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Curriculum Deep Dive

The Journey Within and Beyond

Programme Overview and Design

 

A multidisciplinary programme designed like no other.

Started in 2011, YIF grooms socially conscious leaders and change-makers for the 21st century. Offered as Ashoka University’s flagship residential postgraduate diploma in liberal studies, the YIF is unlike any other graduate academic programme. Fellows get access and exposure to diverse areas of study, research and practice within a year. This often helps Fellows (re)imagine themselves and discover or strengthen their passion and career trajectory. Fellows study a curated selection of courses taught by renowned educators, work on a team-based project to solve a real-world problem, and learn how to think critically and write effectively. They are also mentored by inspiring individuals, and live with a community of diverse individuals from many walks of life.

 

YIF Curriculum Structure

 

The multidimensional learning opportunities enable Fellows to build or hone 21st century skills that are in high demand, regardless of their past educational or professional backgrounds and their future goals: Collaboration, Communication, Problem-Solving, Critical Thinking, and Leadership. 

 

Learn More | Programme Overview and Design

 

Click on any of the sections below to learn about specific components of the YIF.

 

Faculty and Courses

Ever had an educator who profoundly influenced you? We bring together many.

The Young India Fellowship attracts renowned academicians, practitioners, and experts in the field to the classroom, and gives them the autonomy to innovate, create, and craft curricula. This is a rare freedom within academia and ensures an unparalleled teaching and learning experience, not just for YIF, but across all programmes at Ashoka University.

The diversity in courses is also reflected in the varied styles of teaching and assessment, which includes discussions, seminars, field visits, presentations, and group work. While catering to multiple learning styles, this allows you to learn from a range of perspectives, and prepare yourself to be a critical thinker who can connect the dots.

 

Peer Diversity and Learning

Challenge and enhance your understanding of the world around you. Try the YIF classroom. 

Young India Fellows are a group of promising young individuals, selected through a rigorous and elaborate search for passionate achievers with a desire to bring about change. At the YIF, a gold medalist from IIT, a history major from LSR, a Kathak dancer, a banker from Goldman Sachs and a journalist from Reuters, all attend lectures together. This creates an unparalleled peer learning environment rich with multiple perspectives. From engineering to design, film to agriculture, medicine to art, and law to journalism, being amidst diverse peers will enable cross flow of ideas and learning – which will complement and challenge what you learnt in your previous experiences.

Experiential Learning Module

Work on a project which has real-world impact. Explore interdisciplinary collaboration.

The Experiential Learning Module (ELM) is a core component of the YIF curriculum where the Fellows work in groups of five on real-world projects from diverse sectors in collaboration with organisations and institutions (Clients). The ELM compliments academic learning at the YIF by equipping Fellows with structured problem-solving techniques, while also training them in designing and implementing sustainable solutions. It helps students learn how to work collaboratively, solve complex problems with an interdisciplinary approach, and build domain knowledge.

Critical Writing

The ability to think critically and express effectively is valuable. No matter what you do.

The YIF Critical Writing Programme has few visible contextual precedents within the Indian higher education system. Acknowledging the importance of writing as central to processes of knowledge acquisition, production, and consumption, the programme has developed a pedagogy geared towards building critical reading, writing, and thinking skills to help Fellows engage with the world of ideas and enable them to develop and express their own ideas in a well-reasoned, lucid, and engaging manner. We do this by helping students innovate with genres of writing across different disciplines to develop a metacognitive awareness regarding their own reading and writing practices. These skills act as building blocks for the liberal arts education they receive at Ashoka University and enhance their abilities to navigate academic, professional, and social spheres once they graduate from the Fellowship.

Mentorship

Get mentored by eminent leaders and scholars of the 21st Century. 

