Applications Invited from Indian Diaspora Youth (Age 24–28 Years)

The High Commission of India, Seychelles invites applications from young members of the Indian diaspora for the 88th edition of the Know India Programme (KIP), an engagement initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Launched in 2003–04, KIP aims to strengthen the connect of diaspora youth with their ancestral roots while showcasing India’s contemporary growth and development across diverse sectors as the country marches towards Viksit Bharat @2047.
KIP is designed for youth of Indian origin between 18 and 28 years, with separate editions for two age cohorts:

• Scholars & Innovators (18–23 years)
• Young Professionals (24–28 years)

The 88th edition is for the Young Professionals cohort (24–28 years) and will be held from 16 August 2026 to 29 August 2026.
The last date to apply is 16 July 2026.

Programme Highlights
During the KIP 88th edition, participants will:

• Visit key national institutions of democracy, governance and policymaking such as Parliament of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan and other constitutional and regulatory bodies, subject to programme scheduling.
• Interact with policymakers, experts, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to understand India’s development trajectory and evolving global role.
• Experience India’s achievements in science and technology, information technology, space research, infrastructure, digital public infrastructure, education, agriculture and tourism through field visits and briefings.
• Visit places of historical, cultural and civilizational importance, including iconic heritage and UNESCO sites, to gain an understanding of India’s rich civilizational legacy.
• Participate in cultural immersion activities covering Yoga, Ayurveda, classical music and dance, regional art forms, and cultural performances.
• Travel to at least two States/Union Territories, providing exposure to India’s regional, linguistic and cultural diversity.

Travel, Visa and Hospitality

• Indian Missions/Posts will arrange return air tickets for selected participants from their country of residence to India and back.
• The Government of India will bear 90% of the airfare, while 10% of the airfare will be borne by the participant.
• Local hospitality in India—including boarding, lodging in designated hotels (generally on twin-sharing basis) and internal transportation including airport transfers—will be provided by the organisers.
• Gratis visas will be issued to selected participants by the concerned Indian Mission/Post.

All selected participants must submit a valid international travel and medical insurance policy covering the entire duration of their stay in India, and a medical fitness certificate confirming their ability to undertake long-distance travel, before issuance of air tickets and visas.

Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
The programme is open to youth of Indian origin from all over the world, including:

• Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
• Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)
• Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

Key eligibility conditions:

• Age: 24–28 years as on 16 August 2026 (for Young Professionals cohort).
• Indian origin / status:
• PIO/OCI applicants must have a PIO/OCI card number of self, parent or grandparent, or submit an undertaking affirming Indian origin attested by the Head of Mission/Post or designated officer, where documentary proof is not available.
• NRI applicants must provide proof of Indian citizenship and residency abroad as prescribed by Government of India.
• Educational qualification: Minimum Graduation from a recognised University/Institute.
• Language: Proficiency in spoken English and either studied English as a subject at High School level or completed undergraduate education with English as the medium of instruction.
• Previous visits: Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously visited India, and applicants must not have participated in any earlier edition of KIP or any other programme funded by Government of India/State Governments.

The total intake is 25 participants for this cohort. Preference will be accorded to youth from Girmitiya countries and NRIs residing in the Gulf region, subject to fulfilment of eligibility conditions.

Participant Obligations
Selected participants will be required to:

• Attend the full duration of the programme, including all scheduled visits and sessions.
• Abide by guidelines and instructions issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and the implementing agencies during the programme.
• Submit a Programme Report of about 750–1000 words after completion, describing their experiences, key learnings and how KIP strengthened their understanding of contemporary India and its cultural heritage.

Participants will be awarded Certificates of Participation upon successful completion of the programme.

HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants residing in Seychelles who meet the above eligibility criteria may apply through the High Commission of India, Seychelles.
Email scanned copies of the following documents to:

• pic.mahe@mea.gov.in
• sspol.mahe@mea.gov.in
• hoc.mahe@mea.gov.in

Required documents:

• Filled KIP Application Form (download from the link provided below on this page).
• Educational Qualification Certificate (Graduation degree or equivalent from a recognised University/Institute).
• Passport (scanned copy of photo page and validity details).
• Recent passport-sized coloured photograph.
• PIO/OCI Card, or proof of Indian origin / Indian citizenship / NRI status, as applicable.
• Medical fitness certificate from a recognised doctor, confirming fitness to undertake long-distance travel.
• International travel and medical insurance policy valid for the full duration of stay in India.
• Any other supporting document(s) relevant to your application or requested by the High Commission.

Applicants are requested to ensure that all documents are complete, legible and submitted before 16 July 2026. Incomplete applications or those not meeting eligibility criteria may not be considered.

Application Form and Further Information

• Applicants should download the KIP 88th Edition Application Form from the link provided below on this webpage and fill it carefully.
• Before applying, applicants are advised to read this webpage in full to understand eligibility, benefits, obligations and required documents.
• For any clarifications, applicants may contact the High Commission of India, Seychelles using the email addresses mentioned above.

Download Know India Programme application form.