The Know India Programme (KIP), launched in 2003–04, is a flagship initiative of Ministry of External Affairs aimed at strengthening the engagement and connecting the young members of the Indian diaspora with their ancestral roots while providing them an opportunity to experience and appreciate contemporary India's remarkable growth and development across diverse sectors as the country progresses towards Viksit Bharat @2047. The Programme seeks to acquaint participants with India's rich cultural heritage, economic transformation, innovations and start-up ecosystem, scientific and technological advancements, and other significant facets of contemporary India. The Programme also aims to motivate and inspire young members of the Indian diaspora to contribute to and participate in India's developmental journey. Since its inception, the Ministry has successfully organized 87 editions of the Programme with the participation of 3,153 young members of the Indian diaspora.

3. The eligibility age criteria for participants was revised from 21–35 years to 18–28 years, with participants divided into two cohorts:                           
4.  18–23 years (Scholars and Innovators) and 24–28 years (Young Professionals).
   
5. Separate editions of the Programme would be organized for the two cohorts, with each edition comprising of 25 participants.
   

           iii.           The duration of each Programme will be two weeks, inclusive of travel time.

1.  The Programme would be open to youth of Indian origin, including Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), Overseas Citizens of India  (OCIs), as well as for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
   
2. Preference will be accorded to NRIs residing in the Gulf region and to applicants who have not previously visited India.
   
3. The detailed Guidelines for the revised Know India Programme were circulated by this Ministry to all Indian Missions/Posts vide email dated 1 June 2026. A copy of the Guidelines is enclosed once again for reference.
   
4. MEA proposes to organize the 88th edition of the Know India Programme, in accordance with the revised guidelines, from 16 to 29 August 2026for 'Young Professionals' in the 24–28 years age group. Under this edition, 25 youth members of the Indian diaspora, including PIOs, OCIs and NRIs, will be invited to visit India for a two-week Programme.