Ashoka University, India’s premier interdisciplinary higher education and research institution, today announced that all Fellows selected for the upcoming cohort of the Young India Fellowship (Class of 2025-26) will receive partial or full scholarships. The admissions process opened on October 15, 2024, offering scholarships ranging from 25% to a full 100% waiver covering tuition, residence, and meals along with stipends for additional financial assistance. The prestigious Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship will also continue to be awarded in the Class of 2026.

Currently, 81% of the Young India Fellows are either partially or fully funded with 60% of the cohort benefiting from a full tuition waiver or more. Notably about one-third of the Class of 2025 Fellows identify as first-generation college goers, and 61% as female. With this new initiative, Ashoka University is furthering its commitment to making the Fellowship more accessible to exceptional and deserving individuals coming from all walks of life. The increase in scholarships for the current and next cohort has been made possible primarily through the generous support of HDFC Bank.

“We are glad to be supporting Ashoka's flagship programme through scholarships, making education more accessible to many deserving students. We wish all success to Young India Fellows.” shared Nusrat Pathan, CSR Head, HDFC Bank.

Reflecting on these developments, Pramath Raj Sinha, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Ashoka University, said, “The YIF has always been close to my heart, given that it predates the formation of Ashoka University. With increased scholarships thanks to generous contributions by HDFC Bank, we want to truly attract the best and brightest, to experience what this unique programme offers.”

Commenting on the YIF’s future, Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor, Ashoka University said, “I am greatly enthused and excited about this new chapter where the programme is evolving its mission and funding. I look forward to supporting this ambitious programme and to teaching future generations of Fellows, which continues to be among my most cherished experiences.”

Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process: YIF Class of 2026

The Class of 2026 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 2025 or earlier (can be a final-year student at the time of application) are eligible to apply for the YIF.

The admissions process opened on October 15, 2024 and is split into two rounds, with the first application deadline being January 5, 2025. Candidates are encouraged to apply early, even within a round, to partake in the rolling personal interview process.

Following a holistic assessment of applications, a number of candidates will be shortlisted for personal interviews. Additionally, some of these shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview for the Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship.

All Fellows who receive an offer of admission are guaranteed a minimum 25% tuition waiver, with some also being awarded the prestigious Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship. All admitted and waitlisted candidates will have the opportunity to apply for need-based Financial Aid, which goes upto a full-waiver on the entire fee along with stipends for additional assistance.