KIP is an engagement programme for Diaspora youth (between the age of 21-35 years) of Indian origin to introduce them to India and promote awareness about different facets of Indian life, our cultural heritage, art and various aspects of contemporary India. This programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding Non-Resident Indians) with preference to those from Girmitiya countries. The programme has been in existence since 2003-04
Main 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 Embassy 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 Embassy.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
(i) Age: The programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding non-resident Indians) in the age group of 21-35 years, as on the first day of the month in which the programme is expected to begin.
(ii) It is open to PIO youth from all over the world. Applicant must provide his/her OCI card number or 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 about his Indian Origin which must be attested by DCM/DCG or HOM/HOP of the Mission/Post.
(iii) Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible to apply.
(iv) Previous participation: The applicant should not have participated in any previous edition of Know India Programme or any other programme organized and paid for by the Ministry of External Affairs and any other Ministry/Department in Government of India or a State Government in India.
(v) Educational Qualification: Minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is graduation from a recognized University/Institute. Applicants pursuing graduation are not eligible to apply.
(vi) Language: The applicants should be able to speak in English, should have studied English as a subject at the High School level or have English as the medium of instruction for undergraduate course.
(vii) The applicants who have not visited India before will be given preference.
INSURANCE:
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.
SUBMISSION OF PROGRAMME REPORT BY THE SELECTED PARTICIPANTS
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 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 18th April, 2025.
Application form along with all mandatory documents must be emailed at: culture.vienna@mea.gov.in
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