Know India Programme (KIP) is an initiative by the Ministry of External Affairs for the Indian Diaspora youth between the age group of 21-35 years. The primary objective of the KIP is to foster a closer connection between Indian diaspora youth and their ancestral homeland by augmenting their understanding of India. The Programme provides a platform for the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) youth to familiarize themselves with contemporary India, through a three-week ‘knowledge tourism’ programme providing them exposure to different aspects of the growth and development of India. The programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding Non-Resident Indians) with preference given to PIOs from Girmitiya countries. A maximum of 40 Indian Diaspora youth are selected for each programme and provided full hospitality in India. 90% of the total cost of international airfare is also borne by the Ministry.

To participate, download the below-attached application form and send the filled copy to the email: [email protected] 

Application Deadline for 82nd Edition: 18 April 2025

The Content of the Programme broadly includes the following:

• Presentations on India, and its polity, economy, history, culture, etc.
• Visits to institutes of democracy and governance.
• Call on high dignitaries.
• Visit to places of historical & cultural importance
• Cultural events showcasing classical forms of music and dance.
• Visits to institutions of traditional knowledge systems like Yoga and Ayurveda
• Exposure to Indian Media and Broadcasting industry.
• Visit to leading Scientific and Research Institutions.
• Immersion programme along with interaction with faculty and students at a prestigious    University/College/Institute.
• Visit to industrial sites, public and private firms to showcase India’s strength in the Manufacturing &

Services sector.

• Exposure to Govt. of India schemes like Skill India, Digital India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, StartUp India.
• Visit to one or two State(s) in India.

 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

1. Age:The programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding non-resident Indians) in the age group of 21-35 years, as on the first day of the month in which the programme is expected to begin.
2. It is open to PIO youthfrom all over the world. Applicant must provide his/her OCI card number or PIO card number or that of his/her parents or grandparents. In the absence of any documentary proof of Indian Origin, the applicant must submit a written undertaking about his Indian Origin which must be attested by DCM/DCG or HOM/HOP of the Mission/Post.

• Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligibleto apply.

1. Previous participation:The applicant should not have participated in any previous edition of the Know India Programme or any other programme organized and paid for by the Ministry of External Affairs and any other Ministry/Department in the Government of India or a State Government in India.
2. Educational Qualification:The minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is graduation from a recognized University/Institute. Applicants pursuing graduation are not eligible to apply.
3. Language:The applicants should be able to speak in English, should have studied English as a subject at the High School level or have English as the medium of instruction for undergraduate courses.

• The applicants who have not visited India before will be given preference.

DURATION: The duration of the programme is about three weeks (including international travel).

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE: All KIP participants will need to submit a copy of a valid international travel insurance and medical insurance policy for the duration of their visit to India. The participants will also need to submit a medical fitness report or certificate confirming their ability to undertake long-distance and extended-duration travel.

SUBMISSION OF PROGRAMME REPORT BY THE SELECTED PARTICIPANTS: For the successful completion of the KIP programme, participants will be required to submit a 750-1000 word Programme Report outlining their experiences and insights from the programme. The report will be a detailed account of their learnings from the Programme and how the visit has helped improve their understanding of India. The participants will receive Certificates only after the acceptance of their Programme Reports.

Application Deadline for 82nd Edition: 18 April 2025

Application Form