Young professionals of Indian origin in Canada have an opportunity to reconnect with their roots as the Consulate General of India in Vancouver has opened applications for the 88th edition of the Know India Programme (KIP), scheduled to take place in India from August 16 to August 29, 2026.
The two-week immersive programme is designed to give participants firsthand exposure to India's cultural heritage, democratic institutions, innovation ecosystem, technological advancements, and economic progress through visits, interactions, and educational sessions across the country.
Encouraging eligible applicants to participate, Masakui Rungsung, Consul General of India in Vancouver, said the initiative provides young members of the Indian diaspora with an opportunity to strengthen their connection with their ancestral homeland.
"We encourage eligible youth of Indian origin to take advantage of this enriching opportunity to reconnect with India, explore its dynamic growth story, and strengthen their lifelong ties with their ancestral homeland," Rungsung said.
Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of India's governance, economy, and public institutions through visits to landmarks such as Parliament of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan, NITI Aayog, Reserve Bank of India, and the Election Commission of India. The itinerary also includes interactions with policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators, along with visits to heritage sites across multiple states and union territories.
The Government of India will subsidize 90 per cent of the international airfare, with selected participants contributing the remaining 10 per cent. Successful applicants will also receive complimentary visas, while accommodation, meals, domestic transportation, and other programme-related expenses within India will be fully covered.
To be eligible, applicants must be Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), or eligible Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), aged between 24 and 28 years as of August 1, 2026. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution, be proficient in spoken English, and should not have previously participated in the Know India Programme or any other Government of India-funded diaspora initiative.
Selected participants will be required to obtain international travel and medical insurance for the duration of their stay and submit a medical fitness certificate before visas and air tickets are issued.
At the conclusion of the programme, participants must submit a 750- to 1,000-word report detailing their experience and key learnings. Those who successfully complete the programme will receive a Certificate of Participation.
Interested candidates can submit their applications, along with supporting documents including proof of passport, OCI/PIO/NRI status, educational qualifications, professional details, contact information, country of residence, and email address, to the Consulate General of India in Vancouver via email at cul.vancouver@mea.gov.in. Further details and the application form are available on the Consulate General of India, Vancouver's Facebook page.
