Ashoka University has announced the opening of applications for the 16th cohort of its flagship Young India Fellowship (YIF) 2026–27, marking 15 years of the programme’s impact. In a major accessibility push, the university confirmed that all selected Fellows will receive partial or full scholarships, supported by HDFC Bank. Applications are free and reviewed on a rolling basis, with the priority deadline on February 23, 2026, and the final deadline on March 23, 2026.
Instituted in 2011, the year-long residential programme offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies, combining core and elective coursework, experiential learning, critical inquiry, and holistic engagement. Around 100 Fellows will be selected from applicants across academic disciplines, professional backgrounds, age groups, and nationalities. Eligible candidates must hold a recognised undergraduate degree by July 2026.
Vice Chancellor Somak Raychaudhury said the fellowship has produced leaders working across sectors globally, with a 2,400-strong alumni network contributing to government, academia, corporate sectors, entrepreneurship, and civil society. Education consultants and career counsellors in the Kolkata region report rising interest among graduates and working professionals in interdisciplinary postgraduate programmes, particularly those offering scholarship support. Experts believe the universal scholarship announcement is likely to increase applications from eastern India, where demand for globally aligned leadership and policy-focused academic programmes continues to grow.
