The American India Foundation (AIF) Banyan Impact Fellowship 2025-26

The American India Foundation (AIF) Banyan Impact Fellowship 2025-26 is an opportunity offered by the American India Foundation (a non-profit American organisation working in India) in partnership with Atlas Corps to bachelor's or equivalent degree holders. The selected candidates will get an opportunity to develop leadership skills and learn effective practices by serving full-time in the United States for 12 months. The candidates will receive a living stipend to cover basic expenses (food, local transportation, and shared housing), a monthly phone plan, emergency health and travel insurance, and round-trip international airfare.

Source: American India Foundation

American India Foundation in partnership with Atlas Corps, a non-profit American organisation working in India are offering the research scheme.

To be eligible, an applicant must:-

• be an Indian citizen
• be between the age group of 21 to 35 years on 1st October
• have completed a bachelor’s or other UG degree before the start of the program on 1st October
• be willing to learn a local language if required for the project
• able or willing to serve on the ground in India (full course duration) 
• be committed to enriching learning opportunities for the fellowship community and positively contribute to building India - U.S. bridges of understanding and partnership during their time of service and after

Note:- Applicants can not apply for both the India OR the US-based AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship Program in a year.

The selected candidates will receive a living stipend to cover basic expenses (food, local transportation, and shared housing), a monthly phone plan, emergency health and travel insurance, and round-trip international airfare.

The selected U.S. track fellows will also get an opportunity to participate in the program on a J-1 Trainee visa and engage in group cultural activities like a D.C. Monuments Tour, sporting events, U.S. holiday celebrations, and more.

Eligible candidates can apply for the fellowship by following these steps:-

Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' below.
Step 2: Click on the 'Register' button and fill in the required details to 'Register'. (Note - If already registered, log in using Gmail/Mobile number/Email ID)
Step 3: Click on the 'Apply Now' button.
Step 4: Navigate to the 'Register' button at the top of the page and click on it to proceed with the registration process.
Step 5: Register with Facebook/ Twitter/ Gmail or by filling in the required details.
Step 6: After successful registration, select the program and click on the 'Apply' button.
Step 7: Now, click on 'My Applications' at the top of the dashboard. 
Step 8: To continue with the application process, click on the 'Start' button.
Step 9: Fill in the required details, upload the relevant documents and review the application form by clicking on the ‘Review’ tab.
Step 10: Click the ‘Save And Next’ button to complete the application.

• A government-issued identity proof (Aadhaar card/voter identity card/driving license/PAN card)
• Passport
• Certificate of Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent degree
• Work experience certificate

Candidates will be shortlisted based on the fulfilment of the eligibility criteria and performance in the interview round.

Application Start Date: 05th December 2024
Application End Date: 15th February 2025

Question: What is the age limit for the AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship?
Answer: To apply for this scheme applicants must be between 21 to 35 years of age.

Question: Is it mandatory to submit the passport?
Answer: Yes, it is manadatory for applicants to have a passport.

Question: What is the last date to apply for this fellowship?
Answer: The last date to apply for this fellowship is 15th February 2025.

Question: Can Indian students apply for this fellowship?
Answer: Yes, Indian applicants are eligible to apply for this fellowship.

Question: Who is offering the the AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship?
Answer: American India Foundation in partnership with Atlas Corps is offering this fellowship.

• Applicants must have a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Applicants must commit to return to India and work in the social impact sector for a minimum of two years after completing the fellowship programme.
• Candidates also need to be an active part of the Fellowship alumni community.
• Atlas Corps will be assisting the selected candidates to obtain a J-1 visa required to travel to the United States for the fellowship.
• Candidates must commit to contributing to building the U.S.-India bridges of partnership and understanding.
• Candidates must be keen to develop community-based inclusion and diversity.
• The stipend does not cover personal entertainment, non-program-related travel, luxury items, or alcoholic beverages. Candidates should plan on bringing additional funds to allow for personal travel and other non-essential items. The amount will depend entirely on a fellow’s personal spending habits.