Ashoka University
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Explore the Science of the Mind
The Young Scholars Programme: Psychology, Behaviour, & Well-being (YSP PBW) is a 5-day, certified, residential, summer programme for high school students entering Grades 9–12.
It is an application-based programme designed to introduce students to psychology, the broad study of mind and behaviour, alongside cognitive science, the newer, interdisciplinary field that asks how the mind, brain, and machines process information.
Students explore the core domains of psychology, from cognitive and biological to developmental and social, and see how they are applied in clinical, counselling, organisational and other settings.
They may also engage with emerging and dynamic fields such as Forensic Psychology, Behavioural Economics, Neuroscience of Decision-Making, Emotion Regulation, Computational Neuroscience, Data Science in Behavioural Studies, AI and Ethics, Nudging, Decision Theory and Psychometrics.
Drawing these threads together, the programme examines how such understanding can support physical and mental well-being and introduces students to practical strategies for enhancing mental health and well-being in their own lives and communities.
For example, students may explore how different perspectives in psychology offer distinct explanations for a student experiencing a racing heart before an examination.
Cognitive psychology explores how worry can interfere with working memory, biological psychology examines the body’s stress response and its role in triggering a racing pulse.
Developmental psychology considers how the adolescent brain develops the ability to regulate emotions, while social psychology explains how the presence and perceived judgement of classmates can intensify anxiety.
Clinical and educational psychology turns these findings into help for those who are anxious or struggling to learn.
Students will attend faculty seminars with Ashoka faculty such as Prof. Supriya Ray, Prof. Nandini Chatterjee Singh, Prof. Bittu Kaveri Rajaraman, Prof. Simantini Ghosh, Prof. Sneh Kapoor and Prof. Annie Baxi. They will also attend workshops with leading practitioners such as Nivedita Singh (Director of the Ashoka Centre for Well-Being), Pooja Haldea (Co-founder and Senior Advisor, Centre for Social and Behaviour Change, Ashoka University), Dr Ritu Mudgal (Practising Clinical Psychologist), and gain a refined perspective on the many applications of psychological and neuroscientific theories on physical, emotional and mental well-being.
Students attend seminars led by clinicians and counsellors, and are introduced to how listening, thoughtful questioning, and evidence-based techniques help people through difficult times.
The seminars open up:
Throughout, students come to see why confidentiality, empathy, respect, and care for the person lie at the heart of clinical practice.
Students attend seminars with Ashoka faculty and are introduced to how the brain gives rise to the mind and to who we are.
The seminars explore:
Students may also visit research labs at Ashoka, where neuroscientists study attention, decision-making and the control of eye and hand movements, using tools such as electrophysiology, pupillometry and computational models.
YSP PBW introduces students to a variety of future pathways. These include:
These are some of the hands-on workshops in which students may engage:
Beyond academic enrichment, YSP PBW offers a holistic college experience. Scholars reside in student dormitories, savor meals at Ashoka’s diverse dining facilities, engage in sports activities and activities such as Talent Night, Networking Night, Quizzes, Debates and so on. Our scholars forge lasting bonds with like-minded peers from across India and the globe. It’s an immersive journey into the world of psychology, individual and group behavior, fostering curiosity, collaboration, and innovation.
Applications for Ashoka Young Scholars Programme (YSP) – Campus 2027 will open on December 1, 2026.
Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming cycle, follow us on social media and check our website for announcements.
Knowledge:
Skills:
Attitude:
Application:
In this programme, students will explore a range of fascinating topics that delve into the workings of the mind and behavior. Faculty sessions will cover topics such as Cognitive Processes and Memory, where students will learn how the brain stores and retrieves information; The Science of Emotions, which examines how feelings influence decision-making and relationships; Social Influence and Group Dynamics, exploring how peer pressure and leadership affect behavior; and Positive Psychology and Well-being, offering evidence-based techniques to promote resilience, mindfulness, and overall mental health. Each session is designed to cover both, the theoretical and the applications, providing students with insights they can apply to their own lives.
A day at Young Scholars Programme: Psychology, Behaviour and Well-Being (YSP PBW) starts off with faculty-led sessions after which students then find themselves in our workshops which are designed to function as an exciting and interactive space for students to become products of their learnings.
This experience is enhanced with our guest speakers who share insights from industry practice, equipping students with real-world as well as academic knowledge.
The day winds down with fun & recreational activities including sports and the performing arts.
A sample schedule for the YSP PBW is given below. (tentative schedule, subject to change)
Director, Ashoka Centre for Well-Being
RCI licensed; Level 5 Certified CBT Therapist, Trainer, and Supervisor, Feeling Good Institute, California; Advanced training in CBT, Albert Ellis Institute, New York, and Dr David Burns, Stanford University; Master’s degrees, University of Delhi and Amity University.
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The classes have been absolutely amazing. I’ve learned a lot of stuff. Like, a lot. When I came here, I did not think I would be learning this much. I thought it would be more fun, but no, it is still extremely fun, but the learning aspect is absolutely amazing. I’ve had a great experience of college life, and my favourite classes are actually all the ones that happened today, because I’m really inclined towards clinical psychology and trauma psychology, and that’s all that we did today. So all the talks that we had about mental health and awareness today were really fun for me.
All the sessions have been really good, really fun and interesting. The interactions are also really nice, fun and inquisitive, and I think they have definitely exceeded my expectations till now…I think the last Q&A session with Simi Ghosh was a lot of fun. It was fun to talk and learn with the teacher. It wasn’t just about writing everything down. Whatever I was learning was very hands-on, I feel, because there was a lot of interaction.
In the beginning, I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to manage myself because I didn’t know anyone around here, I was alone, and for the five days, I didn’t know what I would do. However, I learned how to manage my time, where the locations were and everything, so I became more independent and a more expressive person, even though I usually consider myself really shy. YSP has taught me a lot about myself, opened up a new world of learning, and given me some amazing memories – like dancing together on chat and chart night and discovering new interests I never expected.
I feel like at YSP we are given the option to express ourselves the way we like and we’re not forced into anything – we can choose our interests and act upon them. I love learning about the cultural context and how most psychology books won’t teach you what cultures do. It’s good to be educated on all kinds of things like that.
YSP contributed to a clearer understanding of my subject preferences. I already knew i was interested in psychology but was little confused on what all disciplines are in psychology. Through YSP I got a better understanding of what all comes in psychology such as social psychology, positive psychology, history, counselling, biology, gender psychology, etc.
