The Ministry of Education has opened the registration for Phase VII of Yuva Sangam, a youth exchange program aimed at fostering cultural understanding and national unity. Eligible participants, including students and young professionals aged 18 to 30, can apply online until August 18, 2026, through the official EBSB portal. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for young Indians to experience the diversity of the country through educational and cultural tours.
What Is Yuva Sangam and How Does It Work?
Yuva Sangam is a flagship program under the Department of Higher Education, designed to promote emotional bonding and mutual understanding among youth from different states and union territories. The program facilitates exchange visits where participants travel to paired states for five to seven days, excluding travel time. During these visits, they explore local traditions, governance, educational institutions, innovation hubs, industries, heritage sites, and community life.
The program is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and focuses on enhancing the spirit of 'Unity in Diversity' by exposing young citizens to the rich cultural fabric of India.
Key Details of Phase VII Exchange Program
- Registration deadline: August 18, 2026
- Eligibility: Youth aged 18-30, including students from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), NSS and NYKS volunteers, and young professionals
- Participating institutions: 20 nodal HEIs, including IITs, IIMs, Central Universities, and NITs
- Exchange duration: 5 to 7 days of educational and cultural tours
- Paired states and nodal institutions include:
- Uttar Pradesh (BHU Varanasi) paired with Kerala (IIT Palakkad)
- Madhya Pradesh (SPA Bhopal) paired with Karnataka (Central University Karnataka)
- Assam (IIT Guwahati) paired with Telangana (Central University Hyderabad)
- Goa (NIT Goa) paired with Mizoram (Central University Mizoram)
- Rajasthan (IIT Jodhpur) paired with Sikkim (Sikkim University)
- Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh (NIT Srinagar) paired with Maharashtra (IIT Bombay)
- West Bengal (IIT Kharagpur) paired with Uttarakhand (HBNU Srinagar)
- Chandigarh (IISER Mohali) paired with Gujarat (Central University Gujarat)
- Himachal Pradesh (NIT Hamirpur) paired with Odisha (IIM Sambalpur)
- Delhi (Delhi University) paired with Tamil Nadu (Central University Tamil Nadu)
Why Yuva Sangam Matters for Young Indians
Yuva Sangam is built on five thematic pillars that guide the exchange experience: Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditions and Culture), Pragati (Development and Governance), Paraspar Sampark (People-to-People Connect), and Prodyogiki (Technology and Innovation). These themes help participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the host state’s cultural heritage, governance models, technological advancements, and social fabric.
By participating, youth not only broaden their horizons but also contribute to strengthening national integration. The program encourages a whole-of-government approach, involving multiple ministries, state governments, and educational institutions working together to ensure a meaningful experience.
Previous editions of Yuva Sangam have seen enthusiastic participation from across India, highlighting the program’s success in building bridges between diverse communities. Phase VII continues this legacy, inviting eligible youth to register and take part in this enriching journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can apply for Yuva Sangam Phase VII?
A: Youth aged 18 to 30 years, including students from Higher Education Institutions, NSS and NYKS volunteers, and young professionals, are eligible to apply.
Q: What is the duration of the exchange program?
A: The exchange visits last between five to seven days, excluding travel time.
Q: How are the participating states and institutions paired?
A: The program pairs states and union territories with nodal Higher Education Institutions such as IITs, IIMs, Central Universities, and NITs to host and facilitate the exchange visits.
