Young India Fellowship shifts to fully supported cohort for 2026 to 27 academic year

Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University, reflects on the programme’s 15 year journey as applications close on 23 March 2026

New Delhi, 11 February 2026: Ashoka University will extend scholarship support to every selected candidate in the upcoming Young India Fellowship Class of 2026 to 27, marking a structural shift in how the programme is funded.
The Young India Fellowship, instituted in 2011, enters its 16th cohort this year and completes 15 years since inception. The programme preceded the formal establishment of the University in 2014 and is regarded as one of its foundational academic initiatives.

For the upcoming cohort, all selected Fellows will receive either partial or full financial support. The scholarship support is enabled through backing from HDFC Bank.
Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis. The priority deadline is 23 February 2026, while the final round closes on 23 March 2026. The application process is free, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online personal interview.

The year long residential postgraduate diploma programme is structured around four pillars: core and elective coursework, critical inquiry and expression, immersive experiential learning, and holistic learning and engagement. Fellows complete approximately 18 interdisciplinary courses and undertake a real world project under faculty mentorship.
The incoming class is expected to comprise around 100 Fellows. Candidates from all academic backgrounds are eligible, including final year undergraduate students who will complete their degree by July 2026. There is no age limit.

The current Class of 2026 spans ages 19 to 39 and represents 80 undergraduate institutions across four countries and 67 cities and towns. Thirty five percent identify as first generation college goers, while 59 percent bring prior full time work experience.
Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor of Ashoka University, said the Young India Fellowship has built a strong record in leadership development over the past 15 years. He said alumni are working across government, civil society, development, academia, research, sports, performing arts, multilateral organisations, the corporate sector, and entrepreneurship.

Scholarship support under the programme ranges from 25 percent to full funding covering tuition, residence, and meals. Around 10 candidates will receive the Chancellor’s Scholarship covering full tuition and residence costs. In the current cohort, 59 percent received full tuition waivers or more, 32 percent were fully funded including residence and meals, and 17 Fellows were named Chancellor’s Scholars.
Ashoka University operates as a non profit institution under the Haryana Private Universities Act, 2006, and is located in Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana. The University has more than 3,000 students and over 20 Centres of Excellence across disciplines.

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