Mentorship is one of the key pillars of the YIF, where the Fellows are connected to Mentors with strong personal, academic, and professional track records who positively impact and guide their journeys during and beyond the YIF.  The fellows have the opportunity to be mentored by not only a stalwart in academia or industry, but also by an alum who shares a similar background or interest. This allows the Young India Fellows to carve out a meaningful career path over time.

The Crossover Series

Immersions with Stalwarts.

Several public intellectuals, industry leaders, artists and other dignitaries visit campus over the year, to engage with and enrich Fellows through their craft, journey and more.

Alumni-in-Residence

The Fellowship Never Ends.

Several high-impact alumni visit campus over the year, to enrich and inspire Fellows through their personal, professional and/or academic journeys and areas of interest/expertise. This also serves as a way for alumni to reconnect with the Ashoka ecosystem.

Life at YIF

The YIF programme’s residential experience gives students access to the entire Ashoka University ecosystem. Students become a part of a vibrant community and get the opportunity to engage with people and spaces beyond the YIF. The residential experience is accentuated by the multifaceted environment of the University which includes:

● World-class infrastructure and facilities
● Multiple Centres of excellence
● Comprehensive student support systems
● Fulfilling cultural and co-curricular engagement

Life at YIF

Pathways of Possibility

Since 2011, over 2100 individuals from India and abroad have commenced their lifelong journeys as Young India Fellows. Fellows are equipped with perspectives, knowledge, and capabilities that help them understand the world better 
and engage with their field of study or practice through a multidisciplinary approach - essential for navigating leadership challenges in the 21st century. Fellows keep coming back to the Fellowship, and contribute to shaping and nurturing it further. They continue to support and collaborate with each other and with members of the larger Ashoka ecosystem in their professional and personal pursuits, regardless of what they do.

Campus Placements

The Career Development Office (CDO) facilitates campus placements for Ashokans and also organizes a career preparatory program. The CDO also looks for custom opportunities that match specific career interests, and often shares relevant work opportunities with the YIF alumni community as well.

The YIF Class of 2022 witnessed a 100% placements season. Recruiting organisations from the previous year include:

The University is a preferred destination for several leading recruiters across Consulting, BFSI, Conglomerate, IT, BPO, KPO, Research/Analytics, Social Sector, Internet, FMCG, Startup, Fintech, Pharma, Media and Advertising, Education/EdTech, and PR, and has a commitment to enhancing inclusion, diversity and social impact, and contributing to nation-building by preparing the leaders of tomorrow.

Know More

Other Opportunities

Several opportunities exist within the Ashoka ecosystem for Fellows across graduate study, social impact and entrepreneurship. Fellows additionally also pursue further studies across leading academic institutions globally, through formal and informal support via the Ashoka community.

Turn your Fellowship into a Master’s Degree (MLS)

Extend your stay at Ashoka by a year and graduate with a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MLS) degree. The 32-credit interdisciplinary research program is open to Fellows and alumni. Students design their own…

Start an Organization

Apply to the 5-month long holistic Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) programme at Ashoka University’s InfoEdge Centre for Entrepreneurship to incubate, develop and test your idea through a support structure that brings together a network of founders, entrepreneurs,…

Create Social Impact

Apply to the Mother Teresa Fellowship, which allows you to pursue your goals in development by providing you mentorship, professional and personal support, along with a monthly stipend. YIF alumni have started national movements, built…

Study Further

Several Fellows, either immediately after graduating from Ashoka or later, have gone on to pursue graduate and doctoral programmes at aspirational institutions and have also secured coveted scholarships.   

The YIF Alumni Community

Young India Fellows together form a community of diverse leaders and changemakers from all walks of life, driven to generate transformational impact on society. Fellows continue to make an impact across diverse spheres, whether as entrepreneurs, in the corporate world, development sector, research, journalists, policy, sports, academia or as professional artists. Members of the community continue to demonstrate a spirit of service towards the Fellowship and Ashoka.

