Dreaming of doing something meaningful beyond the 9-to-5? The SBI Youth for India Fellowship/Internship 2025 is your chance to step out of the ordinary and into a role where you create real impact in rural India. Backed by the State Bank of India (SBI), this full-time rural development program places young changemakers with experienced NGOs to solve grassroots problems in areas like education, environment, health, women’s empowerment, and rural livelihoods.
About the Program
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship is a 13-month full-time immersive internship-style program for highly motivated youth aged 21–32 who want to work on sustainable rural development projects.
It is designed in collaboration with leading NGOs, including BAIF, Seva Mandir, Barefoot College, and more. Fellows live and work in rural villages and contribute to long-term social projects in education, water, food security, technology, sanitation, women’s empowerment, and more.
Useful Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | Tentatively August–September 2025 |
| Close Date | June/July 2025 (Exact last date to be announced) |
| Duration | 13 months (Full-time) |
| Stipend | Monthly allowance of ₹15,000 |
| Additional Perks | Travel allowance, accommodation, health insurance |
| Apply Status | OPEN – Accepting Applications |
| Location | Rural regions across 17+ states in India |
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Criteria
• Indian citizens, OCI card holders, or Nepalese/Bhutanese citizens
• Age: 21 to 32 years (as of 1 August 2025)
• Graduate degree in any stream (Final-year students not eligible)
• Passionate about social impact and rural development
• Willing to commit 13 months in rural areas full-time
Ideal for:
• Engineers, MBAs, arts & science graduates, social science majors
• Professionals and fresh graduates looking for a meaningful career shift
• Anyone with a desire to solve rural challenges hands-on
Terms of Engagement
• Fellows commit to 13 months of full-time rural service
• Placements are done based on fellow’s interests and NGO requirements
• Opportunities for post-fellowship employment with partner organizations
• Alumni become part of a pan-India impact network
Essential Documents
Before you apply, ensure you have:
• Resume/CV with recent photo
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Why do you want to join?
• Basic ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport)
• Degree/qualification documents (at later stage)
How to Apply (Online Process)
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Visit the official SBI Youth for India portal:
🔗 https://www.youthforindia.org -
Register with your email and create a profile
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Fill out Stage 1: Preliminary Application
– Includes personal info, motivation, and short questions -
If shortlisted, proceed to Stage 2: Online Assessment + Interview
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Final selections are made after one-on-one interviews
Status Check
• After submitting Stage 1, you’ll receive an email if shortlisted
• Interview and onboarding details are shared via email/portal
• You can log in at https://www.youthforindia.org to check status
Important Dates & Links
| Event | Tentative Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Open | March 2025 |
| Stage 1 Deadline | June/July 2025 |
| Interview Rounds | July–August 2025 |
| Fellowship Start | August–September 2025 |
🔗 Official Website: https://www.youthforindia.org
🔗 Apply Link: https://www.youthforindia.org/apply
FAQs
Q: Is this a paid internship?
Yes. You receive a monthly allowance of ₹15,000, travel reimbursement, and housing support.
Q: Can final-year students apply?
No. Only graduates who can commit full-time for 13 months are eligible.
Q: Is it a job or a volunteer position?
It’s a fellowship, but structured like a full-time internship with professional responsibilities and benefits.
Q: Do I get a certificate or job opportunity after completion?
Yes. You’ll get a completion certificate and access to a strong alumni network with career and social enterprise opportunities.
Q: Can I choose my location?
You can indicate preference, but final placement is decided jointly by the team and NGO partner.