An important strategic decision about the Young India Fellowship

This communication is regarding an important strategic decision about the YIF. For 2020-21, we will maintain the cohort size at around 200 Fellows. This follows a review of the rapid growth of the YIF—which involved an expansion of its cohort size from ~50 to ~300 in 6 years—and our aspirations to take the YIF to greater heights. 

This strategic decision allows us to act in the best interests of the YIF and its stakeholders, most importantly the Fellows. The YIF operates with a robust feedback loop, which we believe to be critical to shaping the experience year on year. Inputs and support from this feedback loop—including faculty, alumni, founders, the leadership and friends of Ashoka University—have constantly served to strengthen the programme. Many conversations have revolved around the optimal size of a cohort that would ensure a high-quality teaching and learning environment, while celebrating peer learning amidst a close-knit community. Fellows across cohorts typically regard this as central to their YIF experience. Hence, while the number of applications received this year is actually higher than last year, the decision has been taken to maintain the cohort size at around 200.

We look forward to welcoming the 10th cohort of diverse and intellectually curious individuals. We continue to be committed to creating an unparalleled learning experience at the YIF.