The 89th Know India Programme (KIP) offers youth of Indian origin an immersive two-week cultural and educational experience in India. The programme is open to eligible Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) aged 18–23 years, with selected participants receiving support for travel, accommodation, and local hospitality.
What Is the Know India Programme?
The Know India Programme (KIP) is a flagship Government of India initiative designed to strengthen connections between young members of the Indian diaspora and their ancestral country.
The programme provides participants with an opportunity to experience India’s:
The 89th edition focuses on youth aged 18–23 years and provides an immersive learning experience designed to deepen participants’ understanding of modern India while connecting them with their Indian heritage.
Why Does the Know India Programme Matter?
Young people of Indian origin living outside India may have cultural or family connections to India but limited opportunities to experience the country directly.
KIP provides structured exposure to India’s history, culture, society, and development.
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen diaspora connections with India.
- Promote cultural understanding.
- Provide firsthand exposure to India’s development.
- Encourage interaction between diaspora youth and Indian communities.
- Introduce participants to India’s heritage and contemporary society.
- Build stronger connections between India and its global diaspora.
What Does the 89th KIP Offer?
The programme provides a two-week immersive experience in India.
Participants can expect opportunities to:
- Visit historical and cultural sites.
- Explore India’s heritage.
- Interact with local communities.
- Learn about India’s economic progress.
- Experience India’s cultural diversity.
- Understand contemporary developments in the country.
- Participate in educational and cultural activities.
The programme combines cultural exposure with educational learning, giving participants a broader understanding of India’s past, present, and future.
What Expenses Are Covered?
Selected participants receive full support for key programme-related expenses in India.
Support includes:
- Travel associated with the programme.
- Accommodation.
- Local hospitality.
- Other programme-related arrangements as provided under KIP.
This support allows selected participants to participate in the programme without bearing the main costs associated with their stay and activities in India.
Who Is Eligible?
The 89th Know India Programme is intended for young people of Indian origin between 18 and 23 years of age.
Eligible categories include:
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
- Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
Applicants must meet the applicable requirements for their category and provide the necessary documentation demonstrating their Indian origin or NRI status.
Who Are PIOs, OCIs and NRIs?
Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
PIOs are people of Indian origin who live outside India and meet the applicable criteria for recognition of Indian ancestry or origin.
Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)
OCIs are foreign nationals who hold an Overseas Citizenship of India status under applicable Indian rules.
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
NRIs are Indian citizens who reside outside India while retaining their Indian citizenship.
Applicants should ensure that they have the appropriate documentary evidence for the category under which they apply.
How Does the Know India Programme Work?
The programme follows an immersive learning model rather than functioning as a conventional academic course.
Participants spend approximately two weeks in India taking part in organised activities.
The experience can include:
- Cultural exploration – Participants discover India’s traditions, heritage, and cultural diversity.
- Historical exposure – Participants visit significant historical and cultural locations.
- Community interaction – Participants engage with people and communities in India.
- Educational activities – Participants learn about India’s society and development.
- Contemporary India exposure – Participants gain insight into India’s economic and social progress.
- Cultural exchange – Participants share experiences with other members of the Indian diaspora and Indian communities.
How to Apply
Eligible applicants should carefully follow the official application instructions for the 89th edition.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Check that you:
- Are between 18 and 23 years old.
- Are a PIO, OCI, or NRI.
- Meet the applicable KIP requirements.
- Can provide the required proof of Indian origin or NRI status.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Applicants should prepare the documents required to establish their identity, age, Indian origin, or NRI status.
Ensure that documents are valid and clearly readable before submitting the application.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Submit the required information through the designated KIP application process.
Provide accurate personal and eligibility information.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Applicants should submit their completed application and supporting documents before the applicable deadline for the 89th edition.
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Step 5: Participate in the Programme
Selected participants will receive information about programme arrangements, travel, accommodation, and other logistical details.
Tips for Applicants
Applicants should:
- Verify their age eligibility before applying.
- Keep proof of Indian origin or NRI status ready.
- Ensure all personal information is accurate.
- Upload clear and valid documents.
- Carefully follow the official application instructions.
- Check all programme-specific requirements before submission.
- Avoid waiting until the final day to submit the application.
Key Details at a Glance
- Programme: 89th Know India Programme
- Organiser: Government of India
- Target group: Youth of Indian origin
- Eligible categories: PIOs, OCIs, and NRIs
- Age: 18–23 years
- Location: India
- Duration: Approximately two weeks
- Focus: Culture, heritage, education, economic progress, and contemporary India
- Support: Travel, accommodation, and local hospitality
- Programme type: Cultural and educational immersion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Know India Programme?
The Know India Programme is a Government of India initiative that gives young people of Indian origin an opportunity to experience India’s culture, heritage, society, and contemporary development through an organised immersive programme.
Who can participate in the 89th Know India Programme?
The 89th edition is open to eligible PIOs, OCIs, and NRIs aged 18–23 years, subject to the programme’s detailed eligibility requirements.
How long does the programme last?
The 89th Know India Programme provides an immersive experience lasting approximately two weeks in India.
What activities are included in KIP?
Participants may explore historical and cultural sites, interact with local communities, learn about India’s development, and participate in educational and cultural activities.
Are travel and accommodation covered?
Yes. Selected participants receive support for travel, accommodation, and local hospitality during the programme, according to the applicable programme arrangements.
Do applicants need to be Indian citizens?
Not necessarily. The programme includes eligible PIOs and OCIs, as well as NRIs, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions and documentation requirements.
What should applicants prepare before applying?
Applicants should prepare proof of age, identity, and their Indian origin or NRI status, along with any other documents required under the official application process.
Conclusion
The 89th Know India Programme provides an opportunity for young people of Indian origin aged 18–23 years to experience India through a structured cultural and educational immersion.
By combining heritage exploration, community interaction, educational activities, and exposure to India’s contemporary development, KIP helps strengthen the relationship between India and its global diaspora. Selected participants also receive support for travel, accommodation, and local hospitality, making the programme an accessible opportunity for eligible diaspora youth to reconnect with India.