Know India Programme for Indian Diaspora Youth (Sierra Leone)

Deadline: 27-Aug-2026

Know India Programme 2026: Overview

The Know India Programme (KIP) is a flagship initiative of the Government of India that connects young members of the Indian diaspora with India’s heritage, culture, innovation, economy, and development journey. The programme offers a two-week immersive experience for eligible PIOs, OCIs, and NRIs aged 18–28, divided into two cohorts: Scholars & Innovators and Young Professionals. Selected participants receive local hospitality, internal travel, and programme-related support in India. The programme combines cultural visits with exposure to India’s scientific institutions, start-up ecosystem, public policy, entrepreneurship, governance, and contemporary development initiatives. What Is the Know India Programme? The Know India Programme was launched in 2003–04 by the Government of India as a diaspora engagement initiative. Its primary purpose is to help young people of Indian origin understand their ancestral country while developing a deeper appreciation of India’s cultural diversity and contemporary achievements. The programme provides participants with direct exposure to: - Indian history and civilizational heritage - Art, culture, traditions, and regional diversity - Science, technology, and innovation - Entrepreneurship and start-ups - Public policy and governance - Economic development - Digital transformation - National development initiatives - Yoga, Ayurveda, classical music, and dance - India’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 KIP is therefore more than a cultural visit. It is an educational, cultural, professional, and experiential diaspora programme designed to strengthen connections between India and younger generations of the global Indian community. Know India Programme Cohorts The programme is divided into two age-based groups to provide participants with experiences relevant to their educational and professional backgrounds. Scholars and Innovators The Scholars and Innovators cohort is intended for participants aged 18–23 years. The cohort focuses on helping young participants understand India’s cultural heritage, scientific development, innovation ecosystem, entrepreneurship opportunities, and broader development journey. Applicants are expected to meet the programme’s educational requirements, including the specified minimum qualification for this cohort. Young Professionals The Young Professionals cohort is designed for participants aged 24–28 years. This cohort provides greater exposure to India’s professional, economic, entrepreneurial, policy, and innovation ecosystems. Participants can interact with entrepreneurs, industry leaders, start-ups, institutions, and other professionals. A university graduation qualification is required for this cohort under the programme eligibility requirements. Who Is Eligible for the Know India Programme? The programme is open to young people of Indian origin who meet the applicable nationality, age, education, and participation requirements.

Eligible categories include:

- Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) - Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) - Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) The overall age range is 18–28 years, divided as follows:

- 18–23 years: Scholars & Innovators

- 24–28 years: Young Professionals

Applicants must also meet the programme’s educational requirements and demonstrate proficiency in spoken English. Applicants who have already participated in KIP or similar Government of India-funded programmes may not be eligible. Key Eligibility Requirements Applicants should generally meet the following conditions: - Be a person of Indian origin, including an eligible PIO, OCI, or NRI. - Be within the applicable age range for the selected cohort. - Meet the minimum educational qualification for the cohort. - Have adequate spoken English proficiency. - Not have previously participated in KIP or similar government-funded programmes in India. - Provide documentary evidence supporting Indian origin or NRI/OCI status, as applicable. - Meet all additional requirements specified in the relevant KIP application notice. Preference may be given to applicants who have not previously visited India, NRIs living in the Gulf region, and participants from Girmitiya countries, subject to the programme’s applicable criteria. What Does the Know India Programme Offer? KIP provides a structured two-week experience combining educational exposure, cultural immersion, professional interaction, and travel.

Selected participants can benefit from:

- Local hospitality in India - Internal transportation during the programme - Visits to historical and cultural locations - Exposure to India’s scientific and research institutions - Interactions with entrepreneurs and industry leaders - Start-up and innovation ecosystem visits - Public policy and governance sessions - Cultural activities and regional experiences - Exposure to Yoga, Ayurveda, music, and dance - Travel to at least two States or Union Territories - Opportunities to interact with Indian institutions and communities The programme is designed to give participants a broad understanding of both traditional India and contemporary India. What Will Participants Learn? The programme covers several interconnected areas of Indian society and development. Culture and Heritage Participants explore India’s civilizational history, cultural traditions, regional diversity, historical landmarks, and artistic heritage. Science and Innovation The programme exposes participants to India’s scientific and technological capabilities and may include visits to premier institutions such as: - IITs - IIMs - ISRO - BARC - Other leading scientific and research institutions Entrepreneurship and Start-ups Participants learn about India’s growing entrepreneurship ecosystem through interactions with: - Start-ups - Entrepreneurs - Incubators - Industry leaders - Innovation-focused institutions Governance and Public Policy KIP also introduces participants to India’s governance structure, pu