SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026–27: Open [Rural Development; Age 21–32; Graduate Required]: Apply Now!

The SBI Youth for India Fellowship Batch 2026–27 is now open for applications. This flagship rural development Fellowship empowers young individuals to work closely with rural communities and leading NGOs to drive sustainable change across India.

If you are looking for a journey of self-discovery, leadership development, and meaningful social impact, this Fellowship offers an immersive grassroots experience.

About the SBI Youth for India Fellowship

The SBI Youth for India Fellowship invites passionate individuals from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Selected Fellows collaborate with rural communities and reputed grassroots NGOs to address critical development challenges and create sustainable solutions.

The Fellowship focuses on inspiring individuals to:

• Unlearn outdated perspectives
• Collaborate with communities
• Build impactful projects
• Sustain long-term change

Its mission is to enable individuals to create lasting impact in rural India. The programme works across some of the most remote areas of India, offering multicultural exposure and grassroots learning.

Thematic Areas of Work

Fellows can work across 12 key rural development themes:

• Rural Livelihood
• Women’s Empowerment
• Education
• Environmental Protection
• Technology
• Social Entrepreneurship
• Water
• Food Security
• Traditional Craft
• Health
• Self Governance
• Alternate Energy

These projects aim to deliver long-term, sustainable impact in rural communities.

What Will You Learn?

The Fellowship offers:

• First-hand exposure to rural realities and development processes
• Leadership and problem-solving skills through lived experience
• Personal and professional growth through sustained responsibility
• Entry into a global alumni network of changemakers

Application Process

The selection process involves two major stages:

1. Registration and Online Assessment
2. Group Exercise and Personal Interaction

Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Who Is Eligible?

Age Criteria

• Must be between 21 and 32 years of age at the commencement of the programme
• Born not earlier than 4 August 1994 and not later than 5 October 2005

Educational Qualification

• Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree on or before 4 October 2026

Nationality

• Indian citizen
• Citizen of Nepal or Bhutan
• Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
• Non-Resident Indian (NRI)

What Makes an Ideal Applicant?

The Fellowship looks for individuals who are:

• Optimistic problem-solvers
• Curious and eager to learn
• Adaptable to new environments
• Passion-driven doers
• Strong communicators
• Committed changemakers

Why Apply?

The SBI Youth for India Fellowship is more than a programme — it is a transformative experience that:

• Builds leadership through real-world challenges
• Encourages cross-cultural collaboration
• Provides deep community immersion
• Strengthens your commitment to India’s development goals

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply through the official website: https://register.youthforindia.org/