KNOW INDIA PROGRAMME
GUIDELINES & REQUIREMENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
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.
2. MAIN ELEMENTS OF KIP
(i) Presentations on India, and its polity, economy, history, culture, etc.
(ii) Visit to institutes of democracy and governance like Parliament of India, Election Commission of India, Rashtrapati Bhawan and call on High Dignitaries.
(iii) Showcasing achievements in diverse sectors, including Science &Technology, Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Startup ecosystem, Digital infrastructure, India Stack, JAM Trinity, Education, Defence, Agriculture and Tourism.
(iv) Visit to places of historical, and cultural importance.
(v) Familiarisation with cultural and civilizational heritage of India, including Yoga, Ayurveda, Classical forms of Music and Dance.
(vi) Exposure to Govt. of India schemes like Skill India, Digital India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, StartUp India.
(vii) Visit to industrial sites, public and private firms to showcase India’s strength in Manufacturing & Services sector.
(viii) Immersion program along with interaction with faculty and students at a prestigious University/College/Institute.
(ix) Visit to leading Scientific and Research Institutions.
(x) Exposure to Indian Media and Broadcasting industry.
(xi) Visit to one or two State(s) in India to expose the participants to the cultural diversity of India.
3. ARRANGEMENTS
(i) The Ministry of External Affairs will take care of participants only for the duration of the programme.
(ii) The participants are provided local hospitality e.g. boarding/lodging in budget hotels and internal transportation in India (including airport transfers).
(iii) Missions will arrange for return air tickets before participants leave for India, after getting 10% of total air fare from them.
(iv) Gratis visa shall be granted to selected participants by the Indian Missions/Posts abroad.
4. 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.
5. DURATION.
The duration of the programme is about three weeks (including international travel).
6. INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE.
There have been some previous instances in KIPs where participants have faced health issues during their visit to India. In the absence of a valid travel and medical insurance policy, it is difficult to settle the expenditure incurred on the medical care for the participant while in India. Therefore, all KIP participants will need to submit a copy of a valid international travel insurance and medical insurance policy for the duration of their visit to India. The participants will also need to submit a medical fitness report or certificate confirming their ability to undertake long-distance and extended-duration travel.
7. 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.
MANDATORY DOCUMENTS TO BE SENT WITH APPLICATION:
1. Completed application form, Annexures A, B,C must be completed by the applicant with relevant information. Annexure C must be completed regardless of possession of Indian Origin documents/ancestral documents. (word format only).
2. Passport, ID & Proof of residence.
3. Proof of qualification certificate/ degree certificate.
4. Recent passport size/portrait photo.
Please send your application completed form & required documents to itec.durban@mea.gov.in
KIP application form 80th and 81st editions
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