Ready to Make a Real Impact While Earning ₹3.27 LPA? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
Are you a graduate dreaming of doing something meaningful—beyond a 9 to 5? What if you could work on real-life rural challenges, contribute to nation-building, and still earn a handsome stipend?
That’s exactly what the SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2025-26 promises.
This prestigious 13-month internship isn’t just a career opportunity—it’s a personal transformation journey. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, rural development, education, or healthcare, this program lets you dive deep into grassroots innovation—all while earning a stipend of ₹3,27,000 per year.
Below is everything you need to know before you apply.
SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2025-26 |
| Organizer | SBI Foundation |
| Internship Type | Paid Rural Development Fellowship |
| Duration | 13 Months |
| Location | Rural locations across India |
| Mode | Full-time, On-ground |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | Rolling applications – Apply ASAP |
| Stipend & Benefits | ₹3.27 LPA + accommodation, travel, etc. |
Key Highlights
- 13-month prestigious fellowship backed by SBI Foundation
- Earn ₹3,27,000 annually including stipend, travel allowance, and re-employment bonus
- Accommodation, insurance, and project expense allowance included
- Work with leading NGOs in India on real grassroots challenges
- Open to Indian, Nepalese, Bhutanese citizens, and OCI holders
- No entrance exam required to apply
- Get certified by the SBI Foundation upon successful completion
- Boosts leadership, problem-solving, and rural innovation skills
- Excellent resume and career-building opportunity
Eligibility Criteria
Here’s who can apply for this high-impact fellowship:
- Education: Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before October 1, 2025
- Citizenship: Indian nationals, Nepalese and Bhutanese citizens, and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are eligible
- Age Limit: 21 to 32 years as of the program start date
(Born between August 5, 1993, and October 6, 2004)
No professional work experience? No problem. The program values motivation, vision, and passion above all.
Job Responsibilities (For Learners)
Wondering what you’ll actually do during this fellowship?
- Collaborate with local NGOs and communities to design and implement development projects
- Tackle real-world problems in education, healthcare, livelihood, environment, and more
- Research grassroots challenges and propose sustainable solutions
- Document case studies, monitor project progress, and share insights with the larger team
- Attend knowledge-sharing sessions and leadership bootcamps
- Build rapport with villagers and drive participatory change
- Represent SBI Foundation in rural development efforts
In short, you’ll be the bridge between rural India and sustainable innovation.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | March 2025 (Already Open) |
| Application Deadline | Rolling basis – Apply ASAP |
| Interviews Begin | Ongoing |
| Final Offer Letters | On rolling basis |
| Fellowship Start Date | Expected mid-2025 |
Pro tip: Applications are reviewed in batches. Early applicants have a better chance of selection.
Selection Process
The selection process is thoughtfully designed to evaluate your intent, vision, and passion—not just your resume.
Stage 1: Online Application
- Register on the official website
- Fill out a detailed form including essay-based questions
- Share your motivation, life experiences, and reason for applying
Stage 2: Personal Interview
- Shortlisted candidates are invited for a one-on-one interview with SBI Foundation’s panel
- The interview explores your personality, leadership skills, and dedication to rural development
Final Selection
- Selected applicants receive an official offer letter via email and SMS
- Onboarding begins with preparatory workshops, networking events, and project orientation
How to Apply for SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2025
Follow this step-by-step process to secure your spot:
- Visit the Official Portal
Go to the SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2025 website. - Register Online
Fill in basic details, upload necessary documents, and complete the essay section. - Complete Online Assessment
Submit answers about your background, goals, and interest in the program. - Wait for Interview Invitation
If shortlisted, you’ll receive interview details. - Attend Personal Interview
Be authentic—interviewers look for passion, not perfection. - Receive Your Offer Letter
Once selected, you’ll be notified via email and SMS. - Join the Fellowship
Attend onboarding sessions and get ready to move to your assigned rural location.
Apply Here: SBI Paid Internship Application
Applications are now open. Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity.
