The Young India Fellowship (YIF) 2015-16

1. Who is eligible for Young India Fellowship?

The criteria to be eligible for the YIF are:

• A recognized undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any discipline
• No more than three years of work experience
• Maximum of 28 years of age on 31st May,2015
• Decent academic record and extra-curricular engagement

2. If the medium of instruction in my institution was other than English, am I still eligible for the program?

Yes, you are eligible. However, you should be able to converse, read and write in English given that the medium of instruction at YIF programme is in English.

3. What skills, background, or technical experience do I need to be a Young India Fellow?

No specific skills, background, or technical experience are necessary to be eligible for the Fellowship. The selection committee looks for consistent decent academic performance by an applicant and for activities carried out during school and college days that show individual excellence at sports, art or technology or commitment to service and helping others; ability to work well in a collaborative environment; aptitude for leadership; good communication skills; humility and adaptability.

4. How do I apply for the Young India Fellowship?

The students could choose one of the two following ways to apply to the programme

• Apply online by registering yourself on the YIF website www.youngindiafellowship.com
• Download the application from the YIF website www.youngindiafellowship.com and fill it up manually and send it to YIF office.

5. When does the application process for admission to Young India Fellowship start?

Kindly refer to the admission schedule on the website - www.youngindiafellowship.com

6. What does the selection process for qualifying as a Young India Fellow involve?

The selection process will involve three stages:

Submission of detailed application dossier: Students can choose one of the three following ways to get a copy of the form:

• Apply online by registering himself / herself on the YIF website www.youngindiafellowship.com
• Download the application form from the YIF website www.youngindiafellowship.com
• Take a hard copy directly from the YIF office

The application will be reviewed by the selection committee consisting of faculty and executive members of the programme spread across different parts of the world. Hence, it is advisable that you apply online.

Telephone interview: Applicants shortlisted after application review will be interviewed over phone.

In-person interview and test: Candidates selected after the telephone interview will be invited for in-person interview.

1st round in-person interviews will be conducted at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai.

2nd round applicants shortlisted for interview will be called to New Delhi for personal interview with the selection committee.

Kindly Note: There could be multiple rounds of interviews for a candidate, depending on the need for further assessment. At this stage the applicants will also be administered a general ability test to assess their verbal, written and analytical skills.

The final selection will be based on the average score awarded in the application dossier, in-person interviews.

7. Will I be interviewed for the Fellowship?

All applications will be reviewed by the selection committee consisting of faculty and executive members of the programme spread across different parts of the world. After application review, shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on phone. Candidates shortlisted after the telephonic interview will be called for in-person interview.

8. When will I hear from the selection committee about my application?

The status of your application will be communicated to you as the process evolves, through e-mail.

9. Does the entire application need to be completed within one session?

No. You can complete the online application in multiple sessions and have the option to save parts of the application as you proceed.

10. Do I also need to submit a printed copy of the application form once I have submitted it online?

No. We will not require you to send a printed copy of the application form.

11. How do I send in my academic transcripts/mark sheets, other documents and photographs required as part of the application?

You do not have to send in any transcripts or photographs with the application. You will however have to bring your original documents if you are called for a Personal interview.

• Photograph
• Passport or any other proof of identification
• Mark sheets/ transcripts HSLC onwards
• Original Graduation document/or one original document to be submitted in person during final registration.

12. Can I reapply?

Yes. You can reapply. Please note that you cannot reapply within the same academic year. You have to submit a fresh application.

13. Do you acknowledge receipt of application by mail?

We convey the status of your application online. Do remember to check your application status.

14. How do I submit a resume as a part of the application?

There is no need for submitting a separate resume. The online application module will generate a resume in the required format with the details you have filled as part of the application. It includes your Academic details, Employment details (along with responsibilities/achievements) and awards & activities.

15. How many applicants are called for interview in Round-1 & Round-2 and how many selected?

There is no pre-defined percentage of applicants who will be called for the interview or for admission.

16. How many students would you be admitting 2015-16?

225 Fellows

 

ELM& Placements:

 

17. What kind of trainings/internship would I be exposed to?

You will be doing internship in a project based on your liking and background. YIF has conceived the Experiential Learning Module, or ELM, to complement the academic work with real work experience. The ELM work is supported by a team of coaches who provide essential guidance on structuring business problems, analysis and presentations. Fellows will undertake eight month-long engagement with an organisation after completing the first two terms of the programme.

18. Who are my mentors?

The Fellows’ mentors are all pioneers and leaders in their fields having created new organisations, led multi-national companies as well as reputed academic institutions, triggered new ways of thinking, and continue to inspire people that they touch. They come from diverse sectors spanning media, consulting, non-profit, banking, IT etc. Sanjeev Aga, Robert Greenhill, Deepak Parekh, Jerry Rao, Amit Chandra, Rajendra Pawar, Uday Shankar, Anoop Prakash are few among the list. Please visit the link for futher details.

19. Are there opportunities to be placed immediately by the committee as soon the course finishes?

Yes

20. How are Fellows’ placements decided?

YIF programme enjoys the support of reputed companies & associations of mentors & donors and institutions. It will be an invaluable opportunity to forge relationships for the future and widen your frames of reference. For the Young India Fellow who aspires to a career that is off the beaten track, the Fellowship promises to help him/her build that career. No matter what you wish to do, the Young India Fellowship promises to be an invaluable launch-pad. Placement of Fellows will take place in the 8th term.

21. What kind of opportunities will I have as an alumnus of the programme?

• You will get lifetime access to a network of eminent mentors who are committed to your success.
• You will be informed and invited for workshops and seminars organised for Young India Fellows.

 

Others:

 

22. What will I get out of Young India Fellowship?

• An opportunity to experience an unparalleled world class learning experience delivered by the very best from around the world
• Lifetime access to network of mentors, sponsors and peers
• Opportunity to charter a career of your choice
• You will get national recognition as a change agent of tomorrow
• You will get favourable consideration to pursue a Masters degree or PhD at UPenn & to pursue any Masters level course at Ashoka University in the future.
• Certificate of completion co-signed by IFRE and Upenn

23. Would my faculty give live classes?

Yes all faculty and guest speakers would deliver live classes to the Fellows of the programme.

24. Can I work while the programme is going on?

No. You cannot be a full-time employee during the one year course of the programme. We do not encourage working even part-time while you are with us as your schedule with us will be very hectic.

25. How long is the commitment for Young India Fellows?

Young India Fellowship is a one year residential programme.

26. Where are the classes being held?

Classes are being held at the State of the art Ashoka University campus at the Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonepat, which is being planned as the hub for institutions of higher learning in the NCR. The students will have an opportunity to be a part of the rich campus life while they go through the one year academic programme.

27. Where will the Fellows hostel be located?

The Fellows will be staying at a fully furnished residential facility at the State of the Art Ashoka University Campus at the Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonepat The facility is located at a distance of about 50 km from Delhi. Each room will be shared by two students and will be organized separately for boys and girls.