Watch | Alumni Journeys of Transformation and Impact Watch | Pathways of Possibility | Career Conversations with Alums

 

Alumni have pursued and excelled in a diverse set of career paths. From completing further education across diverse disciplines and securing prestigious scholarships, to starting organizations and working with leading private and public sector institutions across the world, it is very likely that you will find a YIF alumnus or alumna who is pursuing a trajectory that you’d like to.

 

 

 

 

Admissions

Become a Young India Fellow

The YIF follows a holistic admissions process, which takes into account the academic and non-academic journey, personal context, interests and potential of an individual. The online application is designed to be a reflective process.

Reach Out To Us

  • Campus Tours

    Click here to sign-up for a Campus Tour.

     

Caricature of Professor Debayan Gupta: New Geography of the Information Age.

#YIFreflections by Arvind Mohan, caricature artist, YIF Class of 2023.

"Professor Debayan Gupta coming out of the data center generating reports that whistle blow data breach and expose data frauds" shares Arvind.

Applications to the YIF Class of 2024 close on April 2nd, 2023.

Apply now using #linkinbio

@drawmyattention
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#classof2024 #YIF #YoungIndiaFellowship #AshokaUniversity #liberalarts #12yearsofYIF #ReachForTheStars #startreaching #highered #agenobar #applynow
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#CoursesOfferedAtTheYIF

New Geography of the Information Age by Professor Dr. Debayan Gupta (Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Ashoka University; Ph.D. Yale University)

Course overview:
This course focuses on socio-technical problems caused by humanity blindly stumbling its way into the Information Age. We shall study the rise of fake news and nation-state propaganda, the nature of sensitive information and the importance of privacy, and the deeper structural issues (such as the nature of the internet, the laws of scale, and the direction of technological progress, especially in AI) that underlie many of our problems.

Deep-dive into the multidisciplinary curriculum at the YIF | Apply to the YIF Class of 2023-24 using #linkinbio

@ashokauniv

#classof2024 #YoungIndiaFellowship #AshokaUniversity #liberalarts #12yearsofYIF #ReachForTheStars #startreaching #highered #agenobar #applynow
...

#CoursesOfferedAtTheYIF

The Universe and Us by Professor Dipankar Bhattacharya (HoD, Physics, and Sunanda and Santimay Basu Professor of Astrophysics, Ashoka University; PhD, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru)

Learning Outcomes:
Becoming familiar with important astronomical facts, constituents of the universe, its history and the future. Understanding the impact of astronomical knowledge on human life and culture.

Deep-dive into the multidisciplinary curriculum at the YIF | Apply to the YIF Class of 2023-24 using #linkinbio
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#classof2024 #YoungIndiaFellowship #AshokaUniversity #liberalarts #12yearsofYIF #ReachForTheStars #startreaching #highered #agenobar #applynow
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#CoursesOfferedAtTheYIF

Building Habits, Careers, and Institutions by Dr. Pramath Raj Sinha Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Ashoka University; Founder and MD, Harappa Education; Founder and MD, 9.9 Group; Founding Dean, ISB; Visiting Faculty, Young India Fellowship; Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania.

Course overview:
What you learn in the classroom today may not help you tomorrow but the core professional habits you develop will take you a long way in your career. This course aims to inculcate in you the belief that you can design your own career.

Deep-dive into the multidisciplinary curriculum at the YIF | Apply to the YIF Class of 2023-24 using #linkinbio
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#classof2024 #YoungIndiaFellowship #AshokaUniversity #liberalarts #12yearsofYIF #ReachForTheStars #startreaching #highered #agenobar #applynow
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Stargazing in Nainital!

"I was planning this day for fellows even before the fellowship started. It was not easy. And needed lots of planning because I had never organised something of this scale before from scratch. I am truly grateful for everyone who helped me throughout the process - including YIF program team, Professor Dipankar, ARIES observatory in Nainital, @mrmindfreak , fellows @tbhatia32 and @pradyumn_lath . It wouldn’t have been possible without their constant support. The astrocamp was a huge success with 48 fellows not only learning about Astronomy but also having so much fun!" shares Manisha Sarkar, YIF Class of 2023.

