About SBI Youth for India Fellowship:

Recognized as the flagship program of SBI Foundation, it is a 13-month long Fellowship that enables the nation's youth to work on rural development projects in partnership with experienced NGOs.

Why Join:

CAN YOU BE THE CATALYST?

India is going through a unique phase.

While its urban population is building a strong case as the next global and economic powerhouse, its rural population is struggling with basic issues like non-availability of potable water, no electricity supply, poor health services and education facilities.

It is left to India’s next generation

of thought leaders, policy makers, professionals and intellectuals to bridge the urban-rural divide and paint a more holistic and inclusive picture of India’s growth.

The important decisions that affect rural areas

cannot be taken from the comfort of air-conditioned conference rooms. It is imperative to gain a deeper understanding of the issues which can only be acquired by experiencing them first-hand.

During the year,

our Fellows are given the opportunity to study the rural scenario with open minds. Their interactions with the community is what will help them to prioritize problems and come up with solutions. It is the involvement with the community that matters the most.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Education: The candidate must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or must be scheduled to complete it on or before 4 October 2026.
2. Age: The candidate must be between 21 and 32 years of age (born between 4 August 1994 and 5 October 2005).
3. Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India, Nepal, or Bhutan, or hold Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)/NRI status.

Application Process Overview:

The Application Process for the 2026-27 batch is open now. You can apply for Stage-1 (Registration & Online Assessment.) using link:
https://change.youthforindia.org/application-process/apply/4798 Notifications and announcements about the status of the applications shall be shared on our website and social media channels.

The 2-stage Application Process of the SBI Youth for India Fellowship is as follows:

STAGE-1 (Registration & Online Assessment)
The online application process consists of 2 steps.
First, applicants must complete their registration and respond to a few preliminary questions for initial review.

If the application aligns with the Fellowship’s values and selection criteria, shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit essays, a short reflective video, and additional supporting information.

STAGE-2 (Stage 2: Group Exercise and Personal Interaction)
This in-person selection round includes a group exercise and a personal interaction session designed to assess applicants’ motivations, experiences, alignment with the Fellowship’s mission, and potential to contribute to rural development.

The stage also provides an opportunity for candidates to engage with Alumni, sector experts, and fellow shortlisted applicants.

Final Selection:

The selected candidates of Stage -2 will be notified on a rolling basis during the application period via email and/or SMS. On confirmation, candidates will be sent the offer letter, specifying details of the programme, Fellowship support and terms and conditions of the Fellowship.

Onboarding:

Once the candidates have accepted the offer, the onboarding process will be initiated. We continuously engage with selected candidates over an online forum to get to know them better and clarify their doubts regarding the Fellowship.

Fellowship Support:

• A monthly allowance of 16000 INR for the duration of the programme to meet your living expenses.
• A monthly allowance of 2000 INR for the duration of the programme to meet your transport expenses.
• A monthly allowance of 2000 INR for the duration of the programme to meet your project-related expenses.
• A monthly allowance of 1000 INR for the duration of the programme for your professional learning & development
• A dedicated provision for language support will be provided at the location.
• A readjustment allowance of 1,10,000 INR upon successful & satisfactory completion of the Fellowship.
• The cost of the return 3AC train fare from your residence to the project site location, as well as expenses incurred on traveling for training programmes, shall be covered. Candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, and OCI will be eligible for air travel reimbursement as per the pre-approved limit
• A health and personal accident insurance policy will also be provided.

Other Support

• You will be assisted by the local NGO staff to find suitable accommodation with safety in mind.
• The partner NGO will also arrange for necessary support as and when required.
• An SBI Youth for India team member will be available for overall support & guidance.
• Mentorship by experienced professionals in the field.
• Access to the community through well-established Partner NGOs
• Linkages with premier organizations of the country.

To apply, please click here: SBI Youth for India Fellowship