The SBI Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of the State Bank of India Group, has opened registrations for the 14th batch of the SBI Youth for India Fellowship. This prestigious 13-month residential fellowship offers graduates and young professionals an opportunity to work directly with rural communities across India in collaboration with partner non-government organisations (NGOs). Interested candidates can submit applications online at apply.youthforindia.org.
The fellowship aims to nurture socially responsible leaders who contribute to grassroots development while building inclusive leadership skills aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to:
- Graduates and young professionals aged 21 to 32 years
- Indian citizens
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) holders
- Citizens of Bhutan or Nepal
- SBI employees (confirmed officers in Scale I or II)
Applicants must meet the eligibility conditions and apply through the official online portal before the deadline announced on the website.
Programme Structure and Thematic Areas
Selected fellows will be placed in villages across India, where they will collaborate with 15 partner NGOs on community development projects. Participants can choose a thematic area based on their interests and expertise.
Key Focus Areas Include:
- Education
- Women’s Empowerment
- Rural Livelihoods
- Environment & Sustainability
- Water & Sanitation
- Technology for Development
- And other social development themes
Fellows work closely with local communities, co-creating sustainable solutions rather than imposing charity-driven interventions.
Leadership and Impact Vision
Speaking about the programme, Swapan Dhar, MD and CEO, SBI Foundation, stated that the fellowship nurtures changemakers who bridge the urban-rural divide through empathy and collaboration. Across 12 key thematic areas, fellows build meaningful grassroots impact while strengthening leadership capabilities.
The fellowship has established partnerships with reputed institutions such as:
- NITI Aayog
- UN Women
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
- J-PAL (Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab)
Notably, over 70% of alumni have transitioned into social sector leadership roles, and more than 50 social ventures have been launched by former fellows.
Past Impact and Achievements
Over the past 14 years, the SBI Youth for India Fellowship has made significant contributions:
- 700+ fellows across 12 completed batches
- Worked in 250+ villages
- Covered 22 states and Union Territories
- Reached over 2 lakh beneficiaries through grassroots projects
- The ongoing 2025–26 batch includes 94 fellows currently working in rural areas
This sustained impact highlights the fellowship’s role in strengthening community development initiatives nationwide.
Quick Reference Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Programme Name | SBI Youth for India Fellowship |
| Batch | 14th Batch |
| Duration | 13 Months (Residential) |
| Age Limit | 21–32 Years |
| Eligibility | Graduates, OCI, Bhutan/Nepal Citizens, SBI Officers (Scale I/II) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | apply.youthforindia.org |
| Themes | Education, Livelihoods, Women Empowerment, Environment, etc. |
Why Apply for SBI Youth for India Fellowship?
- Gain hands-on grassroots experience in rural development
- Build leadership and problem-solving skills
- Work with reputed NGOs and institutions
- Contribute meaningfully to India’s social transformation
- Join a strong alumni network active in public policy and social entrepreneurship
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| What is the SBI Youth for India Fellowship? |
| A 13-month residential fellowship where selected candidates work with rural communities through partner NGOs. |
| Who can apply for the fellowship? |
| Graduates and young professionals aged 21–32, including Indian citizens, OCI holders, and citizens of Bhutan or Nepal. |
| Are SBI employees eligible? |
| Yes, confirmed officers in Scale I or II can apply. |
| Where can I apply for SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026? |
| Applications can be submitted at apply.youthforindia.org. |
| What is the duration of the fellowship? |
| The fellowship lasts 13 months. |
| In which areas do fellows work? |
| Education, women’s empowerment, rural livelihoods, environment, water, technology, and other development themes. |
| How many villages have fellows worked in so far? |
| Over 250 villages across 22 states and UTs. |
| What impact has the programme created? |
| Projects have reached over two lakh people, with many alumni moving into social sector leadership roles. |
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026 offers young graduates a transformative opportunity to drive grassroots change while building professional leadership skills. With applications now open for the 14th batch, eligible candidates should apply through the official website and become part of a nationwide movement contributing to inclusive development. For updates and deadlines, visit apply.youthforindia.org and bookmark this page for future announcements, for more details and apply CLICK HERE
