SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026–27

Eligibility, Stipend, Benefits & How to Apply Published: Sunday, 12 April 2026

Are you a young graduate looking for a meaningful opportunity that combines real-world experience with financial support? The SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27 is now open for applications. Backed by the State Bank of India Foundation, this is one of India’s most respected rural development fellowship programmes for young graduates aged 21 to 32 years.

Applications for the SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27 are currently live, and the last date to apply is 30 April 2026.

What is the SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27?

The SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27 is a 13-month paid fellowship programme where selected candidates are placed in rural villages across India to work on ground-level development projects alongside established partner NGOs. Fellows gain hands-on experience in areas such as education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, environmental sustainability, and rural livelihoods.

This is not just a job — it is a life-changing experience that builds leadership, community engagement, and problem-solving skills while contributing to the development of rural India.

Key Details at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria for SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27

Age Limit: Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years of age as on the date of commencement of the programme. Candidates must have been born between 4 August 1994 and 5 October 2005.

Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Candidates who are scheduled to complete their degree on or before 4 October 2026 are also eligible to apply.

Nationality: The following candidates are eligible to apply for the SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27:

• Indian Citizens
• Citizens of Nepal or Bhutan
• Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)
• Non-Resident Indians (NRI)

Monthly Stipend and Financial Benefits

The SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27 offers one of the most competitive stipend packages among fellowship programmes in India.

Additional One-Time Benefits:

• Readjustment Allowance: ₹1,10,000 paid upon successful and satisfactory completion of the fellowship
• Travel: Return 3AC train fare covered from residence to project site and for all programme-related travel
• Insurance: Health and personal accident insurance policy provided throughout the fellowship period
• Accommodation: Partner NGOs assist fellows in finding suitable and safe accommodation at the project location
• Mentorship: Access to mentorship by experienced professionals in the rural development and social sector
• Tools: Support including laptops or tablets provided to enhance learning and project work

Candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, and OCI holders are eligible for pre-approved air travel reimbursement.

Fellowship Focus Areas

Fellows selected under the SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27 work across 12 thematic areas depending on the needs of their assigned rural community and partner NGO:

• Education and Digital Literacy
• Healthcare and Public Health Awareness
• Women’s Empowerment and Employment
• Environmental Sustainability
• Water Conservation
• Rural Livelihoods and Financial Inclusion
• Agricultural Development
• Technology for Rural Communities

During the fellowship, responsibilities include conducting village surveys, spreading awareness about government schemes, health and education, supporting local communities in accessing financial services, and implementing real-life development projects.

Selection Process – Step by Step

The selection process for the SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27 takes place in two stages:

Stage 1 – Online Registration and Assessment

• Complete the online registration form with personal and educational details
• Answer essay-based questions related to your story, motivation, and perspective on rural development
• Time allowed for essay questions: 60 minutes for all prompts
• Submit all required information before the deadline

Stage 2 – Personal Interview

• Shortlisted candidates from Stage 1 are invited for a personal interview
• A selection panel evaluates candidates based on personal attributes, motivation, and suitability for rural development work
• Group exercises are conducted to assess teamwork and problem-solving ability
• Final selection is made on a rolling basis — early applicants have more opportunity to engage with the SBI YFI team

There is no written examination for this fellowship. Selection is based entirely on your application, essays, and interview performance.

How to Apply for SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27

1. Visit the official registration portal
2. Click on “Apply Now” for the SBI Youth for India Fellowship Batch 2026-27
3. Fill in your personal details, educational background, and contact information
4. Complete the online assessment — answer all essay-based questions within the given time limit
5. Answer questions related to your motivation for rural development work honestly and clearly
6. Review all details carefully before final submission
7. Submit your application before 30 April 2026 at 11:59 PM IST
8. Check your registered email regularly for updates on shortlisting and Stage 2 invitation

Important: Apply as early as possible. Shortlisted candidates are informed on a rolling basis — the earlier you apply, the more time you get to prepare and interact with the selection team.

Important Links

Important Dates

Important Points to Know Before Applying

• The application is 100% free — no registration fee or exam fee required
• Fellows must reside at the assigned rural project location for the entire 13-month duration
• Part-time participation is not allowed under this programme
• This fellowship does not guarantee permanent employment in SBI after completion
• Candidates who leave the programme before completion will not receive the ₹1,10,000 readjustment allowance
• The certificate and experience gained through the SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27 are highly valued in NGOs, social enterprises, public policy organisations, and development sector careers

Why Should You Apply?

The SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27 is one of the most competitive and rewarding fellowship opportunities available for young graduates in India today:

• Earn up to ₹21,000 per month with full accommodation and travel support
• Receive a ₹1,10,000 completion bonus at the end of the programme
• Gain real-world rural development experience working alongside top NGOs
• Build skills in leadership, project management, and community engagement
• Access a strong alumni network of 700+ professionals across 22 states
• Receive a valued certificate recognised in the social and development sector
• Open doors to careers in NGOs, public policy, UPSC, and social entrepreneurship

If you are passionate about rural India and want to make a real difference while building a strong career foundation, the SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2026-27 is a golden opportunity you should not miss.

Apply Now: register.youthforindia.org | Last Date: 30 April 2026

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Powrel Prakash

Prakash Powrel is the Founder & Editor of Assam Job Update. He is dedicated to helping students and job seekers across Assam and Northeast India by publishing Government Jobs, Private Jobs, Admissions, Results, Scholarships, and Career updates based on official notifications and trusted sources.