The SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27 is a 13-month immersive rural development fellowship open to citizens of India, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Non-Resident Indians (NRI), and citizens of Nepal or Bhutan. Fellows collaborate with Partner NGOs, local institutions, and communities across 250 villages in 22 states and Union Territories to co-create sustainable grassroots solutions in rural livelihoods, education, environment, and social innovation. The last date to apply is 30 April 2026 at 11:59 PM IST.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Immersive Rural Development Fellowship |
| Organising Body | SBI Youth for India |
| Mode | Offline (Field-based across rural India) |
| Duration | 13 Months |
| Location | 250+ villages across 22 States and Union Territories, India |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 April 2026 (11:59 PM IST) |
About the Program
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27 is a flagship grassroots leadership program now in its 14th batch, with over 700 alumni having worked across 250 villages in more than 20 states and collectively impacted an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 lives. The fellowship places passionate young professionals and graduates directly within rural communities and Partner NGO ecosystems, enabling them to co-design and implement sustainable solutions addressing education, livelihoods, environment, and social development challenges from the ground up. Consequently, fellows develop resilience, adaptability, crisis management capabilities, and deep cross-cultural communication skills by navigating complex real-world development environments over thirteen months. Furthermore, the fellowship’s track record speaks for itself — nearly 70% of alumni continue in the development sector, with many founding social enterprises, shaping public policy, advising state governments, or contributing to leading national and international institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Must have completed graduation by the fellowship start date
- Open to graduates from all academic disciplines and professional backgrounds
- No specific field of study or prior development sector experience is mandated
Experience & Other Conditions
- Open to citizens of India, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Non-Resident Indians (NRI), and citizens of Nepal or Bhutan
- Open to all genders — male, female, and others
- Must demonstrate genuine passion for social impact, rural development, and community-driven change
- Seats are limited; early application is strongly encouraged
Benefits & Funding
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Field Immersion | 13 months of hands-on grassroots work in 250+ villages across 22 states and UTs |
| Partner NGO Collaboration | Direct placement with 15 Partner NGOs working on rural development |
| Skill Development | Resilience, adaptability, crisis management, and cross-cultural communication |
| Alumni Network | Access to a 700+ strong global network of development sector leaders |
| Career Pathways | Pathway into social enterprises, NGOs, public policy, and governance roles |
| Community Impact | Direct contribution to estimated 150,000–200,000 lives across rural India |
Topics / Themes Covered
- Rural Livelihoods and Sustainable Community Development
- Education Access and Quality in Underserved Rural Regions
- Environment, Climate Action, and Natural Resource Management
- Social Innovation and Grassroots Solution Design
- Cross-Sectoral Collaboration with NGOs, Local Institutions, and Communities
- Policy and Governance Influence through Grassroots Insights
Selection Process
- Stage 1: Online application submission followed by an online assessment evaluating motivation, values, and alignment with the fellowship’s mission
- Stage 2: Group exercise and personal interview for shortlisted candidates
- Selection is merit-based; candidates are evaluated on passion for social impact, communication skills, and readiness for a 13-month rural immersion
- Seats are limited across each batch; early submission is strongly advised
How to Apply
- Visit the official SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27 application portal.
- Complete the online application form reflecting your personal experiences, values, and motivation for rural development work.
- Undertake the online assessment as part of Stage 1 of the selection process.
- If shortlisted, participate in the Stage 2 group exercise and personal interview.
- Submit your application before 30 April 2026 at 11:59 PM IST.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Applicants | N/A |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Posted | 9 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 April 2026 (11:59 PM IST) |
| Fellowship Duration | 13 Months from joining date |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27?
Citizens of India, Overseas Citizens of India, Non-Resident Indians, and citizens of Nepal or Bhutan from all academic backgrounds and genders are eligible; graduates with a genuine passion for rural development and social impact are encouraged to apply.
What does the SBI Youth for India Fellowship involve?
Fellows spend 13 months working with Partner NGOs and rural communities across 250+ villages in 22 states, co-designing grassroots solutions in livelihoods, education, environment, and social innovation while developing real-world leadership skills.
What is the selection process for the SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27?
Selection is a two-stage process — Stage 1 involves an online application and assessment, while Stage 2 comprises a group exercise and personal interview for shortlisted candidates.
What career outcomes do alumni experience after the fellowship?
Nearly 70% of SBI Youth for India alumni continue in the development sector, founding social enterprises, joining NGOs, shaping public policy, or advising state governments and international organisations after completing the fellowship.
Is the SBI Youth for India Fellowship open to professionals currently working in the private sector?
Yes – the fellowship is open to all eligible nationals regardless of current employment sector; it is specifically designed to channel diverse professional expertise into underserved rural communities across India.