Consulate General of India

Government of India is pleased to announce the 85^th Edition of the Know India Programme (KIP) scheduled from 06 to 27 January 2026. KIP is a flagship initiative aimed at reconnecting Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in the age group of 21–35 years with their ethnic roots besides showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India and its recent spectacular developmental efforts. The programme offers an immersive exposure to India’s Indian Art, Heritage, Culture, Economy, Innovations, Start-ups, Science & Technology while encouraging greater engagement with India’s growth journey toward Viksit Bharat. Since its inception in 2003-04, Ministry has successfully organized 82 editions of the KIP with participation of 2959 youth PIO members. Like previous editions of KIP, 40 youth PIO members in the age group of 21-35 years would be invited to visit India for a 3-week programme with the aforesaid intended purpose.

Specific about 85th edition:

Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, has scheduled participation of partakers of this edition in the upcoming Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) coinciding with the National Youth Festival on January 12, 2026. To celebrate the spirit of Yuva Shakti through Innovation, Leadership, and Collaboration, the VBYLD through the Viksit Bharat Challenge Track will provide a platform for the youth members of both India and the Indian diaspora to ideate on 10 different tracks and present transformative solutions on national priorities of India such as Governance, Education, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship. The Challenge would unfold through four stages, beginning with an online quiz, followed by an essay competition, presentations and leadership assessments, and culminating in the National Championship, where finalists would present their ideas to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. Selected participants of the upcoming 85^th KIP would be accorded the unique and cherished opportunity to present their ideas on this stage. Bringing together 3,000 exceptional youth leaders from across India and the Indian diaspora, VBYLD would feature four dynamic segments: Viksit Bharat Challenge Track, Cultural Track, Design for Bharat- Design Track and Hack for a Social Cause- Tech Track. Supported by Pathbreakers, who are young achievers and mentors guiding participants across tracks, the Dialogue would serve as a national movement to empower youth as catalysts for change and architects of a developed India by 2047. 

Elements of the KIP:

The Know India Programme (KIP) offers a comprehensive introduction to India's diverse identity through presentations on its polity, economy, history, and culture. Participants engage with democratic institutions like Parliament and the Election Commission, and meet high dignitaries. The programme showcases India's advancements in sectors such as science & technology, IT, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, startups, education, and more. It includes visits to historical and cultural sites and provides hands-on exposure to India's civilizational heritage— Yoga, Ayurveda, classical music and dance. Participants also learn about key government initiatives like Digital India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, explore industrial hubs, interact with academic institutions, visit premier research centres, gain insights into Indian media, and travel across one or two Indian states to experience the country’s rich cultural diversity.

ARRANGEMENTS & HOSPITALITY:

(i) The Ministry of External Affairs will take care of participants only for the duration [03 weeks (including international travel)] of the programme. If participants wish to arrive in India early or stay extra, they will have to make their own arrangements.

(ii) The participants are provided local hospitality e.g. boarding/lodging in budget hotels and internal transportation in India (including airport transfers).

(iii) The Consulate will arrange return air tickets for selected participants, covering 90% of the total airfare. The remaining 10% of the airfare must be borne and deposited by the participant before ticket issuance.

(iv) Gratis visa shall be granted to selected participants by the Consulate.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

*Applicant must provide his/her OCI/PIO card number or that of his/her parents or grandparents. In the absence of any documentary proof of Indian Origin, the applicant must submit a written undertaking (Annexure -C) about his/her Indian Origin which must be attested by DCM/DCG or HOM/HOP of the Mission/Post.

Note-

1. a) Preference will be given to applicants who have never visited India before.
2. b) All selected KIP participants must submit a valid international travel and medical insurance policy covering their stay in India, along with a medical fitness certificate confirming their ability to undertake long-distance and extended-duration travel.
3. c) For the successful completion of the KIP programme, participants will be required to submit a 750-1000 words Programme Report outlining their experiences and insights from the programme. The report will be detailed account of their learnings from the Programme and how the visit has helped improve their understanding about India. The participants will receive Certificates only after the acceptance of their Programme Reports.

APPLICATION & SUBMISSION:

Interested candidates may submit the KIP Application Form 2025 (download here) with all mandatory documents. All fields must be duly filled, and the application must be signed and dated. The last date for submission of an application form is 08 December, 2025.

 Application form along with all mandatory documents and for any queries must be emailed at: hoc.manchester@mea.gov.in  

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