The SBI Youth for India Fellowship is a prestigious
initiative that offers young individuals the opportunity to work at the
grassroots level and contribute meaningfully to rural development in India.
Every year, the fellowship attracts passionate candidates who are eager to
bring change while developing their own leadership and problem-solving skills.
If you are looking to apply for the 2025–26 batch, here is
a detailed guide on the eligibility criteria, application process,
selection stages, and fellowship support.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the SBI Youth for India Fellowship, candidates must fulfill the
following requirements:
|
Eligibility Requirement |
Details |
|
Educational Qualification |
Must have completed a Bachelor’s
degree before 1 October 2025 |
|
Citizenship |
Must be an Indian citizen, or a
citizen of Nepal, Bhutan, or hold the
status of an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) |
|
Age Limit |
Must be between 21 and 32 years of age
on the program start date. Eligible candidates are those born not earlier
than 5th October 1993 and not
later than 6th October 2004 |
📝 Application Process Overview
The application process for the 2025–26 batch is now open.
Interested candidates can start their application through the official portal: change.youthforindia.org.
Important updates and notifications about the application status will be
shared on the official website and social media channels.
The selection process consists of two main stages:
🔹 Stage 1 – Registration & Online
Assessment
·
Candidates begin by registering online
and filling out the application form.
·
They must then complete an online
assessment, which includes essay-based responses.
·
Applicants are encouraged to share their personal
journey, motivation to join the fellowship, perspectives on rural development,
and overall worldview.
·
This stage helps the panel understand your
intent and thought process.
🔹 Stage 2 – Personal Interview
·
Shortlisted candidates move to the interview
round.
·
The interview is conducted by an expert
panel that evaluates candidates based on:
o
Personal characteristics
o
Suitability for the fellowship
o
Commitment to rural development
·
The goal is to look beyond academic
qualifications and work experience, giving the panel a chance to
understand the individual’s passion and mindset.
🎯 Final Selection & Onboarding
·
Candidates selected in Stage 2 will be notified
via email or SMS on a rolling basis.
·
Selected fellows will receive an offer
letter, detailing program guidelines, support, and terms of the
fellowship.
·
Once the offer is accepted, the onboarding
process begins.
·
During onboarding, selected fellows engage with
the SBI Youth for India team and partner NGOs, participate in
online forums, and clarify doubts before starting their fellowship journey.
💰 Fellowship Support
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship provides comprehensive financial
and non-financial support to ensure that fellows can fully focus on
their projects and learning experiences.
|
Type of Support |
Details |
|
₹16,000 per month |
|
|
Travel Allowance |
₹2,000 per month for transport |
|
Project Allowance |
₹2,000 per month for project-related needs |
|
Learning & Development |
₹1,000 per month for professional growth |
|
Language Support |
Dedicated provision at the project location |
|
Readjustment Allowance |
₹1,10,000 on successful completion of the fellowship |
|
Travel Coverage |
Return 3AC train fare from residence to project site +
travel for training programs. Candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, and OCI are
eligible for airfare reimbursement
(as per approved limit). |
|
Insurance |
Health and personal accident insurance coverage provided |
🤝 Other Support Provided
Apart from financial assistance, fellows also receive multiple layers of mentorship
and institutional support:
·
Assistance from local NGO staff
in arranging safe and suitable accommodation.
·
Continuous guidance from the SBI Youth
for India team.
·
Mentorship from seasoned
professionals in the development sector.
·
Access to the community network of
partner NGOs.
·
Exposure to premier organizations and
experts working in rural development.
🌍 Why Apply for the SBI Youth for India
Fellowship?
This fellowship is not just about financial support or fieldwork—it is an immersive
learning experience that allows young individuals to work directly
with rural communities, understand grassroots challenges, and co-create
innovative solutions. It develops essential life skills such as leadership,
empathy, resilience, and adaptability, while also opening pathways to
meaningful careers in development, policy-making, and social entrepreneurship.
