Ashoka University has initiated admissions for the Young India Fellowship (YIF) class of 2024-25, with the Round 1 deadline set for November 27, 2023. YIF is a year-long Post Graduate Diploma in Liberal Studies aimed at training 100 outstanding individuals from India and beyond. The program features a multidisciplinary curriculum that prepares them to be influential leaders and agents of change in the 21st century.

Eligible candidates include individuals of all age groups holding a recognized undergraduate degree in any field by July 2024 or earlier, even if they are final-year students at the time of application.

Applicants can take advantage of Ashoka University’s Need-based Financial Aid program, offering fee waivers of up to 100% of the entire fee, covering accommodation and meals. This commitment ensures that quality education is accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the Chancellor’s Merit Scholarships will be awarded to approximately 10 exceptional candidates who have excelled in various fields and demonstrated strong leadership qualities. These scholarships cover tuition and residence fees. Remarkably, 68% of the class of 2023-24 received financial aid to pursue the fellowship.

Since its inception in 2011, YIF has continued to evolve. The academic year comprises eight terms, each lasting approximately six weeks. Fellows engage in around 20 courses spanning different areas of study, many of which are interdisciplinary. The program includes components like the Critical Writing Program, Experiential Learning Module, The YIF Crossover Series, and Alumni-In-Residence. These elements offer students the flexibility to shape their own fellowship experience in alignment with their aspirations.

Regarding the Class of 2024, Aniha Brar, Dean of The Young India Fellowship and Vice Chancellor’s Office, mentioned, “The YIF Class of 2024 welcomed 12 Chancellor’s Merit Scholars, a newly introduced scholarship covering the tuition and residence fee for exceptional candidates, in addition to need-based financial aid. Building on the success of new initiatives like the ‘YIF Crossover Series’ and ‘Alumni-in-Residence,’ we’ve revamped them to enhance the experience for incoming cohorts. The YIF class of 2025 will have the opportunity to enroll in cross-listed courses taught at Ashoka Centres and choose from a more extensive array of elective courses.”

All interested candidates are required to complete an online application (free-of-cost). Applications undergo holistic evaluation and are shortlisted for an online personal interview. The initial round of applications will remain open until November 27, 2023.

For further details on the YIF and to submit applications, please visit https://yif.ashoka.edu.in/.