Why This Program Is Worth Joining
- ₹3.27 LPA stipend with all major expenses covered
- Work on real impact projects with India’s top NGOs
- No competitive exam required—selection based on vision and commitment
- Build leadership, communication, and grassroots problem-solving skills
- Excellent exposure to public policy, sustainable development, and social innovation
- Official certificate from SBI Foundation adds weight to your resume
- Network with professionals, changemakers, and domain experts
- Lifetime access to the alumni network and future job opportunities
FAQs About SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2025
1. What is the duration of the SBI Fellowship?
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2025 is a 13-month full-time, in-person program where selected fellows live and work in rural communities across India, driving grassroots development initiatives.
2. Is prior work experience required to apply?
No. You do not need prior work experience to apply. What matters most is your passion for rural development, your commitment to the cause, and your ability to adapt to challenging, real-world situations.
3. Is this a remote or in-person internship?
The fellowship is entirely on-ground and in-person. Fellows are placed in rural locations and are expected to live, engage, and work closely with local communities.
4. Do I need to know the local language of my placement area?
Not necessarily. While knowing the local language is helpful, it’s not mandatory. Fellows often pick up regional languages through immersion, and many NGOs support this learning process.
5. What kind of support will I receive during the fellowship?
Fellows receive comprehensive support, including:
- Monthly stipend for personal expenses
- Rent-free accommodation in or near the project location
- Travel reimbursement
- Medical insurance
- Access to mentorship, networking, and funding for project implementation
6. Can international students apply?
The fellowship is open to Indian citizens, as well as citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, and holders of an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. Other international students are not eligible.
7. When will the next batch of SBI Youth for India Fellowship start?
The next cohort begins in mid-2025. Applications are currently open, and screening is being conducted on a rolling basis.
8. Can final-year students apply for SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2025?
No. Applicants must have completed their graduation before the fellowship begins. You are only eligible if you are a graduate or post-graduate by the time of joining.
9. What academic backgrounds are preferred for selection?
There is no fixed academic requirement. Fellows come from diverse fields like engineering, medicine, law, design, agriculture, economics, and social sciences. Passion and adaptability matter more than your degree.
10. Can I apply if I am currently working?
Yes, but you must be able to commit full-time to the 13-month program and relocate to a rural area. Many working professionals take a sabbatical to participate.
11. What kind of projects do fellows work on?
Fellows contribute to a wide range of sectors such as education, health, agriculture, environment, livelihood, technology, and women empowerment, depending on their interest and NGO partnership.
12. Will I receive a certificate after completing the fellowship?
Yes. On successful completion, you will receive an official certificate from SBI Foundation, along with valuable alumni connections and post-fellowship career support.
13. Is there an age limit to apply?
Yes. Applicants must be between 21 and 32 years of age at the time of applying for the SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2025.
14. How competitive is the selection process?
The fellowship is highly competitive, with multiple rounds including a written application, statement of purpose, and interviews. The program looks for clarity of thought, empathy, and strong commitment to social change.
15. What happens after the fellowship ends?
Many fellows go on to work with social enterprises, NGOs, policy think tanks, or even start their own rural development projects. SBI also offers post-fellowship networking and access to funding or incubation programs
Conclusion: Build Your Future While Changing India’s
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2025 is not just a line on your resume — it’s a turning point. A 13-month immersive journey that pulls you out of the classroom and places you right in the heart of rural India, where real problems demand real solutions.
Whether you’re looking to shift careers, gain grassroots exposure, or make a lasting impact, this fellowship gives you more than just a stipend — it gives you perspective, purpose, and a powerful network of mentors, peers, and changemakers.
You’ll learn what textbooks never teach: how to lead without authority, how to listen before solving, and how to build trust in communities that don’t speak your language — yet slowly become your own.
If you’ve ever felt the urge to do something meaningful, now is your time.
Apply to SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2025 and take that first step toward a career built on empathy, action, and real-world change.
This isn’t just about helping others — it’s about becoming the person you were always meant to be.
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