GUIDELINES FOR KNOW INDIA PROGRAMME (KIP)

1. About the Programme:

Know India Programme is an engagement programme for Diaspora youth (between the age of 21-35 years) of Indian origin to introduce them to India and promote awareness about different facets of Indian life, cultural heritage, art and various aspects of contemporary India. This programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding Non-Resident Indians). The programme was started in 2003.

2. Main elements of KIP:

(i) Presentations on India, and its polity, economy, history, culture, etc.

(ii) Visit to institutes of democracy and governance like Parliament of India, Election Commission of India, Rashtrapati Bhawan and call on High Dignitaries.

(iii) Showcasing achievements in diverse sectors, including Science & Technology, Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Startup ecosystem, Digital infrastructure, India Stack, JAM Trinity, Education, Defence, Agriculture and Tourism.

(iv) Visit to places of historical, and cultural importance.

(v) Familiarisation with cultural and civilizational heritage of India, including Yoga, Ayurveda, Classical forms of Music and Dance.

(vi) Exposure to Govt. of India schemes like Skill India, Digital India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, StartUp India.

(vii) Visit to industrial sites, public and private firms to showcase India’s strength in Manufacturing & Services sector.

(viii) Immersion program along with interaction with faculty and students at a prestigious University/College/Institute.

(ix) Visit to leading Scientific and Research Institutions.

(x) Exposure to Indian Media and Broadcasting industry.

(xi) Visit to one or two State(s) in India to expose the participants to the cultural diversity of India.

3. Arrangements:

(i) The Ministry of External Affairs will take care of participants only for the duration of the program. If participants wish to arrive in India early or stay extra, they will have to make their own arrangements.

(ii) The participants are provided local hospitality e.g. boarding/lodging in budget hotels and internal transportation in India (including airport transfers).

(iii) Missions will arrange for return air tickets before participants leave for India, after getting 10% of total air fare from them.

(iv) Gratis visa shall be granted to selected participants by the Indian Missions/Posts abroad (no visa fee will be charged).

4. Eligibility Criteria:

(i) Age: The programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding non-resident Indians) in the age group of 21-35 years, as on the first day of the month in which the programme is expected to begin. It is open to PIO youth from all over the world

(ii) Non-Resident Indians(NRIs) are not eligible to apply.

(iii) Previous participations: The applicant should not have participated in any previous edition of Know India Programme or any other programme organized and paid for by the Ministry of External Affairs and any other Ministry/Department in Government of India or a State Government in India. 

(iv) Educational Qualification: Minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is graduation from a recognized University/Institute. Applicants pursuing graduation are not eligible to apply.

(v) Language: The applicants should be able to speak in English, should have studied English as a subject at the High School level or have English as the medium of instruction for undergraduate course.

(vi) The applicants who have not visited India before will be given preference.

(vii) The participant has to give an undertaking that he/she will reimburse the amount spent on airfare by Government of India to the Indian Mission, If he/she will not complete the Know India Programme.

5. International Medical And Travel Insurance

(i) All KIP participants will need to submit a copy of a valid international travel insurance and medical insurance policy for the duration of their visit to India.

(ii) The participants will also need to submit a medical fitness report or certificate confirming their ability to undertake long-distance and extended-duration travel.

6. Duration:

i) The duration of Know India Programme is about three weeks (including international travel).

7. Submission Of Programme Report By The Selected Participants

For the successful completion of the KIP programme, participants will be required to submit a 750-1000 words Programme Report outlining their experiences and insights from the programme. The report will be detailed account of their learnings from the Programme and how the visit has helped improve their understanding about India.

The participants will receive Certificates only after the acceptance of their Programme Reports.

KIP-Application form