India Young Professionals Scheme Ballot 2026: Key Dates

India Young Professionals Scheme Ballot 2026: Everything You Need to Know Save the Date: The Final Ballot Is Almost Here The British High Commission in India has confirmed the second and final India Young Professionals Scheme ballot 2026 opens on 21 July, giving eligible Indian graduates one last chance this year to enter for the opportunity to live, work, or study in the UK for up to two years. Key facts at a glance:   Ballot opens: 21 July 2026, 1:30 PM IST Ballot closes: 23 July 2026, 1:30 PM IST Ballot entry: Free Total places for 2026: 3,000 (most already allocated in the February ballot) Visa duration: Up to 2 years Job offer required: No Unlike most UK work visas, this scheme doesn't require a job offer or employer sponsorship before you apply. You simply enter the ballot, and if selected, you're invited to submit a full visa application. Why the UK Calls This a Reciprocal Scheme The UK is one of the world's most internationally connected economies and a global hub for education, innovation, and business. The India Young Professionals Scheme exists precisely to give young Indians a genuine, low-barrier route to experience that environment, without the usual hurdles of securing a job offer first. It's also worth knowing the scheme runs both ways. Young British citizens can apply through a matching Young Professionals Scheme to live and work in India, making this a genuinely two-way mobility partnership between the countries rather than a one-directional visa route. Who Can Apply: Full Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for an India Young Professionals Scheme visa, you must meet every one of the following: Be an Indian national or citizen between 18 and 30 years old Be at least 18 years old on the date you plan to travel to the UK Hold a qualification at bachelor's degree level or above (Regulated Qualifications Framework level 6, 7, or 8) Have £2,530 in savings available to support yourself in the UK Have no children under 18 that you live with or are financially responsible for The 28-Day Savings Rule This is one of the most commonly missed requirements, so it deserves its own explanation. Your £2,530 in savings must have been held continuously for at least 28 consecutive days, and Day 28 must fall within 31 days of the date you apply for the visa. In practical terms, this means you can't top up your account right before applying and expect it to count. Plan your finances well ahead of the ballot, not after you're selected. What Happens After