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Interpret, Influence, and Impact as Future Global Leaders
YSP Policy, Society & International Affairs (PSIA) is a certified 5-day residential programme that equips high schoolers to translate knowledge into action, creating impact that resonates across communities and systems. The programme is crafted for motivated students entering Grades 9–12 who are eager to delve into the dynamic world of policy, governance, and diplomacy.
What You Will Explore:
Preparing to Navigate a Complex Global Landscape
Today’s world is defined by rapid shifts and deep uncertainities. Decisions made in one corner of the globe can instantly affect global economies, markets, communities and even individual lives. The pressing issues of our times — from climate change and public health emergencies, to shifting geopolitical orders and digital disinformation, and to global migration and institutional governance — are complex and multifaceted. In this environment, students must understand the nature of competing priorities, draw insights from multiple perspectives, and be adaptable as conditions change.
With its foundations in liberal arts, complemented with a focus on real-world debates on some of the most relevant issues of the 21st century, YSP PSIA will:
Master the Essentials of Diplomacy, Governance, and Public Administration
Through explorations of topics such as global security, foreign policy in a multipolar world, multilateralism in the 21st century, climate change as a security challenge, the influence of deepfakes on democracy, among several others, students will be challenged to examine how global and domestic forces interact, shaping societies and human futures in unexpected ways. For instance, addressing climate change requires bringing together international relations to negotiate global treaties, public policy to design effective governance frameworks, economics to balance growth with sustainability, and media studies to shape public opinion and counter disinformation.
Throughout the programme, students will:
Learn from Global Faculty and Leading Practitioners
Students will not only study theory, they will learn from people who have implemented policy decisions and reforms at different levels. The YSP PSIA experience is anchored by Ashoka University’s global faculty, practitioners and international experts from the fields of international relations, political science, public policy, history, economics, sociology, journalism, and media studies.
Our faculty for 2026 includes leading academicians and practitioners such as Prof. Varun Sahni (Professor of International Relations, Ashoka University), Prof. Kanti Bajpai (Visiting Professor of International Relations, Ashoka University), Prof. Ananya Sharma (Assistant Professor of International Relations), Prof. Arpita Das (Associate Professor of Practice of Academic Writing, Ashoka University), Krishanu Chakraborty (Head of Research, Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy), Prof. Tisha Srivastav (Assistant Professor of Media Studies), Natasha Badhwar (Visiting Faculty of Media Studies, Ashoka University), Rai Sengupta (Evaluation Consultant, UNICEF), and Simran Khanna (ICT Instructor, Undergraduate Writing Programme, Ashoka University).
Students may also have the opportunity to learn from eminent voices such as Shivshankar Menon (Visiting Professor of International Relations, Ashoka University; Chair, Ashoka Centre for China Studies, Former Foreign Secretary of India) and Ravi Sreedharan (Founder & Director, Indian School of Development and Management – ISDM), who bring deep experience from diplomacy, public policy, to institution-building.
Through these interactions, students will engage with diplomats, journalists, policymakers, and practitioners who will bring their experiences of working with governments, international organizations, think tanks, and media institutions to the classrooms. The experts will discuss what it means to negotiate across interests, make decisions under constraints, and communicate with diverse audiences.
Hands-on Projects at YSP PSIA
At the heart of YSP PSIA is learning by doing, as students go beyond theory to practice diplomacy, negotiation, and strategy in real-world scenario exercises. Students will:
These expert-led experiences will sharpen their decision-making, critical thinking, and ethical leadership skills. Working collaboratively in diverse teams, they will design innovative solutions, craft persuasive narratives, and test their ideas in authentic, real-world contexts — gaining tangible experience in problem-solving, teamwork, strategic execution, and the confidence to translate insight into impact.
A Holistic College Experience
Beyond academic enrichment, YSP PSIA offers students a vibrant taste of university life. Scholars stay in on-campus residences, share meals in Ashoka’s dining spaces, and take part in activities ranging from sports and Talent Night to film screenings, quizzes, debates, and networking opportunities. Along the way, they build lasting friendships and meaningful connections with like-minded peers from across India and around the world.
Career Pathways
YSP PSIA equips students with intellectual tools and analytical skills essential to navigate today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. This programme is a fit for students who plan to pursue the following professional pathways in the future:
Through YSP-PSIA, students will gain an early exposure to global affairs, governance, and policy pathways, equipping them to make informed choices for higher education and career pathways in a rapidly changing world.
Applications for YSP 2026 are now closed.
Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming cycle, follow us on social media and check our website for announcements.
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Knowledge:
Skills:
Attitude:
Applications:
A sample schedule for the YSP PSIA is given below. (tentative schedule, subject to change)
YSP PSIA Programme Schedule1) What is Young Scholars Programme: Policy, Society, and International Affairs (PSIA)?
YSP Policy, Society & International Affairs (PSIA) is a certified 5-day residential programme that equips highschoolers to translate knowledge into action, creating impact that resonates across communities and systems. Participants develop interdisciplinary understanding to actively analyse complex systems, global trends, and pressing issues from both national and global perspectives, while also examining the role of media in shaping narratives. Through immersive workshops with renowned experts, students strengthen their capacity for problem-solving, diplomacy, and strategy, preparing them to lead with influence and insight in a complex world.
2) Is Young Scholars Programme: PSIA an online or offline event?
YSP Policy, Society & International Affairs (PSIA) is an offline, residential programme and will be held in person at Ashoka University Campus in Sonipat, Haryana.
3) What is liberal arts and sciences education?
Liberal Arts & Sciences education celebrates discussion and debate in the classroom. A Liberal Arts & Science education focuses on providing critical thinking skills and multiple perspectives to students, which is considered an essential part of leading an ethical and purposeful life. Essentially, it incorporates breadth and depth across multiple disciplines.
4) Do we get a certificate for attending The Young Scholars Programme?
Yes, students will be given a certificate on successful completion of the programme, provided all sessions are attended and there has been desirable participation by the student. Upon receipt of your certificate, please save it securely for your use later on. However, if you happen to lose it, a second copy of the certificate will be provided which will be chargeable for a sum of Rs. 500/-
5) Will attending the programme increase my chances of getting admission to the undergraduate programme at Ashoka University?
Attending the programme will give you an insight on liberal arts & sciences education and the Ashoka pedagogy. This will surely help you with your undergraduate application form at Ashoka University. However, this does not guarantee admission to the Ashoka UG programme.
YSP has really helped me figure out where I want to go in my career and taught me not to limit my options. Many of the professors, while experienced in one field, are also incredibly well-read in others. For example, Professor Gupta was not only knowledgeable about history but also deeply interested in current affairs and how AI is being used across the world. That has inspired me to think more interdisciplinarily than I did before.
It’s been quite thrilling and fun. I’ve met a lot of new people and made a lot of friends. I chose the program because I just love economics, and my favorite lecture was the session by Mr. Deep Kalra – it was really nice. The campus is humongous, fun, and full of life, and my favorite memories are making friends and late-night sessions. I came to YSP for a new experience, going out of home alone, and I think I’m going well with it.
