New Delhi : Ashoka University, India’s premier institution for interdisciplinary higher education and research, has opened applications for the 16th cohort of the Young India Fellowship (YIF), Class of 2026–27. This is a milestone year as it marks fifteen years of the flagship programme that laid the foundation for the University’s establishment in 2014. Reaffirming its commitment to making the Fellowship more accessible for bright and deserving individuals, Ashoka University will provide scholarships to all selected Fellows in the Class of 2026–27, made possible through the generous support of HDFC Bank.
In a world of constant change, the Young India Fellowship remains one of India’s most distinguished programmes, bringing together a select few bright and driven students across different backgrounds. The programme equips Fellows with the intellectual breadth, critical perspectives, and the leadership tools needed to navigate and address the most pertinent problems to create a better world. The Fellowship nurtures individuals to become impactful thinkers, problem-solvers, and catalysts for change, building strong interdisciplinary foundations and developing transferable skills that enable them to lead across diverse domains and sectors.
Reflecting on the Fellowship’s legacy, Pramath Raj Sinha, Founder & Chairperson, Board of Trustee, Ashoka University, said, “Ashoka started with the Young India Fellowship, so it has a very special place in the University. It’s a microcosm of what all of Ashoka has to offer and the best of what Ashoka has to offer.”
Instituted in 2011, the YIF offers a year-long residential postgraduate diploma focused on interdisciplinary and multidimensional learning. The YIF curriculum is anchored around four key pillars which include – Core and Elective Coursework, Critical Inquiry and Expression, Immersive Experiential Learning, and Holistic Learning and Engagement. Fellows study around 18 courses across various disciplines and themes, work on a real-world project and learn how to think and express effectively, all while being mentored and guided by stalwarts and senior alumni across fields. Almost 2400 alumni, across the past 14 years, continue to make an impact across government, civil society, development, academia, research, sports, performing arts, multilateral organizations, the corporate sector, and as entrepreneurs.
Commenting on the fellowship’s impact, Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor, Ashoka University said, “The Young India Fellowship at the University has become very, very successful in creating leaders and our alumni are all across the world making a name for themselves. Many of them are at the top of their field.”
Eligibility and Scholarships:
The Class of 2026-27 will comprise around 100 Fellows. Candidates of all age groups and nationalities, across diverse academic, professional, geographical and socioeconomic backgrounds, who have a recognised undergraduate degree in any discipline by July 2026 or earlier (can be a final-year student at the time of application) are eligible to apply for the YIF. There is no age limit to apply.
YIF offers scholarships ranging from 25% to a full 100% waiver covering tuition, residence, and meals along with stipends for additional financial assistance. In addition, around 10
exceptional candidates will be awarded the Chancellor’s Scholarship, covering the entire tuition and residence fee.
Notably, among all Fellows in the 15th cohort, YIF Class of 2025–26, 59% received full tuition waivers or more, 32% were fully funded (including tuition, residence, and meals), 24% who were fully funded received additional financial support to pursue the fellowship and 17 Fellows were recognised as Chancellor’s Scholars. 35% of the Class of 2026 Fellows identify as first-generation college goers, and 59% as female.
All interested candidates are required to complete a free-of-cost online application. Applications are holistically evaluated and shortlisted candidates are invited for an online personal interview.
The Round 1 application process is open until January 19, 2026. The priority deadline within Round 1 is December 8, 2025. Applications received by the priority deadline will be processed sooner for the personal interview stage.
