SBI Foundation Opens Applications for 13th Batch of Youth for India Fellowship

New Delhi, August 22, 2025: SBI Foundation, the CSR arm of the State Bank Group, has launched a special drive inviting applications for the 13th batch of its flagship programme, the SBI Youth for India (YFI) Fellowship, set to begin in October 2025.

The fellowship is open to SBI employees, Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and citizens of Nepal and Bhutan. Applications under this drive will close on September 11, 2025.

The 13-month fully funded programme enables young professionals and graduates to work at the grassroots level, collaborating with rural communities and 13 partner NGOs to co-create sustainable solutions. Fellows contribute to projects across 12 thematic areas, including health, education, rural livelihoods, environmental sustainability, women’s empowerment, water, technology, alternate energy, self-governance, traditional crafts, social entrepreneurship, and food security.

Highlighting the vision of the programme, Mr. Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO, SBI Foundation, said: “The SBI Youth for India Fellowship reflects our commitment to empowering young minds with the exposure and empathy required to address rural challenges. By welcoming applications from our own SBI employees, we are expanding the reach of this transformative journey. We believe the SBI Youth for India Fellowship not only creates a long-lasting impact in rural communities but also nurtures future leaders who carry with them the spirit of service, innovation, and sustainability.”

As part of the selection process, chosen fellows will report to the Social Work and Research Centre (SWRC), Barefoot College, in Tilonia, Rajasthan, on October 4, 2025, for the orientation programme.

Since its launch in 2011, the SBI Youth for India Fellowship has built a network of 640 alumni, who have impacted over 150,000 lives across 250+ villages in 21 states. Nearly 70% of the alumni continue to work in areas such as development, public policy, academia, and governance. Over 100 have pursued higher studies in social impact fields, while more than 40 have established their own social ventures.

Prospective candidates eager to drive positive change in rural India can apply through: http://apply.youthforindia.org/