About Ashoka University
Ashoka University, a private university located in Sonipat, Haryana, has invited applications for its Young India Fellowship (YIF) for the 2027–2028 academic year. The one-year residential programme is open to graduates from different academic backgrounds, including law, humanities, commerce, engineering and social sciences.
The fellowship provides an opportunity for graduates and young professionals to study subjects beyond their original disciplines. Its curriculum covers public policy, economics, philosophy, history, communication, leadership and other areas.
For the 2027 intake, Ashoka University plans to admit approximately 100 Fellows.
Every selected Fellow will receive a minimum scholarship covering 25% of the tuition fees. Additional need-based and merit-based financial assistance is also available, with some scholarships covering tuition, accommodation and meals.
The priority application deadline is November 29, 2026.
About the Young India Fellowship
The Young India Fellowship was established in 2011 and has become one of Ashoka University’s flagship academic programmes.
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The programme is designed for individuals interested in examining social, economic, political and cultural questions through different academic perspectives.
Unlike a conventional master’s degree focused on a single subject, the Young India Fellowship introduces participants to several disciplines.
Students attend academic courses, participate in discussions, work on collaborative projects and receive guidance from faculty members and professional mentors.
Upon successful completion, Fellows are expected to receive a Post-Graduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies from Ashoka University.
The university notes that commencement of this diploma programme is subject to approval from the relevant statutory and regulatory bodies.
Number of Seats and Programme Duration
Ashoka University expects to admit approximately 100 Fellows for its Class of 2028.
The programme will begin in July 2027 and continue until July 2028.
It is a one-year, full-time residential programme.
Selected students must ordinarily live in the accommodation provided by the university.
The academic schedule is intensive, and Fellows are expected to participate in classes, research assignments, discussions and other learning activities throughout the year.
The university has clarified that Fellows cannot hold full-time jobs during the programme.
Part-time employment is also strongly discouraged because of the academic workload.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have completed a recognised undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification in any discipline.
Final-year undergraduate students who expect to complete their degrees by the summer of 2027 can also apply.
There is no age limit for admission to the Young India Fellowship.
The university has not prescribed a particular minimum percentage of marks as a general eligibility requirement.
Applicants from different academic backgrounds are considered through a holistic selection process.
Previous work experience may strengthen an application, but it is not compulsory.
Candidates with experience in employment, entrepreneurship, freelancing, internships or social projects may describe these activities in their applications.
The university also welcomes candidates who already possess postgraduate qualifications.
Can Law Graduates Apply?
Yes. Students who have completed an LL.B., BA LL.B., BBA LL.B. or another recognised undergraduate law degree are eligible to apply.
The fellowship may be particularly relevant for law graduates interested in public policy, governance, international relations, social development or interdisciplinary research.
For example, a lawyer interested in constitutional governance may benefit from studying political theory, economics and public institutions alongside students from other disciplines.
Similarly, candidates interested in technology regulation, human rights or public policy may find opportunities to examine legal questions through wider social and economic perspectives.
However, the Young India Fellowship is not an LL.M. programme and does not award a specialised postgraduate law degree.
Law graduates considering the fellowship should understand that it is an interdisciplinary academic programme rather than a legal practice qualification.
Academic Curriculum
The Young India Fellowship introduces students to a wide range of subjects through approximately 18 courses taught during the academic year.
The courses cover areas such as public policy, economics, psychology, philosophy, international relations, communication and leadership.
The programme also includes Critical Inquiry and Expression, a component intended to improve academic writing, communication and analytical abilities.
Students participate in classroom discussions and complete assignments throughout the academic year.
Another important element is Immersive Experiential Learning.
Under this component, Fellows work in teams on practical projects connected with organisations from different sectors.
These may include education, public policy, healthcare, technology, governance, social justice and environmental sustainability.
The programme combines classroom education with practical problem-solving activities.
Scholarship and Financial Assistance
Ashoka University has announced that every admitted Fellow in the Class of 2028 will receive a scholarship covering at least 25% of the tuition fee.
The university also provides additional financial assistance through merit-based and need-based scholarships.
Some selected Fellows may receive full scholarships covering tuition fees, residence and meals.
The university offers financial assistance through the Chancellor’s Scholarship and its need-based scholarship programme.
However, not every successful applicant will receive complete financial support.
The actual scholarship amount will depend on the applicable award and the applicant’s financial circumstances or selection performance.
Chancellor’s Scholarship
The Chancellor’s Scholarship is a merit-based award available to selected applicants.
Candidates are considered on the basis of their academic achievements, professional accomplishments, non-academic activities and performance during the admission process.
Some shortlisted candidates will be invited for an additional interview.
There is no separate application form for the Chancellor’s Scholarship.
The university identifies suitable candidates during the Young India Fellowship selection process.
According to Ashoka University’s official information, the Chancellor’s Scholarship can cover 100% of tuition and residence fees.
Selected candidates may also seek need-based assistance for remaining expenses, including meals.
Need-Based Scholarship
Ashoka University also provides scholarships based on financial need.
