UGC Encourages Youth Participation in Yuva Sangam Phase 6 Exchange Programme
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a nationwide appeal to young people across India, urging them to apply for Yuva Sangam Phase 6, a significant youth exchange initiative organized under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) framework. In a recent social media announcement, the commission specifically called upon students and young professionals to register for this programme, which facilitates educational and cultural visits to diverse regions of the country.
Understanding Yuva Sangam: Objectives and Implementation
According to the Ministry of Education (MoE), Yuva Sangam is a youth exchange programme launched by the Department of Higher Education (DHE), Government of India. The initiative has a clear dual purpose: to enable young participants to learn about the culture, traditions, and developmental journeys of various States and Union Territories, and to foster stronger connections among youth nationwide. By promoting the ideal of “Unity in Diversity” through structured exchange visits between paired regions, the programme aims to build a more cohesive national identity.
The implementation follows a “Whole of Government” approach, involving coordination between Central ministries, State governments, and Nodal Higher Education Institutions. This collaborative system ensures well-organized visits, efficient travel management, and enriching learning experiences. Furthermore, Yuva Sangam aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes experiential learning and cultural understanding.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
The Ministry of Education has outlined specific eligibility requirements for Yuva Sangam Phase 6. The following candidates are encouraged to apply:
- Youth aged between 18 and 30 years
- Students from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
- National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers
- Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) volunteers
- Young professionals
Eligible individuals can submit their applications online through the official portals: ebsb.aicte-india.org and ekbharat.gov.in. A crucial requirement is registration using the APAAR ID. The application window remains open until March 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Benefits and Structure for Selected Participants
Selected participants will embark on educational and cultural tours lasting five to seven days, excluding travel days. These tours involve visits to paired States or Union Territories, where participants will engage with local communities to gain firsthand insights into regional cultures and development practices. The visits are hosted by 22 identified Higher Education Institutions across India, ensuring academic rigor and structured learning.
State and HEI Pairings for Phase 6
The official pairings for Yuva Sangam Phase 6 are designed to maximize cultural exchange and learning. Below is the detailed list:
- Andhra Pradesh (IIT Tirupati) with Maharashtra (IISER Pune)
- Delhi (IIT Delhi) with Chhattisgarh (IIT Bhilai)
- Karnataka (IIIT Dharwad) with Rajasthan (MNIT Jaipur)
- Punjab (IIT Ropar) with Bihar (IIT Patna)
- Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (IIM Jammu) with Kerala & Lakshadweep (IIM Kozhikode)
- Meghalaya (IIM Shillong) with Telangana (NIT Warangal)
- Madhya Pradesh (IIT Indore) with Jharkhand (IIT Dhanbad)
- Himachal Pradesh (Central University of Himachal Pradesh) with Puducherry (NIT Puducherry)
- Arunachal Pradesh (NERIST) with Uttar Pradesh (IIM Lucknow)
- Haryana (NIT Kurukshetra) with Tripura (NIT Agartala)
- Gujarat, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (IIM Ahmedabad) with Odisha (NIT Rourkela)
Programme Themes and Past Success
Yuva Sangam Phase 6 revolves around five key themes, known as the “5 Ps”:
- Paryatan: Tourism
- Parampara: Traditions and culture
- Pragati: Development and governance
- Paraspar Sampark: People-to-people connections
- Prodyogiki: Technology and innovation
These themes provide a comprehensive framework for participants to explore regional functionalities, local traditions, and technological advancements. The programme has demonstrated strong traction since its inception, with over 6,000 youth and coordinators having participated. The previous phase alone attracted more than 46,000 registrations, reflecting substantial interest among India's young population, as reported by ANI.
