What this scheme offers
Khelo India brings together talent identification, athlete scholarships, coaching, competitions and sports infrastructure under one national framework. Its Talent Identification and Development (TID) component selects around 1,000 promising young athletes each year through the Khelo India Youth Games, National Championships, and School Games Federation trials. Selected athletes — recognised as Khelo India Athletes (KIAs) — receive an annual scholarship of ₹5 lakh (including an out-of-pocket allowance plus coaching, travel and diet support) for up to 8 consecutive years. The scheme also funds Khelo India Centres of Excellence and sports infrastructure projects nationwide, and was substantially expanded in July 2026 with a ₹36,441 crore outlay through 2030-31.
Who is eligible
- Indian citizen, typically in the Under-17 category (school students) or Under-21 category (college/university students).
- Selection happens through performance — at the Khelo India Youth Games, National Championships, or School Games Federation of India (SGFI) trials — not through a direct application for the scholarship itself.
- Individual registration for the Youth Games is not permitted; athletes participate through their school, college, or state sports authority's official selection pathway.
Documents required (for athlete registration)
- Aadhaar card
- Birth certificate
- Recent passport-size photograph
- School/university bonafide certificate
- Previous sports achievement records, where applicable
How to get involved
- Speak with your school's Sports Teacher or Physical Education Department to confirm district/state trial schedules.
- Register on the official Khelo India portal and create your Athlete Profile with your Aadhaar, birth certificate and photo — this generates your unique Khelo India ID (also called an NSRS ID).
- Upload school/university bonafide certificates and any prior sports achievement records (DigiLocker verification is accepted).
- Participate in state-level qualifiers, SGFI trials, or national school/university championships.
- Strong performance at these events is what leads to selection for Khelo India Youth Games and, potentially, the TID scholarship.