YIF – FAQs

Applications for the 2025 intake (Class of 2026) will open on October 15, 2024 and close in mid-March 2025. Stay updated by subscribing to our mailing list via the “Become a Fellow” pop-up form on the website.

We assess leadership potential by considering:

• Your personal and professional journey so far
• Key successes and failures, and what you’ve learned from them
• How you plan to leverage the YIF resources for your future development

Your letter can be from a professional (colleague, supervisor, mentor) or an academic source (college faculty, school teacher, principal). Letters from family members, relatives, or friends are not accepted.

Interviews are conducted by a panel comprising Ashoka University faculty, senior leadership, YIF alumni, and members of the YIF Team.

The personal interviews happen online over Zoom; other platforms may be used in exceptional cases of internet bandwidth issues.

You should know your submitted application very well. We expect that during the interview, you will put forth the most authentic version of yourself. The interview is designed to be a conversation.

Yes, you are eligible. However, you should be able to converse, read and write in English given that the medium of instruction at the YIF is English.

There are no specific technical skills required for the Fellowship. We seek a well-rounded profile that combines academic performance with non-academic pursuits, such as sports, arts, or social service. Key qualities include collaboration, leadership potential, communication skills, humility, and adaptability.

While there is no ideal Fellow, candidates often share traits like intellectual curiosity, a strong drive, open-mindedness, leadership potential, and a proven ability to engage deeply with both professional and personal interests.

The selection process is holistic, considering each applicant’s unique journey. While academic performance is important, it’s just one of several factors. We encourage candidates to share non-academic interests, hobbies, or other personal experiences as part of their application. We understand that not all candidates have had access to a variety of extra or co-curricular opportunities. We encourage candidates to share their non-academic engagements in a separate section of the application, which may include personal interests and hobbies as well.

Apply online by registering on apply.ashoka.edu.in.

You will be informed about the status of your application via email as the review process progresses. Applying early within a round ensures an earlier review.

No, the online application can be completed in multiple sessions. You can save your progress as you go.

No. You are not required to send us a printed copy of the application form.

Yes, final-year students can apply with a provisional degree attested by their institution.

Yes. You may apply with your provisional degree duly attested by your respective academic institution.

Yes. You can reapply but not within the same academic year. You will have to submit a fresh application the following year. We require reapplicants to submit an additional essay when submitting the application.

Yes, we send an automated email response acknowledging the receipt of the application.

There is no pre-defined number of applicants that will be called for the interview or for admission.

The Class of 2025-26 will comprise around 100 Fellows.

No, there is no option to defer admission. However, you may reapply in the next admissions cycle.

The YIF is designed to provide a well-rounded, holistic learning experience. Its core elements include:

• Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary Courses: Courses across diverse fields that encourage Fellows to explore new areas of knowledge and critical thinking.
• Critical Inquiry and Expression: The CIE hones your analytical and communication skills, fostering a deeper understanding of complex issues.
• Immersive Experiential Learning: Through the Experiential Learning Module (ELM), Fellows work on real-world projects in collaboration with Partner Organisations, gaining practical, hands-on experience.
• Holistic Learning and Engagement: The programme emphasises peer learning, fostering rich interactions among Fellows, as well as engagement with alumni, guest speakers, and mentors. Fellows also receive guidance from mentors to navigate their personal and professional trajectories.

The YIF is a one-year, full-time residential programme.

The year is divided into terms, each comprising several courses and the CIE. Fellows also work on their ELM projects throughout the year, with periodic assessments and feedback.

You can find a list of courses and faculty members on the Faculty and Courses page. The curriculum details provided are subject to change at the Programme’s discretion.

The workload varies based on your courses, the Experiential Learning Module (ELM), and the Critical Inquiry and Expression. On average, you can expect to dedicate at least 8 hours of work every workday.

Yes, you may attend undergraduate classes as well, provided you have permission from the faculty member whose class you would like to attend.

The YIF requires 100% attendance for all courses. Absences are categorised as excused or unexcused. To have an absence excused, you must document and inform the concerned teaching team before or on the day of the absence.

The YIF uses a comprehensive evaluation system that assesses you based on assignments, participation, ELM contributions, and other forms of assessments, rather than solely through exams.

The Experiential Learning Module (ELM) is a core component of the YIF curriculum that exposes Fellows to hands-on learning. Fellows work in teams to engage in an immersive learning experience by working on real-world problems from diverse sectors in collaboration with Partner organisations and institutions.

The ELM complements academic learning at the YIF by equipping Fellows as professionals with the skills for thoughtful and structured problem-solving, while also training them to work in teams and design sustainable and implementable solutions.

Learn more about the ELM.

The partner organisation is an entity that shares a project objective for an ELM team to work on while engaging, guiding and supervising the team’s work.

As is the case with most other elements at the YIF, the pool of Partner Organisations is very diverse with projects coming from sectors such as agriculture, artificial intelligence and technology, community and livelihoods, culture and heritage, education, environment and sustainability, films and media, governance, healthcare and wellness, policy, and social justice among myriad others. 

No, you cannot choose the Partner Organisations you work with. The onboarding of organisations is done by the YIF team, with representations in various sectors. 

However, if you have an entrepreneurial idea that you would like to work on through the course of the YIF, the ELM provides you with the opportunity to pursue a self-designed project under the supervision of a Supervising Faculty and the YIF team. 

