Online registrations for Yuva Sangam (Phase VI) commences from 2nd March, 2026

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Education has launched online registrations for "Yuva Sangam – Phase VI," a youth exchange program under the "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" initiative. The registration portal opened on March 2, 2026. This program aims to foster mutual understanding among youth from different states and union territories through structured exposure visits. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Program Overview:** * "Yuva Sangam" is a flagship Youth Exchange Programme by the Department of Higher Education, Government of India. * It aims to strengthen emotional bonds and promote mutual understanding among young citizens from diverse states and Union Territories (UTs). * The initiative encourages "Unity in Diversity" through structured exposure visits between paired States/UTs. * **Eligibility and Application:** * Interested youth aged 18-30 years are eligible. * This includes students of Higher Education Institutions, NSS/NYKS volunteers, and young professionals. * Applications are to be submitted through the official portal: https://ebsb.aicte-india.org and https://ekbharat.gov.in. * **Yuva Sangam Phase VI Details:** * Online registration commenced on March 2, 2026. * Twenty-two Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have been identified as nodal institutions. * Selected participants will undertake five to seven-day educational and cultural tours (excluding travel days) to their paired States/UTs. * **Program Structure and Objectives:** * The program is structured around five thematic pillars: Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditions & Culture), Pragati (Development & Governance), Paraspar Sampark (People-to-People Connect), and Prodyogiki (Technology & Innovation). * Participants gain firsthand exposure to cultural heritage, development initiatives, technological advancements, local communities, and educational institutions. * The program aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. * It is implemented through a collaborative "Whole of Government" approach involving Ministries/Departments/Agencies, State Governments, and nodal HEIs. * **Previous Participation:** * Yuva Sangam Phase-V saw over 46,000 registrations. * More than 6,000 youth and coordinators have participated in immersive tours across various phases since its launch. * **Pairing of States/UTs and HEIs (Phase VI):** * **Andhra Pradesh (IIT Tirupati) paired with Maharashtra (IISER Pune)** * **Delhi (IIT Delhi) paired with Chhattisgarh (IIT Bhilai)** * **Karnataka (IIIT Dharwad) paired with Rajasthan (MNIT Jaipur)** * **Punjab (IIT Ropar) paired with Bihar (IIT Patna)** * **Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (IIM Jammu) paired with Kerala & Lakshadweep (IIM Kozhikode)** * **Meghalaya (IIM Shillong) paired with Telangana (NIT Warangal)** * **Madhya Pradesh (IIT Indore) paired with Jharkhand (IIT Dhanbad)** * **Himachal Pradesh (CU of Himachal Pradesh) paired with Puducherry (NIT Puducherry)** * **Arunachal Pradesh (NERIST) paired with Uttar Pradesh (IIM Lucknow)** * **Haryana (NIT Kurukshetra) paired with Tripura (NIT Agartala)** * **Gujarat & DNH & DD (IIM Ahmedabad) paired with Odisha (NIT Rourkela)** **Impact Analysis** * **Interested Youth (18-30 years):** * **Impact:** Opportunity to participate in a national youth exchange program, gain exposure to diverse Indian cultures and development initiatives, and foster national integration. * **Action Required:** Register through the official portals (https://ebsb.aicte-india.org and https://ekbharat.gov.in) if eligible. * **Higher Education Institutions (HEIs):** * **Impact:** Identified as nodal institutions, they will play a key role in hosting and coordinating the program, facilitating educational and cultural tours for selected participants. * **Action Required:** Fulfill their roles as nodal institutions as per the program guidelines. * **Ministry of Education and Department of Higher Education:** * **Impact:** Responsible for the overall implementation and success of the Yuva Sangam program, aligning it with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. * **Action Required:** Oversee the program's execution, coordinate with participating entities, and monitor outcomes. * **Participating Ministries/Departments/Agencies and State Governments:** * **Impact:** Collaborating to implement the "Whole of Government" approach for the program, contributing to its nationwide reach and effectiveness. * **Action Required:** Provide support and facilitate the program's implementation within their respective domains and regions.

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