SBI Youth For India Fellowship 2025: The SBI Foundation, the CSR arm of the State Bank of India Group, has officially announced the launch of its 13th batch of the SBI Youth for India Fellowship, a unique opportunity aimed at empowering young individuals to drive sustainable change in rural India. This 13-month, paid fellowship invites dynamic graduates and professionals to immerse themselves in grassroots development projects, fostering meaningful contributions to the nation’s progress.
Open to Indian citizens, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and citizens of Nepal and Bhutan aged between 21 and 32, the fellowship offers an enriching platform to engage with rural communities and address pressing developmental challenges. Interested candidates can apply through the official portal, apply.youthforindia.org, with the application deadline set for April 30, 2025.
Empowering Rural India: Fellowship Highlights and Impact
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship has carved a niche for itself as one of the country’s most impactful rural development programmes. Since its inception in 2011, the fellowship has empowered 640 fellows, reaching over 1.5 lakh lives across 250 villages in 20 states. Fellows collaborate with 13 esteemed partner NGOs, working across 12 critical thematic areas such as education, health, rural livelihoods, environmental conservation, women’s empowerment, and technology integration in rural settings.
Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director & CEO of SBI Foundation, underscored the significance of the programme, stating, “The SBI Youth for India Fellowship aligns with the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by empowering the youth to drive transformative change in rural India. By working on crucial thematic areas, Fellows not only contribute to community development but also build their leadership and problem-solving skills. We invite passionate young minds to join us in shaping the future of our nation and creating lasting impact.”
Through this immersive experience, fellows gain not only professional growth but also a profound understanding of rural realities, laying the foundation for long-term social impact and personal transformation.
Application Process and Eligibility Criteria
The application process for the 13th batch is straightforward yet selective, ensuring that candidates with genuine passion for rural development are chosen. Applicants must be aged between 21 and 32 years and hold citizenship of India, Nepal, Bhutan, or be an OCI cardholder.
To apply, candidates need to visit apply.youthforindia.org, complete the online form, and submit it before April 30, 2025. Shortlisted applicants will undergo further rounds of selection, which typically include essays and interviews, aimed at assessing their motivation, leadership potential, and alignment with the fellowship’s mission.
Given the fellowship’s highly immersive nature, applicants should be prepared for on-ground engagement in rural areas, where they will work closely with local communities and partner NGOs to design and implement sustainable development solutions.
Building Future Changemakers: What Fellows Can Expect
Fellows selected for the programme embark on a transformative journey that blends hands-on community work with personal development. Throughout the 13 months, they receive guidance and mentorship from development sector experts and partner NGOs, equipping them with essential skills such as project management, community mobilization, and leadership.
Moreover, the fellowship provides a modest stipend to support living expenses during the tenure, ensuring that fellows can fully dedicate themselves to the mission without financial strain. The exposure to real-world challenges and grassroots innovations not only sharpens their problem-solving abilities but also inspires many to pursue long-term careers in social impact, policy-making, and development sectors.
As the application deadline approaches, aspiring changemakers are encouraged to seize this opportunity to contribute meaningfully to rural India’s growth story. By joining the SBI Youth for India Fellowship, they step into a journey of learning, leadership, and legacy, making a difference where it matters the most.
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