SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2024: Special Recruitment Drive for OCIs, Nepal & Bhutan Citizens, and SBI Employees

The SBI Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the State Bank of India, has launched a special recruitment drive for the 12th batch of its SBI Youth for India Fellowship program. This 13-month initiative invites Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, and eligible SBI employees to join forces with rural communities and 13 renowned NGOs across India to drive social change. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this exclusive fellowship program, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

Be an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), a citizen of Nepal or Bhutan, or an SBI employee.
SBI employees must be confirmed officers in Scale I or II.
Candidates should be aged 21-32 years as of October 7, 2024, when the program officially begins.

Selected candidates will embark on their journey starting October 5, 2024, in Tilonia, Kishangarh, Rajasthan, to begin the immersive fellowship experience. Fellows are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing sustainable development in rural areas.

Fellowship Focus Areas

The SBI Youth for India Fellowship provides a unique platform for participants to engage in 12 key thematic areas:

Health
Rural Livelihood
Food Security
Environmental Protection
Education
Water and Sanitation
Technology
Women's Empowerment
Self-Governance
Social Entrepreneurship
Traditional Craft
Alternate Energy

Fellows will work on projects related to one of these areas, leveraging their skills and interests to create innovative solutions to challenges in rural India.

Empowering the Next Generation of Changemakers

According to Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director & CEO of the SBI Foundation, the program provides a rare opportunity for urban youth to contribute meaningfully to rural development. "We invite our colleagues at SBI, OCIs, and youth from Nepal and Bhutan to become ambassadors of change for rural India. With 10 successful editions behind us and the 11th underway, we remain committed to empowering youth to drive positive change in rural communities," he said.

Why Apply?

The SBI Youth for India Fellowship has been transformative for over 580 alumni, who have impacted the lives of more than 150,000 people in over 250 villages across 20 Indian states. The program not only contributes to rural development but also shapes the future careers of its fellows. Approximately 70% of alumni have gone on to work in fields like rural development, public policy, governance, and academia. Additionally, 100+ alumni have pursued higher studies in development domains, and over 40 have launched their own social ventures post-fellowship.

How to Apply

Prospective candidates can apply by visiting the official SBI Youth for India Fellowship website. Applications must be submitted by September 17, 2024.

This fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity for young professionals to make a significant, lasting impact on rural India while gaining invaluable experience that can shape their careers in the social sector.

For more information and to apply, visit https://register.youthforindia.org/.

About SBI Youth for India Fellowship

Inspired by the U.S. Peace Corps, the SBI Youth for India Fellowship was launched in 2011 by the SBI Foundation. Over the past 13 years, the program has empowered talented young individuals to collaborate with rural communities, understand their challenges, and work toward sustainable solutions. To date, 580+ Fellows have played a crucial role in creating youth-led development initiatives across India.