Whats New

The Know India Programme (KIP) is the Ministry of External Affairs’ flagship programme to reconnect young Persons of Indian Origin with their ethnic roots and showcase contemporary India’s cultural, social and developmental achievements. The 86th (Special) edition will be held from 09 to 28 January 2026 and will invite 40 PIO participants (aged 21–35 years) for a 3-week immersive programme across art, heritage, entrepreneurship, innovation, science & technology and governance.

This Special edition will be closely integrated with the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) and the National Youth Festival (12 Jan 2026), providing selected KIP participants the opportunity to take part in the Viksit Bharat Challenge Track and present ideas on national priorities with finalists presenting to the Hon’ble Prime Minister. VBYLD brings together youth from India and the diaspora to ideate on Governance, Education, Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and more.

Benefits & provisions: Economy-class return air ticket (participant contributes 10% of airfare), 4-star accommodation on twin-sharing basis, and local transport during the programme.

How to apply: Submit your application and documents to the Embassy by 18 December 2025.

Highlights of the programme:

Who: Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) / OCI youth aged 21–35 years.

When: 09–28 Jan 2026 (3 weeks).

Deadline for submitting applications: 18 Dec 2025.

Documents required:

Completed KIP Application Form (duly filled and signed)

Passport (bio-page)

Passport-size coloured photograph

Educational qualification certificate(s)

PIO/OCI card copy (where applicable)

Any other supporting documents (as applicable)

Costs: Participants pay 10% of total airfare (balance arranged by Mission). Accommodation & local transport provided.

Special: Participants may attend VBYLD / National Youth Festival (12 Jan) and might get the chance to present in the National Championship. 

Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD)

The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD), 2026 marks the second edition of the reimagined National Youth Festival, aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Building on the success of VBYLD 2025, this edition continues to celebrate the spirit of Yuva Shakti through innovation, leadership, and collaboration.

A key highlight of the Dialogue is the Viksit Bharat Challenge Track, which provides a platform for youth to ideate on 10 different tracks and present transformative solutions on national priorities such as governance, education, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. The Challenge unfolds through four stages, beginning with a nationwide online quiz, followed by an essay competition, state-level presentations and leadership assessments, and culminating in the National Championship, where finalists present their ideas before the Hon’ble Prime Minister. As a first, we would also like selected youth through KIP to be selected to present their ideas on this stage.

Bringing together 3,000 exceptional youth leaders from across India and the diaspora, VBYLD features four dynamic segments : Viksit Bharat Challenge Track, Cultural Track, Design for Bharat- Design Track and Hack for a Social Cause- Tech Track. Supported by Pathbreakers, who are young achievers and mentors guiding participants across tracks, the Dialogue serves as a national movement to empower youth as catalysts for change and architects of a developed India by 2047.