GUIDELINES FOR 36th KNOW INDIA PROGRAMME (KIP)

(October 1 to 25, 2016)

1. About the Programme

KIP is an engagement programme for Diaspora youth (between the age of 18-30 years) of Indian origin to introduce them to India and promote awareness about different facets of Indian life, our cultural heritage, art and the transformation taking place in India. This programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding non-resident Indians). The programme has been in existence since 2003.

2. Main elements of KIP

1. Understanding of India’s political system, economy, society, and developments in various sectors etc.

2. Interaction with students at University/ College.

3. Visit to places of historical importance.

4. Participation in cultural programmes.

5. Visit to industrial sites.

6. Visit to a village.

7. Interaction with non-profit organizations.

8. Meetings with senior leadership/officials in India.

9. Visit to a select state in India for 10 days.

3. Arrangements

1. The Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi will take care of participants only for the duration of the program. If participants wish to come early or stay late, they will have to make their own arrangements.

2. The participants are provided local hospitality e.g. boarding/lodging in State guest houses or budget hotels and Internal travel in India.

3. Missions will arrange for return air tickets before participants leave for India, after getting 10% of total air fare from the participants.

4. Gratis visa shall be granted to selected participants by the Indian Missions/Posts abroad.

4. Eligibility Criteria

NRIs are not eligible for KIPs

Age: The programme is open to youth of Indian origin (excluding non-resident Indians) in the age group of 18-30 years, as on the first day of the month in which the programme is expected to begin. It is open to PIO youths from all over the world. Applicant must provide his previous PIO card number or that of his parents or grandparents. In the absence of any documentary proof of Indian Origin, the applicant must submit a written undertaking about his Indian Origin.

Previous participations:The applicant should not have participated in any previous KIP or Internship Programme for Diaspora Youth (IPDY) or Study India Programme of MEA.

Those who have not visited India before will be given preference.

Selected participant should submit a signed written undertaking that he/she will reimburse to the Embassy of India the amount spent on airfare by Govt. of India, if he/she will not complete the KIP.

Educational Qualification: Minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is graduation from a recognized University /Institute or enrolled for graduation.

Language: The applicants should be able to speak in English, should have studied English as a subject at the High School level or have English as the medium of instruction for undergraduate course.

5. Duration

25 days (excluding international travel) with 10 days in the partner State. The 25-day period includes the date of arrival and departure.

Completed application forms should be submitted to Counsellor (Cons), Embassy of India, Buitenrustweg 2, 2517KD, The Hague by August 25, 2016.

Encls.

1. Programme Schedule

1. Application Form