Consulate General of India, Manchester
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88th Edition of the Know India Programme (KIP)

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    The Government of India is pleased to announce the 88th Edition of the Know India Programme (KIP) scheduled from 8 to 27 March, 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 86 editions of the KIP with participation of 3116 youth PIO members. The 87th edition of the KIP is currently underway with 37 participants from 15 countries across the globe. As per the guidelines of the Programme, 40 youth PIO members in the age group of 21-35 years would be invited to visit India for a 3-week programme to address the aforesaid intended purposes.

 

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 centers, 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:

 

 Criteria

  Details

 

 Age

 21–35 years (as on 1st March, 2026)

 

Who Can Apply

Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)* only; NRIs are not eligible

Proof of Indian Origin

OCI/PIO card of self/parents/grandparents, or declaration attested by Indian Mission/Post

Previous Participation

Not eligible if participated in any earlier KIP or other Govt.-sponsored programme

Education

Must have at least an undergraduate degree; applicants pursuing undergraduate course are not eligible

Language

Should be able to speak English; should have studied English in high school or had English medium for undergraduate course

 

*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 application form is 19th February, 2026.

 

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

 

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