The SBI Youth for India Fellowship is the flagship initiative of the SBI Foundation, designed to empower India’s youth to drive meaningful change in rural communities. Launched in 2011, this transformative 13-month rural fellowship connects passionate young professionals with some of India’s leading development organizations, offering them a platform to address grassroots challenges and create scalable, sustainable solutions.
This fully-funded program offers fellows an immersive experience that fosters empathy, leadership, and innovation in social development.
Objectives of the Fellowship
- Engage Urban Youth: Offer educated young Indians an opportunity to contribute to rural development.
- Nurture Leaders: Build a cadre of socially conscious individuals who understand India’s grassroots realities.
- Drive Innovation: Facilitate knowledge transfer and develop scalable models for rural progress.
- Strengthen Partnerships: Collaborate with leading NGOs to implement impactful community projects.
Key Features at a Glance
- Duration: 13 months (full-time)
- Location: Rural India (on-site immersion)
- Funding: Fully sponsored by SBI Foundation
- NGO Partners: 13+ renowned grassroots organizations
- Legacy: 500+ alumni, 200+ impactful projects
- Focus: Sustainable rural development and hands-on fieldwork
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2025–26, applicants must meet the following requirements:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 21–32 years (as of fellowship start date) |
| Nationality | Indian citizen or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) |
| Education | Graduate degree or higher (any discipline) |
| Language Skills | Proficiency in English; knowledge of a regional language preferred |
| Commitment | Willingness to spend 13 months in rural India |
Fellowship Timeline
- Total Duration: 13 months
- Start Date: September 2025 (Tentative)
- End Date: October 2026
Key Milestones:
- Orientation & Induction
- NGO Partner Matching
- Field Immersion
- Mid-Term Review
- Final Project Report Submission
Structure of the Fellowship
1. Orientation & Induction (1 Month)
A rigorous training period with workshops, panel discussions, and rural exposure.
2. Field Assignment (12 Months)
Fellows work with a partner NGO on live projects, collaborating with local communities and field mentors.
3. Project Implementation
Fellows initiate or support grassroots initiatives across diverse thematic areas.
4. Evaluation & Review
Progress is monitored through mid-term and final reviews conducted by the NGO and SBI Foundation.
Fellowship Benefits
Financial Support
- Monthly stipend to cover living costs
- Travel allowance (to/from project site)
- Health insurance coverage
- Accommodation at project location
- Project-related expenses covered
Non-Financial Support
- Mentorship from experienced development professionals
- Networking opportunities with NGO partners and alumni
- Certificate of Completion from SBI Foundation
- Access to careers in the social development sector
- Personal and professional transformation
Thematic Areas for Fellows
Fellows work across a wide range of development themes, such as:
| Theme | Sample Projects |
|---|---|
| Education | Digital literacy, remedial teaching, teacher training |
| Health | Hygiene awareness, community health programs |
| Livelihoods | Skill development, promoting sustainable farming |
| Women Empowerment | Self-help groups (SHGs), reproductive health |
| Environmental Protection | Afforestation, waste management initiatives |
| Water | Conservation projects, irrigation planning |
| Food Security | Nutrition programs, community kitchens |
| Technology | Rural tech innovations, mobile app solutions |
| Traditional Crafts | Reviving rural arts and crafts |
| Social Entrepreneurship | Grassroots innovations |
| Self-Governance | Panchayat engagement, RTI awareness campaigns |
Partner NGOs
SBI Foundation collaborates with top NGOs to mentor and support fellows:
- BAIF Development Research Foundation
- Seva Mandir
- Gram Vikas
- Barefoot College
- Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development (CORD)
- AKRSP (India)
- Dhan Foundation
- Lepra India
- MSSRF (M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation)
- Urmul Trust
- Samaj Pragati Sahayog (SPS)
These NGOs facilitate on-ground integration, mentorship, and project execution.
Life as a Fellow in Rural India
Fellows embark on a journey that is both challenging and rewarding:
- Living in rural/semi-urban communities
- Building trust with locals and understanding grassroots realities
- Navigating cultural and language barriers
- Driving community-led solutions
- Experiencing immense personal growth and resilience
Application Process
Step 1: Register Online
Visit youthforindia.org and complete the registration form.
Step 2: Application Form
Submit details about your education, experiences, and motivation.
Step 3: Essay Questions
Shortlisted candidates provide reflective responses to essay prompts.
Step 4: Personal Interview
Virtual interviews to assess alignment with fellowship goals.
Documents Required
- Updated Resume/CV
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Graduation certificate
- Government ID proof (Aadhar/PAN/Passport)
- Relevant project/work portfolio (if any)
Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Screening | Shortlisting based on submitted forms |
| Essay Submission | Evaluated for passion and depth of thought |
| Interview | Assesses suitability and motivation |
| Final Selection | Offer letters issued to ~100 candidates annually |
Selection Ratio: ~1 in 250 (25,000+ applicants yearly)
Tentative Dates for 2025–26
| Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | March 2025 |
| Application Deadline | May 2025 |
| Essay Submission | June 2025 |
| Interviews | July 2025 |
| Results Announced | August 2025 |
| Fellowship Commences | September 2025 |
Testimonials from Alumni
“This fellowship taught me that change is not a giant leap but a series of small, consistent steps.”
— Ritika Singh, Fellow 2021–22
“Living in a village reshaped my understanding of India’s diversity and resilience.”
— Naveen Raj, Fellow 2020–21
Challenges Fellows May Face
- Adapting to rural lifestyles and limited infrastructure
- Overcoming language barriers
- Navigating cultural differences and community resistance
- Managing isolation and burnout
- Working with limited local resources
Tips for Aspiring Applicants
✔ Reflect on your motivation for joining.
✔ Research rural development issues and fellowship themes.
✔ Be authentic and passionate in essays and interviews.
✔ Learn from alumni blogs and experiences.
✔ Prepare with real-life examples to showcase problem-solving skills.
Jodi srirangapura