No, individual research projects do not come under the ambit of the ELM. This space is meant for teamwork and collaboration, where Fellows work in teams of four to engage in an immersive learning experience by working on real-world problems from diverse sectors.

ELM is a core component of the YIF curriculum and there is no stipend associated with it. Fellows get 4 credits for their work on the ELM. 

In terms of finances, most Partner Organisations cover any costs incurred by teams working on external projects. For self-designed projects, there is a specific budget that the teams can avail as and when required 

From the University’s end, the Fellows’ learning and progress in the ELM are overseen by an ELM Supervising Faculty and the YIF team.

In addition to the training provided by the Partner Organisations, the Fellows receive training on problem-solving, team-building, basics of research and data analytical skills from the ELM supervising faculty and relevant domain experts. Each team is given focused attention and their progress is enabled through periodic reviews, reports, and requisite meetings.

The YIF Mentorship formally begins around September, when Fellows can select a mentor aligned with their personal or professional goals. Furthermore, Fellows can explore the Alumni Mentorship Programme, facilitated by the Alumni Relations Office, as an added layer of support.

The mentors are accomplished professionals, including practitioners, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, life coaches, and others. They represent a broad range of fields such as education, social impact and development, entrepreneurship, climate, environment, and governance. The mentor pool is thoughtfully curated based on the diverse interests of each cohort, ensuring mentorship opportunities align with Fellows’ individual professional goals and aspirations.

The YIF Mentorship Programme aims to provide guidance and resources to help Fellows identify, explore, and address issues that resonate with their personal interests and professional aspirations. 

Each Fellow is paired with a mentor for the duration of the programme, and the mentorship involves a minimum of four structured sessions, which are mandatory. These sessions take place throughout the year, typically scheduled between October and June. Beyond these mandatory interactions, the programme encourages the development of long-term relationships between mentors and mentees, potentially extending beyond the fellowship year. 

The YIF offers a range of co-curricular opportunities for Fellows to engage in, complementing their academic coursework. These include alumni engagement and various guest sessions, all designed to enhance the learning experience. 

The Career Development Office provides dynamic and diverse career opportunities to its students and alumni. The office facilitates campus placements while assisting students in professional skill development. The Career Preparatory Program is the office’s flagship event to strengthen student profiles before placements begin. This comprehensive programme includes masterclasses, talks by industry experts, Founder sessions, alumni round table talks, business communication workshops, resume reviews, group discussions, sector/role-wise mock interviews, sector-specific insights, alumni mentorship programmes, and practical problem-solving skills among other sessions.

Ashoka University’s InfoEdge Centre for Entrepreneurship is the creative hub that fosters the entrepreneurial endeavours of all Ashokans – students, fellows, faculty members and founders. The Centre helps students turn their dreams into viable business ventures. The centre encourages a culture of innovation on the campus through various activities and campaigns under the guidance of some of India’s most successful entrepreneurs. Students are guided through each step of setting up a new business like inspiration, ideation, incubation, monetisation and internationalisation.

The YIF programme enjoys the support of reputed companies and associations, and of mentors, donors, and institutions. It will be an invaluable opportunity to forge relationships for the future and widen your frames of reference. For the Young India Fellow who aspires to a career that is off the beaten track, the Fellowship is committed to helping them build that career. No matter what you wish to do, the Young India Fellowship aspires to be an invaluable launch pad. Kindly refer to the Career Development Office page for a detailed understanding of placements.

Please refer to the Financing Your YIF Education for detailed information on the programme’s fee structure.

Yes, all Fellows are automatically enrolled in a health insurance plan by the University upon joining the programme.

You will be required to make the full payment (adjusted for any scholarship awarded) before the programme begins. Payments can be made in up to three instalments, though exceptions can be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on your circumstances.

We recommend using the Online Payment Gateway on the admitted candidates’ portal.

You do not need to submit a separate application for the Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship. Shortlisted candidates will receive an email with interview details.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview. You will be informed of your YIF admission status and the result of the Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship together.

The application window for Need-Based Financial Aid opens after offers are made. If you receive the Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship, which covers 100% of the tuition and residence fees, you can still apply for Need-Based Financial Aid to cover the meal plan. Financial aid is intended to bridge the gap between the programme’s costs and your ability to pay. In some cases, additional financial support, such as a monthly stipend, may be available for students requiring further assistance.

Ashoka University is situated in Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana.

For information on sports facilities, please visit the Campus Life page.

Yes, meals are provided four times a day—breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner—at the mess. Additionally, there are various food outlets across campus, some offering late-night dining options.

Visiting hours on campus are until 8 pm. Visitors are not permitted to stay beyond this time.

Ashoka University provides a dedicated shuttle service for students, staff, and faculty. The service runs between the campus, residential facilities, and Jahangirpuri Metro Station (Yellow Line) in Delhi. Shuttle frequency varies based on peak hours, weekends, and holidays.

Yes, the Young India Fellowship is a fully residential programme. Fellows are required to stay on campus in twin-sharing rooms. However, residents of Delhi or those with family and friends in the city may stay off-campus during their free time, in line with their class and programme schedule.

The Ashoka University campus offers a variety of spaces for performing arts, music, cinema, poetry, sports, and culinary activities. Facilities include a sports block, piano room, sound recording studio, media lab, art studio, and mini-amphitheatre. Numerous clubs and societies on campus provide opportunities to explore a wide range of interests. For more information, visit the Campus Life page.