Applications invited for Young India Fellowship

New Delhi, October 7

Ashoka University announced that admissions to the twelfth cohort of its flagship programme, the Young India Fellowship (YIF) are open from October 1, 2021. YIF is a residential one-year multidisciplinary postgraduate diploma in liberal studies that equips young people with diverse perspectives and competencies for the 21st century.

Other programme components include the Critical Writing Programme and an Experiential Learning Module, which are supplemented by a range of guest lectures, workshops and peer learning sessions spread over the year. This allows students the flexibility to craft their own Fellowship experience and align it with their aspirations.

Candidates who have a recognised undergraduate degree in any discipline (can be final-year student at the time of application), and are no more than 28 years of age on August 1, 2022 are eligible to apply. Working professionals, entrepreneurs, postgraduates and those taking a gap year, are all encouraged to apply.

Each year, around 200 young individuals from India and abroad undergo a transformational journey at the YIF. The ongoing 11th cohort comprises Fellows from 28 states and UTs in India, and represents more than 125 undergraduate institutions. 65% of the cohort identifies as female and the average age is around 23 years.

Speaking about the 12th cohort, Aniha Brar, Dean, The Young India Fellowship, said, “The YIF came into the higher education landscape a decade ago as an unprecedented offering. The programme was built around an exceptional cohort, great faculty, and an emphasis on writing, critical thinking and real-world projects. The strength of the YIF lies in not resting on its legacy, but always reinventing itself to remain an outstanding offering at Ashoka University.”

All interested individuals are required to complete an online application (free of cost). Applications are holistically evaluated and shortlisted for an online writing test and a personal interview. The entire admission process will be conducted online to ensure social distancing and safety in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic, while also encouraging greater accessibility and convenience to all candidates. The first round of applications will remain open till December 15, 2021.

There is a need-based financial assistance for admitted candidates at Ashoka University. Need-based financial aid is offered in the form of fee waivers of up to 100% of the entire fee including residence and meals. This is to ensure that education is accessible to individuals from all walks of life. 52% of the YIF Class of 2022 is on financial aid.

For more information about YIF and to apply: yif.ashoka.edu.in