The Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., has announced the launch of the 85th Know India Programme (KIP), scheduled to run from January 6 to 27, 2026. This flagship initiative aims to deepen engagement with young members of the Indian diaspora and strengthen their connection to India.
Since its introduction in 2003–04, nearly 3,000 overseas Indian youth have taken part in various editions of KIP. The upcoming program carries special significance as participants will also join the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) during the National Youth Festival on January 12, 2026.
KIP Participants to Join National Leadership Dialogue
According to the Embassy, the VBYLD will focus on innovation, leadership, and collaborative problem-solving. As part of the event, the Challenge Track will invite youth from India and the diaspora to propose solutions across 10 key national priority areas.
The four-stage Challenge includes:
- Online quiz
- Essay submission
- Presentations with leadership assessments
- National Championship before Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Selected KIP participants will be featured in this prestigious competition.
The Dialogue is expected to bring together 3,000 young leaders, participating across the Challenge, Cultural, Design, and Tech Tracks, led by expert “Pathbreaker” mentors. The goal is to empower youth to contribute to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
About the Know India Programme
The KIP is open to diaspora youth aged 21 to 35 and offers first-hand exposure to India’s art, culture, heritage, economy, technological progress, and innovation ecosystem. It also encourages participants to engage with Government of India initiatives aligned with the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat.
Application Process for U.S.-Based Applicants
Due to temporary technical issues with the official KIP portal (https://kip.gov.in/), applications for the 85th edition will be processed via email, following the deadlines set by the Embassy.
Applicants living within the jurisdiction of the Embassy of India, Washington, D.C.—including Bermuda, the District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia—must submit:
- Completed application in the prescribed MS Word format
- Scanned copies of educational certificates
- Passport identification page
- Recent color photograph
- OCI/PIO documentation
All documents must be emailed within the specified timeline.
Call for Support from Community Leaders
Highlighting the importance of this year’s program in strengthening India’s connections with the global Indian community, the Embassy urged diaspora organizations and community leaders to actively promote the initiative and encourage eligible young people to participate.