Reposted from @manisha_sarkar_

@ashokauniv

Applications to the YIF Class of 2024 close on 2nd April, 2023.

At the YIF, Anyone can become anything! Apply now using #linkinbio

Audio Credits: @tech_panda

#classof2024 #YIF #YoungIndiaFellowship #AshokaUniversity #12YearsOfYIF #applynow #LiberalArts #ReachForTheStars #thingswedoatyif #astronomy #stargazing
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Important Announcement | Final application deadline is now 2nd April, 2023.

We have granted an extension period for all applicants. However, to be fair to those who have already submitted their application, we are assessing their candidature on priority.

You now have until 11.59 pm IST on 2nd April, 2023, Sunday to submit your YIF application.

The only documents which are required for you to submit your application are your Government ID proof and your photograph. Other documents including transcripts and Letter(s) of Recommendation can be submitted by 10th April 2023.

Apply now using #linkinbio
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#classof2024 #YoungIndiaFellowship #AshokaUniversity #liberalarts #12yearsofYIF #ReachForTheStars #startreaching #highered #agenobar #applynow
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"Why should Engineers come to the YIF?" hear from the Engineers at the YIF.

Fellows from the Class of 2023 share their story.

YIF's multidisciplinary curriculum exposes Engineers to diverse areas of study, encourages them to think out of the box, and empowers them to create, collaborate in a rapidly changing world. Liberal Arts education trains you to become critical thinkers, socially sensible, intelligent problem solvers and effective communicators.

It makes you convey your thoughts with clarity, design human centric solutions and stay relevant in the fast paced world of technology.

Applications to the YIF Class of 2024 close on 20th March.

At the YIF, Anyone can become anything! Apply now, using #linkinbio

#classof2024 #YIF #YoungIndiaFellowship #AshokaUniversity #12YearsOfYIF #applynow #LiberalArts #ReachForTheStars #WhyYIF #Engineers #Technology #Engineering
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Hear from the YIF Class of 2023 to know 'Why you should consider the Young India Fellowship?'

You could be a fresher or someone with a few years of work experience. The multidisciplinary learning opportunities at the YIF will enable you to build or hone 21st century skills that are in high demand, regardless of your past educational or professional backgrounds or future goals.

Applications to the YIF Class of 2024 close on 20th March.

At the YIF, Anyone can become anything! Apply now using #linkinbio

Video Credits: @sarojmuthukumaran

#classof2024 #YIF #YoungIndiaFellowship #AshokaUniversity #12YearsOfYIF #applynow #LiberalArts #ReachForTheStars #WhyYIF
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Varsha Varghese (YIF 15), Senior Manager, Outreach and Admissions, Young India Fellowship answers a few FAQs:
a) Who is eligible to apply for the YIF Class of 2024?
b) If you can reapply?
c) If there is an option to differ the YIF admission offer?
d) How long is the commitment for the Young India Fellowship? Is it residential?

#Applications to the Class of 2024 close on 20th March.

#Apply today using #linkinbio

#classof2024 #YIF #YoungIndiaFellowship #AshokaUniversity #12YearsOfYIF #applynow #LiberalArts #ReachForTheStars
...

If you are wondering 'What should your YIF application look like?' hear from Varsha Varghese (YIF 15), Senior Manager, Outreach and Admissions, Young India Fellowship.

We consider your personal context, journey, academic records, professional background, interests and aspirations.

Your essays represent you to the reviewers. Hence, your focus should be on making sure that they are well structured, clearly giving out the meaning and information that you intended them to. There is no right or wrong answer, but the essays are an opportunity to demonstrate who you are and how you think.

#Applications to the Class of 2024 close on 20th March.

