SBI Bank Fellowship available, 90,000 rupees, apply immediately, here is the direct link
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship is a flagship rural development initiative by the SBI Foundation, launched in 2011. It is a 13-month fully funded fellowship that places young Indian professionals in rural India to work on grassroots projects in collaboration with leading NGOs. The program aims to create socially conscious leaders while contributing to sustainable development in underserved communities.
Objectives of the Fellowship
-
Provide urban youth a platform to work at the grassroots level.
-
Encourage innovation and scalable solutions for rural challenges.
-
Bridge the gap between development sector needs and youth potential.
-
Promote experiential learning and leadership in rural development.
Key Features
-
Duration: 13 months (Full-time, on-site rural India)
-
Funding: Fully sponsored by SBI Foundation
-
NGO Partners: 13+ reputed development organizations
-
Alumni Network: 500+ fellows across 200+ projects
-
Focus: Sustainable, community-based development
Eligibility Criteria
-
Age: 21 to 32 years (as of fellowship start date)
-
Nationality: Indian citizen or OCI
-
Education: Graduate (any discipline)
-
Language: Proficiency in English; regional language preferred
-
Commitment: Willingness to live and work in rural India for 13 months
Fellowship Timeline
-
Start Date: September 2025 (tentative)
-
End Date: October 2026
-
Phases:
-
Orientation & Induction (1 month)
-
Field Immersion & NGO Project (12 months)
-
Mid-term Review & Final Evaluation
-
Fellowship Structure
-
Induction: Workshops, panels, field visits
-
Project Work: Implement community-based initiatives with partner NGOs
-
Evaluation: Ongoing reviews and final impact reports
-
Support System: Mentorship, NGO guidance, SBI monitoring
Fellowship Benefits
Financial:
-
Monthly stipend for living expenses
-
Travel allowance (to and from project site)
-
Accommodation and health insurance
-
Budget for project-related expenses
Non-Financial:
-
Mentorship by field experts
-
Access to a wide alumni network
-
Certificate from SBI Foundation
-
Career opportunities in development/social sector
-
Personal growth and hands-on experience
Thematic Areas
Fellows work on key rural development areas like:
-
Education
-
Women Empowerment
-
Healthcare & Sanitation
-
Environmental Sustainability
-
Agriculture & Livelihoods
-
Rural Infrastructure
-
Technology for Development
Partner NGOs
Fellows collaborate with renowned NGOs such as:
-
BAIF
-
Seva Mandir
-
Gram Vikas
-
Barefoot College
-
AKRSP (India)
-
Urmul Trust
-
CORD, MSSRF, SPS and more
These organizations provide on-ground support, mentorship, and facilitate community integration.
Application & Selection Process
Steps to Apply:
-
Register online at youthforindia.org
-
Submit application form with resume, essays
-
Attend virtual interview (if shortlisted)
Selection Rounds:
-
Application screening
-
Essay submission
-
Personal interview
-
Final selection (~100 fellows chosen from ~25,000 applicants)
Important Dates (Tentative)
-
Applications Open: March 2025
-
Deadline: May 2025
-
Essay Round: June 2025
-
Interviews: July 2025
-
Fellowship Begins: September 2025
Life of a Fellow
Fellows live in rural/semi-rural areas and work directly with communities. Challenges include cultural adjustment, language barriers, and infrastructural gaps. However, the experience is deeply enriching, offering opportunities to co-create impactful change and gain grassroots insights.
Contact & Support
-
Website: https://youthforindia.org
-
Email: contact@youthforindia.org
-
Social Media: @sbiyouthforindia (Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn)
Conclusion
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship is an ideal opportunity for passionate individuals seeking to make a difference at the grassroots level. With full financial and institutional support, it equips fellows with the tools to lead impactful change and embark on purpose-driven careers.