Ashoka University Starts Admissions under Young India Fellowship with New Diploma, 100 Spots and Scholarships

Fellowship will now offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies, All Fellows in Class of 2026-27 will receive scholarships. First round of applications will remain open till January 19, 2026 with the priority deadline of the first round being December 8, 2025

 Ashoka University has opened applications for the 16th cohort of Young India Fellowship (YIF), Class of 2026–27. Making Fellowship more accessible for bright and deserving individuals, Ashoka University will provide scholarships to all selected Fellows in the Class of 2026–27, with support of HDFC Bank.

Young India Fellowship brings together a select few bright and driven students across different backgrounds. The programme equips Fellows with the intellectual breadth, critical perspectives, and the leadership tools needed to navigate and address the most pertinent problems to create a better world.

Reflecting on the Fellowship’s legacy, Pramath Raj Sinha, Founder & Chairperson, Board of Trustee, Ashoka University, said, “Ashoka started with the Young India Fellowship, so it has a very special place in the University. It's a microcosm of what all of Ashoka has to offer and the best of what Ashoka has to offer.”

YIF offers a year-long residential postgraduate diploma focused on interdisciplinary and multidimensional learning. Commenting on the fellowship’s impact, Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor, Ashoka University said, “The Young India Fellowship at the University has become very, very successful in creating leaders and our alumni are all across the world making a name for themselves. Many of them are at the top of their field.”

Eligibility and Scholarships

Class of 2026-27 will comprise around 100 Fellows. Candidates of all age groups and nationalities, across diverse academic, professional, geographical and socioeconomic backgrounds, who have a recognised undergraduate degree in any discipline by July 2026 or earlier (can be a final-year student at the time of application) are eligible to apply for the YIF. There is no age limit to apply.

YIF offers scholarships ranging from 25% to a full 100% waiver covering tuition, residence, and meals along with stipends for additional financial assistance. In addition, around 10 exceptional candidates will be awarded the Chancellor’s Scholarship, covering the entire tuition and residence fee.

Among all Fellows in the 15th cohort, YIF Class of 2025–26, 59% received full tuition waivers or more, 32% were fully funded (including tuition, residence, and meals), 24% who were fully funded received additional financial support to pursue the fellowship and 17 Fellows were recognised as Chancellor’s Scholars. 35% of the Class of 2026 Fellows identify as first-generation college goers, and 59% as female.

All interested candidates are required to complete a free-of-cost online application.