Launch of Portal for Know India Programme

On 17 June 2017, External Affairs Minister of India inaugurated a portal for Know India Programme (KIP), Ministry's flagship initiative for engagement with young overseas Indians. The portal www.kip.gov.in enables Indian-origin youth to apply online for KIP programmes.

This year i.e. in 2017-18, Ministry of External Affairs of India is organising six Know India Programmes (KIP) with participation of 40 overseas Indians in each programme.

No.               Date                                 State Partner

41st KIP        3-27 September 2017        Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh

42nd KIP       1-25 October 2017             Jharkhand & Chhattisgarh

43rd KIP       1-25 November 2017         Meghalaya & Assam

44th KIP       29 Nov -23 Dec 2017         Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

KIPs will continue to be a 25-day programme. This year Ministry has included 2-3 States in the programme of each KIP.

45th and 46th KIPs will be held in early 2018. Applications for these KIPs will be accepted in October. 

The applicants can indicate their preferences online for any three KIPs. Ministry will do their best to accommodate them in the KIP of their first preference.

Applications can be submitted online by the overseas Indians from 23 June to 21 July 2017.

Applicants are advised to submit their applications online well within the deadline on 21 July (http://kip.gov.in/home/register). All other details/ FAQ are uploaded on the Know India Programme portal. Applicants are advised to go through the guidelines closely prior to filling the application form online.

About Know India Programme:

1. Know India Programme is a flagship programme of Ministry of External Affairs for engagement with Indian origin youth (between 18-30 years) to enhance their awareness about India, its cultural heritage, art and to familiarise them with various aspects of contemporary India. This programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding non-resident Indians) from all over the world with preference to those from Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad &Tobago;, South Africa, Jamaica. The programme has been in existence since 2003.

2. Know India Programme is a 25 days programme (excluding international travel) during which the participant will visit Delhi, Agra and a select state in India alongwith visits to places of historical, cultural, religious significance. KIP participants will also have a 2-day orientation programme in New Delhi. Participants will meet opinion makers, leaders, officials to get an overview of India’s economy, society and ongoing growth and development story.

3. Participants are provided local hospitality e.g. boarding and Internal transportation in India, return air tickets from their country of residence to India provided participants bear 10% of the cost of total air fare. Gratis visa shall be granted to participants by the Indian Missions/Posts abroad.

4. Minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is graduation from a recognised University /Institute or enrolled for graduation and ability to speak in English. The applicant should not have visited India through any previous Programme of Government of India. Those who have not visited India before will be given preference.

5. Applicant must provide documentary evidence to prove Indian origin or an undertaking about Indian origin which must be countersigned by Indian Embassy/High Commission/Consul General.

Eligible candidates can apply to the programme online at http://kip.gov.in/home/register. All other details/ FAQ are uploaded on the Know India Programme portal. Applicants are advised to go through the guidelines closely prior to filling the application form online.