Ashoka University Announces Scholarships For All Young India Fellows

Ashoka University, India’s premier interdisciplinary higher education and research institution, has announced that all Fellows selected for the upcoming cohort of the Young India Fellowship (Class of 2025-26) will receive partial or full scholarships. The admissions process opened on October 15, 2024, offering scholarships ranging from 25 per cent to a full 100 per cent waiver covering tuition, residence and meals along with stipends for additional financial assistance. The prestigious Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship will also continue to be awarded in the Class of 2026. 

Currently, 81 per cent of the Young India Fellows are either partially or fully funded with 60 per cent of the cohort benefiting from a full tuition waiver or more. Notably about one-third of the Class of 2025 Fellows identify as first-generation college goers and 61 per cent as female. With this new initiative. The increase in scholarships for the current and next cohort has been made possible primarily through the support of HDFC Bank. 

Reflecting on these developments, Pramath Raj Sinha, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Ashoka University, said, “The YIF has always been close to my heart, given that it predates the formation of Ashoka University. With increased scholarships thanks to generous contributions by HDFC Bank, we want to truly attract the best and brightest, to experience what this unique programme offers.”

Eligibility criteria and selection process: YIF Class of 2026 

The Class of 2026 will comprise around 100 Fellows. Candidates of all age groups and nationalities, across diverse academic, professional, geographical and socioeconomic backgrounds, who have a recognised undergraduate degree in any discipline by July 2025 or earlier (can be a final-year student at the time of application) are eligible to apply for the YIF. 

The admissions process opened on October 15, 2024 and is split into two rounds, with the first application deadline being January 5, 2025. Candidates are encouraged to apply early, even within a round, to partake in the rolling personal interviews process. 

Aspiring candidates can apply by visiting the official website to register and complete the online application. Following holistic assessment of applications, a number of candidates will be shortlisted for personal interviews. Additionally, some of these shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview for the Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship.

All Fellows who receive an offer of admission are guaranteed a minimum 25 per cent tuition waiver, with some also being awarded the prestigious Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship. All admitted and waitlisted candidates will have the opportunity to apply for need-based Financial Aid, which goes upto a full-waiver on the entire fee along with stipends for additional assistance.