What is Khelo India Scheme?
Khelo India is the Government of India's flagship sports development scheme launched in 2018 to revive sports culture, identify talent, and create world-class sports infrastructure. Components: (1) Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) — annual multi-sport competition for under-17 and under-21 athletes; (2) Khelo India University Games (KIUG) — for university students; (3) Khelo India Talent Identification — top athletes get ₹6.28 lakh/year scholarship (₹120,000 stipend + boarding/lodging + training + competition exposure) for 8 years through Khelo India Athlete (KIA) status; (4) KIRTI (Khelo India Rising Talent Identification) — talent hunt scheme for under-14 to under-17 with 1 lakh+ athletes assessed annually; (5) Khelo India Centres — 1,000+ sports centres across districts.
Khelo India Scheme — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | Khelo India Scheme 2026 — ₹5 Lakh/Year Athlete Scholarship | Khelo India Youth Games | KIRTI Talent Search |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2018 |
| Benefit | ₹6.28 lakh/year scholarship (8 years) for Khelo India Athletes + ₹120,000 stipend + training + competition exposure + Khelo India Centres in 1,000+ districts |
| Category | Education |
| Last Verified | 15 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://kheloindia.gov.in |
Benefits of Khelo India Scheme
₹6.28 lakh/year scholarship (8 years) for Khelo India Athletes + ₹120,000 stipend + training + competition exposure + Khelo India Centres in 1,000+ districts
Who is Eligible for Khelo India Scheme?
- ✓Young athletes under-17 to under-21 for Khelo India Youth Games
- ✓University students (under 25) for Khelo India University Games
- ✓Top-performing athletes selected for Khelo India Athlete (KIA) status get scholarships
- ✓Talent identified through KIRTI (under-14 to under-17 age groups)
- ✓Athletes must compete in Khelo India recognised sports disciplines
Documents Required for Khelo India Scheme
How to Apply for Khelo India Scheme Online?
- 1Athletes aged under-14 to under-17 get scouted or register for KIRTI talent-search assessments.
- 2University students under 25 register through their institution to compete in Khelo India University Games (KIUG).
- 3Young athletes aged under-17 to under-21 compete in recognised disciplines at Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) qualifiers.
- 4Submit Aadhaar Card, age proof (birth certificate/SSLC), and sports performance certificates for selection screening.
- 5Provide a medical fitness certificate as part of the athlete evaluation and verification process.
- 6Top-performing selected athletes are granted Khelo India Athlete (KIA) status with an 8-year scholarship package.
- 7Provide an Aadhaar-linked bank account so the ₹120,000 stipend and scholarship funds reach you via DBT — details at kheloindia.gov.in.
Official Government Portal
kheloindia.gov.in is the only authorised application channel, and the government charges nothing there — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
🔗Apply on kheloindia.gov.in