#Apply today using #linkinbio

#classof2024 #YIF #YoungIndiaFellowship #AshokaUniversity #12YearsOfYIF #applynow #LiberalArts #ReachForTheStars
...

YIF Application FAQs explained | Part 1

Varsha Varghese (YIF 15), Senior Manager, Outreach and Admissions, Young India Fellowship explains 'What documents do you require to submit as a part of your YIF application?'

Kindly note that we will need your LoR only if you are shortlisted for the interview. The financial aid form will be open between April 14th to 20th for Round 2 candidates.

Applications to the Class of 2024 close on 20th March.

#Apply today using #linkinbio

#classof2024 #YIF #YoungIndiaFellowship #AshokaUniversity #12YearsOfYIF #applynow #LiberalArts #ReachForTheStars
...

Mohammad Ayesha (YIF '23) will be joining Genpact as Assistant Manager after the Fellowship. #FellowshipNeverEnds

Congratulations Ayesha for your recent accomplishments. We wish you the very best in all your future endeavors. Keep inspiring! #ReachForTheStars

'I never imagined myself in a space like the Young India Fellowship (YIF) at Ashoka University, but with hard work and determination, I made it happen. This transformative journey has made me more confident, conscious, and creative. I believe that financial independence for women is just as important as their identity, as it represents not only financial stability, but also the confidence and fierce determination displayed to the world. I am grateful for the constant support from the CDO, YIF, and Ashoka University, which has been instrumental in shaping me into the person I am today. As I embark on a promising career at Genpact, I am grateful for all the skills and knowledge I gained through this journey of self-discovery and growth' shares Ayesha.

@ashokauniv

The deadline for 'Final Round Application' (R2) is March 20, 2023 | Start or continue your YIF application using #linkinbio


#classof2024 #YIF #YoungIndiaFellowship #AshokaUniversity #12yearsofYIF #ReachForTheStars #applynow #YIFPlacements #Selfdiscovery #placements #Growth #Bethechange
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#CoursesOfferedAtTheYIF

Khayal, North Indian Classical Music and the Modern Song: A Story of the Trajectory of Modernity by Professor Amit Chaudhuri, Professor of Creative Writing, Ashoka University; DPhil in English, Oxford University.

Course overview and learning outcomes:

The lectures will include visual elements as well as recordings of khayal and raga, and other facets of music, like laya. Hindustani classical music, raga, and the khayal will be a way of discussing thought, representation, realism, and movements like modernism. This course is meant to encourage fresh thought about not only music, but about the creative process. The intention is to give students a new way of understanding and engaging with cultural and intellectual history.

Deep-dive into the multidisciplinary curriculum at the YIF | Apply to the YIF Class of 2023-24 using #linkinbio

@ashokauniv
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#classof2024 #YoungIndiaFellowship #AshokaUniversity #liberalarts #12yearsofYIF #ReachForTheStars #startreaching #highered #agenobar #applynow
...

Pooja Nagur (YIF '23) will be joining Clix Capital as a Management Trainee after the Fellowship. #FellowshipNeverEnds

Congratulations Pooja for your recent accomplishments. We wish you the very best in all your future endeavors. Keep inspiring! #ReachForTheStars

'Stepping out of my comfort zone as an architect, the Young India Fellowship at Ashoka University helped me undergo a remarkable transformation in my character development and critical thinking skills. I am proud to have secured a management trainee position at Clix Capital and grateful for the support from the CDO and my fellow classmates. A life-changing experience, YIF has laid the foundation for my bright and successful future' shares Pooja.

Final Round Applications are being assessed on a rolling basis | Apply now to be a part of the YIF class of 2023-24 using #linkinbio

@ashokauniv

#classof2024 #YIF #YoungIndiaFellowship #AshokaUniversity #12yearsofYIF #ReachForTheStars #applynow #YIFPlacements #CareerGrowth
...

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Young India Fellowship, Class of 2024

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