The Young India Fellowship 2026 at Ashoka University is open for applications and is once again attracting early-career graduates and professionals who want a one-year in multidisciplinary postgraduate diploma experience. This programme seeks curious for driven candidates from any academic or professional background and blends liberal-arts learning with leadership training, peer learning and hands-on projects. Applications for Round 1 must be submitted by 19 of January 2026 while candidates who apply by the priority deadline 8 of December 2025 to get earlier processing and better chances for interview slots.
Who can apply for Young India Fellowship 2026?
- There is no age limit to apply for the Young India Fellowship 2026.
- Applicants from all nationalities and academic/ professional backgrounds may apply.
- You must have completed a recognised undergraduate degree (or be in your final year and graduating by summer 2026).
- Candidates with full-time work, entrepreneurial, freelance or substantial internship experience are given preference.
These eligibility points reflect the fellowship’s aim to attract a varied cohort of thinkers and doers.
Admission timeline — key dates
| Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Priority Deadline (Round 1) | 8 of December 2025 |
| Round 1 Deadline | 19 of January 2026 |
| Personal Interviews | Dec 2025 – Feb / Mar 2026 |
| Admission Offers | March 2026 |
The official application portal and the YIF admissions page confirm these Round 1 dates and interview windows; apply early within the round whenever possible.
How to apply online — step-by-step
- Visit the Ashoka University YIF admissions page apply.ashoka.edu.in and click Apply Now
- Choose New Registration and register with a valid email; confirm via the verification link.
- Complete the online application form: personal details, education, work experience, essays and video essay.
- Upload required documents (ID, CV, mark sheets, LoR and financial documents if applying for scholarship).
- Submit before the priority deadline (Dec 8, 2025) or at latest by Jan 19, 2026 for Round 1.
- Shortlisted candidates receive interview invites; final offers roll out in March 2026.
Selection journey — what to expect
The Young India Fellowship 2026 selection is holistic and staged:
- Application review — essays, CV and supporting documents are read by admissions reviewers.
- Personal interview — virtual interviews are conducted by experienced panelists to assess fit, clarity of purpose and potential.
- Final decision — candidates receive either an offer (with or without additional scholarships), waitlist status, or regret. Admitted or waitlisted applicants can apply for need-based aid once offers are announced.
Scholarships, financial support and benefits
Ashoka has announced financial support measures for the YIF cohort. For the Young India Fellowship 2026, the programme offers partial (25%) to full (100%) scholarships that can cover tuition, residential fees and meals; a few exceptional candidates may be awarded the Chancellor’s Scholarship (100% tuition & residence). Some news coverage and the university’s announcements also note that selected fellows in this intake will receive scholarships made possible through partnerships.
Indicative savings (example breakdown)
| Item | Indicative amount (as commonly cited) |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees saved (full scholarship) | Rs 7.98 lakh |
| Residence fees saved | Rs 2.05 lakh |
| Food / meal expenses | Rs 70,000 |
Note: These numbers are indicative and subject to the official fee structure; verify amounts on the application portal while filling your scholarship form.
Documents required (upload checklist)
- Government-issued photo ID – passport/Aadhaar/etc.
- Recent passport-style photograph
- One-page CV / resume
- Academic transcripts and mark sheets
- Proof of extracurricular or professional achievements
- Three written essays + one video essay – as specified in the application
- One Letter of Recommendation (LoR)
- Financial documents (ITRs for FY 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25; bank statements; salary slips; loan documents) — required if seeking need-based support
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification / Admissions Announcement | Ashoka University |
| Apply Online (YIF Application Portal) | apply.ashoka.edu.in |
| Young India Fellowship — Programme Page | Ashoka University |