Admissions for the 2025–2026 cohort of Ashoka University’s esteemed Young India Fellowship (YIF) are now available, with scholarships ranging from 25% to 100%. The Fellowship, a postgraduate diploma that lasts a year, attempts to provide students with the tools they need to learn across disciplines. The first round of applications is due on January 5, 2025, while the admissions process commenced on October 15, 2024.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Ashoka University is providing significant scholarships for the Class of 2025–2026. At least 25% of tuition will be waived for all chosen Fellows, and many will be eligible for full scholarships that include tuition, living expenses, meals, and stipends. 60% of the Fellows in the prior cohort benefited from a full tuition waiver, while 81% received partial or complete financing. The institution hopes to make the Fellowship available to students from various backgrounds with further assistance from HDFC Bank. The additional scholarship funding aligns with Ashoka University’s goal of luring top talent, according to Pramath Raj Sinha, chairperson of the board of trustees.
Qualifications Selection Criteria and Procedure
People of all ages and nationalities who have earned an undergraduate degree in any field by July 2025 can apply for the YIF. Students in their last year may also apply. Academic achievement, leadership potential, and critical thinking skills are all assessed during the selection process. Candidates can apply early to participate in rolling personal interviews, and applications will be considered in two phases.
Applicants can apply via apply.ashoka.edu.in, and those who make the shortlist will be contacted for interviews. Some may also offer the esteemed Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship, which provides full tuition support. Depending on their financial situation, admitted and waitlisted applicants may be eligible for need-based financial aid, which offers complete waivers.
Timeline for Applications
| Event |
Date |
| Applications Open | October 15, 2024 |
| Round 1 Deadline | January 5, 2025 |
| Personal Interviews | Rolling basis |
Prospective applicants are urged to apply as soon as possible to take advantage of the rolling interview process.
Direct application link
Curriculum for Fellowships and Mentoring
Ashoka University’s flagship program, the YIF, was introduced in 2011 to cultivate future leaders via multidisciplinary education. The curriculum comprises 20 courses in various subjects, practical projects, and expert mentoring. Senior alums and industry leaders mentor fellows as they develop their critical thinking and communication skills.
Arun Kumar Singh, the former Indian Ambassador to the United States; Sunil Khilnani, the former Director of the King’s India Institute; and K Vijay Raghavan, the former Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, are just a few of the YIF’s outstanding faculty members. These prominent academics will mentor the Fellows as they investigate some of the most important contemporary challenges, giving them the tools to make a difference in the real world. Go to yif.ashoka.edu.in for additional details.
