FAQ
The Know India Programme of the Ministry of External Affairs is a three-week ‘knowledge programme’ aimed at fostering a closer connection between Indian diaspora youth and their ancestral homeland by augmenting their understanding of India. The participants get an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the history and culture of India as a civilization as well as the advancements and achievements of modern India across diverse domains, including but not limited to the realms of economy, industry, education, science and technology, telecommunications, information technology, and space science.
Know India Programme provides participants an opportunity to gain insights about India through curated ‘Learning Tours’ with visits to leading institutions in diverse sectors and interaction with field experts. Some of the key elements of Know India Programme include:
- Presentations on India, and its polity, economy, history, culture, etc.
- Visits to institutes of democracy and governance.
- Call on high dignitaries.
- Visit to places of historical & cultural importance
- Cultural events showcasing classical forms of music and dance.
- Visits to institutions of traditional knowledge system like Yoga and Ayurveda
- Exposure to Indian Media and Broadcasting industry.
- Visit to leading Scientific and Research Institutions.
- Immersion programme along with interaction with faculty and students at a prestigious University/College/Institute.
- Visit to industrial sites, public and private firms to showcase India’s strength in Manufacturing & Services sector.
- Exposure to Govt. of India schemes like Skill India, Digital India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, StartUp India.
- Visit to one or two State(s) in India.
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.
The programme is open to Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) youth from all the countries, with preference given to PIOs from Girmitiya countries. The applicant must be graduate from a recognized University/ Institute, and should be well conversant in English.
Detailed eligibility criteria can be seen in KIP guidelines available on the KIP portal (https://kip.gov.in/home/guidelines ).
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible for Know India Programme.
The total number of participants in any KIP edition may be up to 40.
The Ministry of External Affairs makes following arrangements for the participants of the Know India Programme:
- Return air tickets (economy), with participants bearing 10% of the cost of airfare.
- Local hospitality e.g., boarding/lodging in budget hotels (on twin sharing basis).
- Transportation during the programme, including airport transfers.
- Gratis visa.
Indian Missions/Posts abroad contact the selected participants to make the above-mentioned arrangements.
The detailed guidelines for the Know India Programme are available on the KIP website https://kip.gov.in/
Applicants have to fill an online application form and submit on the KIP portal.
Selected participants are expected to complete the entire programme and cannot leave the programme mid-way.
The selected applicant will have to reimburse the full international air fare paid by Indian Mission/Post if he/she fails to complete the Know India Programme after arrival in India.
