystem through

Start-ups. Incubators. Entrepreneurs. Innovation institutions. Industry interactions. Entrepreneurship-related sessions. This component helps participants understand India’s evolving start-up and innovation landscape. Public Policy and Economic Development The programme includes interactive sessions covering areas such as: Public policy. Governance. Economic development. National development initiatives. India’s changing economic landscape. Participants can gain a broader understanding of how India’s institutions and policies contribute to national development. Science and Technology KIP introduces participants to India’s achievements in several technology and research areas, including: Science and technology. Information technology. Space research. Digital public infrastructure. Education and research. Infrastructure. Agriculture. The programme may include interactions with universities and leading scientific and research institutions. Travelling across at least two States or Union Territories provides participants with exposure to India’s regional, linguistic, and cultural diversity. Financial Support Selected participants receive substantial financial support from the Government of India. Gratis visa arrangements for selected participants.

Participants are responsible for the remaining 10% of international airfare

Programme Duration The 89th edition will run for approximately two weeks: 15 September 2026 – 29 September 2026 The programme includes travel, educational sessions, institutional visits, cultural activities, and regional exposure. Who Is Eligible? The programme is open to young people of Indian origin who meet the specified eligibility requirements.

Eligible categories include:

Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) For the 89th Scholars and Innovators edition, applicants must generally be 18–23 years old.

Applicants should also:

Meet the required educational qualification. Have proficiency in spoken English. Demonstrate Indian-origin status or applicable NRI status. Meet all programme documentation requirements. Not have previously participated in KIP or similar government-funded programmes. Educational and Other Requirements Applicants must satisfy the educational requirements specified for the Scholars and Innovators cohort. They should also demonstrate adequate spoken English proficiency for participating in educational sessions, institutional interactions, and group activities. Applicants should carefully verify the current official guidelines because specific documentation and qualification requirements may apply. Who May Receive Preference? Preference may be given to applicants who: Have not previously visited India. Demonstrate a genuine interest in India’s culture and development. Have academic or innovation-related interests relevant to the Scholars and Innovators theme. Preference does not replace the programme’s mandatory eligibility requirements. Who Is Not Eligible?

Applicants may be excluded if they:

Fall outside the specified age range. Do not satisfy the educational requirements. Cannot establish the required Indian-origin or NRI status. Have previously participated in KIP. Have participated in another government-funded programme in India where such participation is prohibited. Fail to provide required documentation. Do not meet the programme’s other eligibility conditions. How to Apply for the Know India Programme Applicants should f