These scholarships are intended for candidates who require additional support to meet the cost of the fellowship.
The university examines the financial circumstances of the applicant and their family or guardians before making an award.
Applicants who receive an admission offer or are placed on the waitlist will be invited to complete the need-based scholarship form.
The scholarship application window remains open for one week during the relevant admission round.
Candidates should therefore prepare their financial information before receiving an admission decision.
The university has stated that additional assistance may be available where necessary to help students meet the programme’s costs.
Programme Fees
Ashoka University has published the fee structure for the 2027 intake.
The tuition fee is ₹7,98,000.
The residence fee is ₹2,28,000, while the essential services charge is ₹5,400.
Meal plan expenses are additional.
However, no admitted Fellow will have to pay the full tuition fee because every successful applicant receives at least a 25% tuition waiver.
Candidates receiving larger scholarships may have a significantly lower financial obligation.
Those awarded comprehensive financial assistance may receive support covering tuition, accommodation and meals.
Applicants should review their individual scholarship offer before accepting admission.
Selection Process
The Young India Fellowship follows a holistic selection process.
The first stage is the online application.
Candidates must provide information about their academic background, personal interests, achievements, professional experience and extracurricular activities.
The application also includes three written essays and one compulsory video essay.
These submissions help the selection committee understand the applicant’s interests, experiences and reasons for seeking admission.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for a personal interview.
Interviews are generally conducted online and last approximately 25 to 40 minutes.
The interview panel may include Ashoka University faculty members, senior university officials, Young India Fellowship alumni and programme representatives.
Candidates who progress further may also be considered for the Chancellor’s Scholarship interview.
Documents Required
Applicants must provide their academic qualifications and personal details through the official application portal.
The admissions page asks for academic marksheets, a government-issued identity document, a photograph and supporting information concerning previous achievements.
Candidates should also prepare an updated CV describing their academic and professional background.
The application includes written essays and a mandatory video essay.
Shortlisted applicants are required to arrange one letter of recommendation.
The recommendation may come from an academic or professional referee, such as a teacher, supervisor or mentor.
Recommendations from family members, relatives or friends are not accepted.
Applicants should review the current application form carefully to ensure that all required documents and information are submitted.
Career Opportunities After the Fellowship
Ashoka University’s Young India Fellowship provides career development and mentoring support during the academic year.
The university’s Career Development Office assists students through professional development sessions, resume reviews, interview preparation and other activities.
The fellowship also provides access to mentors working in different professional fields.
Graduates have pursued careers in public policy, consulting, research, social development, entrepreneurship, journalism and other sectors.
Some have also continued their education through postgraduate and doctoral programmes in India and abroad.
The university’s Office of Post-Graduate Studies provides guidance to students interested in pursuing further academic qualifications.
However, participation in the fellowship does not guarantee employment or admission to another academic programme.
Fellowship Location
The Young India Fellowship is conducted at Ashoka University’s campus in Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana.
The programme is residential, and Fellows are ordinarily required to stay in university-provided accommodation.
The campus provides academic, residential and recreational facilities.
According to the university, Fellows are generally accommodated in twin-sharing rooms.
The university also provides shuttle services connecting its campus with locations in Delhi.
How to Apply?
Interested and eligible candidates must apply through the official Young India Fellowship application portal.
Applicants should visit the university’s website and register using a valid email address.
After completing email verification, they can begin filling out the online application.
The form asks for personal information, academic qualifications, professional details and extracurricular activities.
Candidates must also complete the required essays and upload supporting documents.
The application can be saved and completed over multiple sessions.
Applicants are not required to submit a printed copy of the form.
After submission, the university will review the application and contact shortlisted candidates regarding the interview process.
Official Application Portal: https://yifapplication.ashoka.edu.in/
Official Admissions Page: https://www.ashoka.edu.in/yif-admissions/
Official Programme FAQs: https://www.ashoka.edu.in/yif-faqs/
Official Scholarship and Fee Information: https://www.ashoka.edu.in/yif-scholarships-and-fee/
Official Email for Queries: yifadmissions@ashoka.edu.in
Important Dates
Ashoka University has announced three important dates for the 2027 intake.
The priority application deadline is November 29, 2026.
Candidates who apply by this date will receive priority consideration for application review and earlier interview scheduling.
The final deadline for Round 1 is January 10, 2027.
Candidates who do not apply during Round 1 can submit their applications in Round 2.
The final application deadline for Round 2 is March 21, 2027.
Candidates may submit only one application during the admission cycle.
The university has also clarified that admission decisions are communicated together at the end of each round, even though applications and interviews are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Application Deadline
The priority deadline for the Ashoka University Young India Fellowship 2027 is November 29, 2026.
The final deadline for the complete 2027 admission cycle is March 21, 2027.
Successful candidates will join the one-year residential programme beginning in July 2027.
Every admitted Fellow will receive at least a 25% tuition fee scholarship, while additional merit-based and need-based funding will be available to eligible candidates.
Interested law graduates and other applicants can submit their applications through Ashoka University’s official Young India Fellowship portal.
