SBI Youth for India Fellowship: Empowering Young Leaders for Rural Transformation

The SBI Youth for India Fellowship is a 13-month rural development programme that offers young professionals and graduates an opportunity to work on grassroots projects across India. Launched by the State Bank of India, the fellowship aims to bridge the gap between urban talent and rural challenges by placing fellows with experienced non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Selected fellows collaborate with partner NGOs in sectors such as education, healthcare, rural livelihoods, women’s empowerment, environmental sustainability and access to basic infrastructure. The programme focuses on creating measurable social impact while fostering leadership, problem-solving and community engagement skills among participants.

Swapan Dhar, Managing Director of SBI Foundation, in an exclusive interview with The Bizz Buzz, said: “Over the past decade, the SBI Youth for India Fellowship has made a tangible impact in rural communities by empowering over 700 Fellows who have worked in more than 250 rural locations across 22 states & UTs.”

How did the idea of the SBI Youth for India Fellowship come to life, and what critical gap in India’s development ecosystem was it designed to address?

The SBI Youth for India Fellowship was conceptualized out of the need to bridge the urban-rural divide in India’s development ecosystem. Recognizing that rural areas were often underserved by educated, skilled professionals, the Fellowship was designed to empower passionate young individuals to contribute to grassroots development.

By offering a structured 13-month immersive experience, the Fellowship addresses the critical gap of knowledge transfer, leadership development, and hands-on expertise in rural settings. It creates a platform for fresh graduates and professionals to collaborate with local communities, partner NGOs, and government bodies, enabling them to co-create sustainable solutions.

The program’s mission is to foster a movement of change-makers who not only address pressing rural challenges but also carry their experiences forward to shape the future of India's development.

In what ways does the Fellowship reflect SBI Foundation’s belief in youth-led nation-building, particularly through its philosophy of bridging the urban–rural divide through collaboration?

The SBI Youth for India Fellowship reflects SBI Foundation’s strong belief in youth-led nation-building by empowering young changemakers to play an active role in bridging the urban-rural divide. Through its philosophy of collaboration, the Fellowship fosters a two-way learning process in which urban youth gain valuable grassroots insights, while rural communities benefit from educated talent.

This collaborative approach transcends traditional charity by focusing on sustainable development, where fellows work alongside local populations to create lasting, impactful solutions. By immersing fellows in rural settings, the program nurtures empathy, leadership, and a deep understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by marginalised communities.

This aligns perfectly with SBI Foundation’s vision of building a more inclusive India, where the youth become catalysts for positive change, contributing to nation-building through shared progress and collective growth.

Could you walk us through the Fellowship’s selection process and share the key qualities, values, or motivations you look for in a Fellow?

The selection process for the SBI Youth for India Fellowship is rigorous and comprehensive, designed to identify passionate changemakers who are eager to make a meaningful impact in rural development. Applicants undergo a multi-step process that includes an online application, detailed interviews, and a thorough assessment of their skills, values, and motivations.

We look for candidates who demonstrate empathy, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to social change. Ideal fellows possess a deep sense of responsibility, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit, with a genuine desire to learn and work alongside rural communities. They should be proactive problem-solvers, driven by the mission of inclusive development, and capable of embracing diverse challenges.

We value individuals who bring diverse experiences, fresh perspectives, and a strong work ethic, ensuring that they are equipped to contribute positively to grassroots projects and long-term sustainable change.

How do the Fellowship’s 12 thematic areas enable participants to align their grassroots work with national and global priorities such as the SDGs and G20 goals, and what kind of training prepares them for this journey?

The SBI Youth for India Fellowship’s 12 thematic areas, ranging from health and education to environmental protection and social entrepreneurship, align closely with national priorities and global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

By addressing key issues such as rural health, sustainable agriculture, and climate change, Fellows help create long-term, impactful solutions for marginalized communities. The comprehensive training, including workshops on project management, community mobilization, financial management, and leadership development, equips participants with the skills and mindset to implement projects aligned with these global and national objectives.

This preparation ensures that Fellows are not only capable of designing and executing grassroots interventions but also have the tools to scale their efforts, ensuring that their work directly contributes to advancing the SDGs and broader development goals.

How do Fellows work alongside NGO partners and local communities to co-create sustainable solutions, and what mentorship or support systems help them adapt to the realities of rural life during the 13-month engagement?

Fellows work closely with NGO partners and local communities to co-create sustainable solutions by collaborating on projects that directly address the unique challenges of rural areas. They actively engage with community members, listening to their needs and co-designing interventions that are contextually relevant and scalable.

This participatory approach ensures that solutions are rooted in the community's values and priorities. Throughout the 13-month engagement, Fellows receive mentorship from experienced professionals and field experts, which helps them adapt to rural realities.

They are also provided with ongoing support through capacity-building workshops, covering project management, community mobilization, and leadership.

The Fellows' journey is further guided by their assigned mentors, who offer regular feedback and guidance to ensure their personal and professional growth. This robust support system empowers Fellows to navigate the complexities of rural life while driving impactful, lasting change.

Looking back over the past decade, what tangible impact has the program created in rural communities, and how does the growing alumni network of over 700 Fellows continue to contribute to nation-building in India and globally?

Over the past decade, the SBI Youth for India Fellowship has made a tangible impact in rural communities by empowering over 700 Fellows who have worked in more than 250 rural locations across 22 states & UTs. These Fellows have initiated transformative projects in areas like food security, water conservation, education, and women’s empowerment, positively impacting over 2 Lakh lives.

The growing alumni network of over 700 Fellows continues to contribute to nation-building, with nearly 70 per cent staying in the development sector, founding social enterprises, or joining leading organizations like J-PAL and NITI Aayog. Many have pursued advanced education at prestigious institutions, ensuring they remain key drivers of change in rural development.

This active alumni community not only provides continued mentorship to current Fellows but also amplifies the Fellowship’s long-term impact through ongoing social contributions.