Kolkata, 1 August (H.S.) -A significant number of women from West Bengal have made their mark in the prestigious SBI Youth for India Fellowship 2025, a national-level rural development initiative. Out of 72 candidates selected in the first round, 9 are from West Bengal, including 7 women, reflecting a growing trend of female participation in grassroots leadership roles.
The orientation for the fellowship will begin on August 2 at Barefoot College, Tilonia, in Kishangarh, Rajasthan. Among those attending is Sangnya Mahanti from West Bengal, a promising scholar who excelled in zoology at Lady Brabourne College and recently secured first class in MSc in Biochemistry from the University of Calcutta.
Sangnya stated that the partnering NGOs select fellows based on their interests and professional profiles, with a strong emphasis on women empowerment. The fellowship also receives applications from international candidates, including those from Nepal.
The SBI Youth for India Fellowship spans 13 months, with fellows required to undergo classroom training and implement development projects in rural areas. In the ongoing second phase of selection, around 28 more candidates have been chosen nationwide—three of whom are from West Bengal, including two women.
According to official sources, the fellowship program received nearly 90,000 applications this year. Eligible candidates must be graduates aged between 21 and 32. There is no written exam; instead, applicants are evaluated through a structured application process. In 2025, around 900 candidates were shortlisted for interviews that included group discussions and one-on-one interactions to assess leadership qualities and personal commitment.
After multiple stages, about 100 fellows were finally selected. Applications typically open in late February and close by early April, with guidance and resources available on YouTube. At the end of the program, fellows receive official certification.
The fellowship is run in collaboration with 14 reputed NGOs across India. These partner organizations mentor the fellows on their assignments and responsibilities. SBI covers accommodation and travel costs and provides a fixed monthly stipend, along with a lump-sum grant upon completion.
Each fellow is assigned to a different state, promoting cross-cultural exchange and deeper socio-cultural understanding. Those who perform exceptionally during the fellowship often secure job opportunities with NGOs or gain an advantage in competitive exams, including those for SBI Probationary Officer roles.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
