91st Know India Programme 2026 by Ministry of External Affairs [90% Airfare Support]: Apply by Oct 26

The Ministry of External Affairs is inviting applications from PIO, OCI and NRI youth aged 18–23 years for the 91st Know India Programme. Twenty-five selected participants will visit India from November 15–28, 2026, with 90% airfare support, accommodation, local transportation and a gratis visa.

Click here to download the application form for the 91st Know India Programme.

About the Know India Programme

The Know India Programme, commonly known as KIP, is a flagship diaspora-engagement initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

Launched in 2003–04, it seeks to connect young members of the Indian diaspora with their ancestral roots while introducing them to India’s culture, economy, governance, innovation, scientific achievements and contemporary development.

The 91st edition will be conducted from November 15 to 28, 2026 for the Scholars and Innovators cohort. Twenty-five young members of the Indian diaspora will be selected.

Important Eligibility Clarification

The general KIP guidelines describe two cohorts:

• Scholars and Innovators: 18–23 years
• Young Professionals: 24–28 years

However, the official announcement specifically states that the 91st KIP is for the Scholars and Innovators cohort aged 18–23 years only.

Applicants aged 24–28 should not apply for this edition unless their concerned Indian Mission provides a revised or separate notification.

Programme Highlights

Selected participants may receive exposure to:

• India’s start-up and entrepreneurship ecosystem;
• Incubators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders;
• Institutions such as IITs, IIMs, ISRO, BARC and other research organisations;
• Public policy, governance and economic development;
• Digital India, Skill India, Startup India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat;
• Science, technology, infrastructure and digital public infrastructure;
• Agriculture, education and tourism;
• Universities, colleges and research institutes;
• Yoga, Ayurveda, classical music, dance and regional traditions;
• Historical, cultural and civilisational sites; and
• At least two Indian States or Union Territories.

The exact institutions, States and heritage sites included in the 91st edition will depend on the final itinerary.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

• They must be between 18 and 23 years old as of November 1, 2026.
• They must be a Person of Indian Origin, Overseas Citizen of India or Non-Resident Indian.
• They must have completed Class 12 from a school or institution recognised by the government of their country of residence.
• They must be able to speak English.
• They should have studied English in high school or through English-medium education.
• They must not have participated in an earlier Know India Programme.
• They must not have participated in another programme funded by an Indian Central Ministry, State Government or Government department.
• They must be medically fit for long-distance and extended-duration travel.

Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously visited India. The general guidelines also accord preference to NRIs residing in Gulf countries and applicants from Girmitiya countries.

Proof of Indian Origin or NRI Status

PIO and OCI applicants should provide their own OCI or PIO card details or those of their parents or grandparents.

Applicants without documentary proof of Indian origin must submit the declaration included as Annexure C in the application form. It must be attested by the appropriate official of the concerned Indian Mission or Post.

NRI applicants must submit proof of Indian citizenship and residence abroad, including the prescribed NRI certificate.

Financial Support and Hospitality

The programme provides:

• 90% of the return international airfare between the participant’s country of residence and India;
• Boarding and lodging in designated or budget hotels;
• Internal transportation within India;
• Airport transfers;
• Programme-related local hospitality; and
• A gratis visa for selected participants.

The participant must bear the remaining 10% of the international airfare.

The official guidelines state that Indian Missions or Posts will extend air passage with the Government of India bearing 90% of the airfare. The application form also describes this support as reimbursement. Selected applicants should therefore confirm the ticket-booking and reimbursement procedure with their concerned Mission before purchasing tickets.

The Ministry’s responsibility is limited to the official programme period. Participants arriving early or remaining in India after the programme must arrange and pay for the additional stay themselves.

Travel Insurance and Medical Fitness

Selected participants must obtain:

• Comprehensive international travel insurance;
• Medical insurance covering the entire stay in India; and
• A medical fitness certificate confirming their ability to undertake long-distance and extended travel.

Applicants should confirm with their concerned Indian Mission whether these documents are required with the initial application or only after selection.

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare:

• Completed application form;
• Recent passport-size photograph;
• Passport details and copy;
• Proof of PIO, OCI or NRI status;
• Proof of Indian origin relating to self, parents or grandparents;
• Attested declaration where documentary proof of Indian origin is unavailable;
• Class 12 educational certificate;
• Contact and residential details;
• Details of previous visits to India, if any;
• Information about achievements, interests and hobbies;
• A statement of up to 250 words explaining why they wish to join KIP;
• Signed and dated declaration; and
• Any additional documents requested by the concerned Indian Mission or Post.

Certificate and Programme Report

Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a certificate.

They must also submit a 750–1,000-word Programme Report describing their experiences, key takeaways and understanding of contemporary India and its cultural legacy.

How to Apply?

Applications are generally processed through the Indian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate responsible for the applicant’s country or region of residence.

Applicants may follow these steps:

1. Download the official KIP application form.
2. Enter “91st” as the KIP edition number.
3. Complete every applicable field.
4. Attach a recent passport-size photograph.
5. Add the required proof of Indian origin or NRI status.
6. Attach the required educational and identity documents.
7. Sign and date the form and declaration.
8. Contact the concerned Indian Mission or Post to confirm its submission method.
9. Submit the completed application and documents by October 26, 2026.

Applications may be accepted by email or another method prescribed by the concerned Mission. Applicants should not automatically send their forms to the Houston Consulate unless they reside within its jurisdiction.

Click here to read the official 91st KIP announcement and access its application links.

Important Dates

• Application deadline: October 26, 2026
• Programme dates: November 15–28, 2026
• Age eligibility date: November 1, 2026
• Duration: Two weeks, including travel time

Contact Information

Applicants should contact the Indian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate responsible for their place of residence.

Click here to download the official KIP application form.

Click here to read the detailed Know India Programme guidelines.