International Award for Young People (IAYP)
by The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation
Internationally Recognized Award
1,00,000 participants
The International Award for Young People (IAYP) India is a non-formal education program for youth aged 14-24, focusing on self-development, skill-building, and community engagement through various activities.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
₹1,500
Participation format
Individual
Duration
6 to 18 months depending on the level (Bronze: 6 months, Silver: 12 months, Gold: 18 months)
Time needed
1 hour a week on average per section, for 6 to 18 months
Eligibility
Open to young people aged 14 to 24 years, including those with disabilities. Participants can enter at Bronze (14+), Silver (15+), or Gold (16+) levels. No specific academic requirements are mentioned, focusing on personal development and voluntary activities. The program is available nationwide across India. In India, the program will run through the Award Programme Foundation (National Award Authority of India).
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 14 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No specific academic requirements; open to all young people.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Prizes
Internationally Recognized Medal
Participants receive an internationally recognized medal upon successful completion of the program.
Certificate
Internationally Recognized Certificate
An internationally recognized certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the program, validating participants' achievements and skill development.
Opens doors to
The IAYP award is highly valued by admission officers worldwide, providing a significant advantage for college and university applications, especially for international studies, demonstrating commitment and developed life skills.
Career pathways
The program develops essential life skills and provides an internationally recognized credential that enhances employment applications, making participants more competitive in the job market.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Enrollment
- Open all year
Online · Online Record Book (ORB)
How to apply
- 1Enrollment through registered Award Centres (schools, colleges, YES Centres) or Open Award Centres.
- 2Fill out the registration form and submit with three photographs.
- 3Pay the applicable registration fee.
- 4Participants receive a Record Book and diary to log activities.
- 5Guardians or parents can apply for participants below 18 years of age.
Rules and guidelines
- Minimum participation duration is 6 months for Bronze, 12 months for Silver, and 18 months for Gold.
- Participants must complete four mandatory sections: Service, Adventurous Journey, Skills, and Physical Recreation.
- A Residential Project is additionally required for the Gold level.
- Activities must be chosen by the participant and be appropriate to their environment and interests.
- Progress and sustained effort are key measures for qualifying for the award.
- All dues, including registration and expedition charges, must be cleared for award authorization.
- Participants must be between 14 and 24 years of age.
Technology requirements
- Access to an international digital tool, the Online Record Book (ORB), for participant registrations and logging their Award Journey (replaces physical forms and diaries).
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The participant registration fee varies by level: Bronze Level: ₹1000 (one-time fee), Silver Level: ₹1000 (one-time fee), Gold Level: ₹1500 (one-time fee). An Open Award Centre fee is ₹1500 for all levels (one-time fee). Additional costs for activities, equipment, and expeditions may apply depending on choices made by participants. The enrollment fee is non-refundable.
Refund policy
The enrollment fee is non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The International Award for Young People (IAYP) is the Indian chapter of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, a globally recognized youth empowerment program. In India, the program will run through the Award Programme Foundation (National Award Authority of India).
Established in the United Kingdom in 1956 and introduced in India in 1962, IAYP aims to help young people achieve their full potential within the Indian societal framework, fostering their moral, social, and intellectual well-being. This program is non-competitive and open to young individuals aged 14 to 24 years, including those with disabilities. Participants can enroll directly at three levels: Bronze (for those over 14), Silver (for those over 15), and Gold (for those over 16). The program is delivered nationwide through various institutions, including schools, colleges, and Youth Engaging Society (YES) Centres.
Participants engage in a balanced program of voluntary self-development activities across four mandatory sections: Service, Adventurous Journey, Skills, and Physical Recreation. For the Gold level, an additional Residential Project is required. The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing participants to set their own challenges and monitor their progress. This approach helps bridge the gap between adolescence and adulthood, equipping them with essential life skills.
Successful completion of the program leads to an internationally recognized award, including a certificate and medal. The IAYP helps participants develop crucial life skills such as leadership, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving, which are highly valued for higher education and career prospects. It also provides opportunities for community service, physical fitness, and exposure to diverse experiences, fostering personal growth and self-confidence.
What your child will do
- Voluntary service to individuals or the community
- Adventurous journeys (expeditions, treks)
- Developing personal interests and practical skills (music, crafts, arts, games, vocational skills)
- Participation in physical recreation activities (sports, fitness)
- Residential projects (for Gold level participants)
- Night shelter programs
- Provision of medical, recreation, and counselling services for street children
Mentors and faculty
IAYP approved Award Leaders, guides, instructors, and assessors who provide guidance and support throughout the program. Award winners also have opportunities to become mentors.
Languages
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The program is structured around four mandatory sections: Service (volunteering in the community), Adventurous Journey (planning and undertaking an adventurous trip), Skills (developing personal interests and practical skills), and Physical Recreation (improving physical fitness). For the Gold level, a Residential Project is also required, involving a group activity in a residential setting.
Frequently asked questions
How does the International Award for Young People program foster holistic development in participants?
The program encourages participants to engage in a balanced set of activities across four sections: Service, Adventurous Journey, Skills, and Physical Recreation. This comprehensive approach ensures development in various aspects, including social responsibility, physical well-being, practical abilities, and personal growth, preparing them for diverse life challenges.
What is the significance of the 'experiential learning' approach in the IAYP program?
Experiential learning in IAYP allows participants to learn by doing, setting their own challenges, and monitoring their progress. This hands-on approach helps in developing critical life skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and self-reliance, which are more effectively acquired through direct experience than traditional methods.
How does the IAYP program contribute to the long-term success of participants in higher education and careers?
The program equips participants with essential soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and time management, which are highly valued by universities and employers globally. The internationally recognized award also enhances college and university applications, providing a significant advantage for future academic and professional pursuits.
What support system is available for participants throughout their IAYP journey?
Participants receive guidance and support from IAYP approved Award Leaders, guides, instructors, and assessors. These mentors help in choosing appropriate activities, setting goals, and monitoring progress, ensuring a structured and supportive environment for participants to achieve their awards.
How does the IAYP program accommodate young people with disabilities?
The IAYP program is non-competitive and inclusive, designed to be accessible to all young individuals, including those with disabilities. Participants choose activities suited to their personal interests and abilities, ensuring that the program is adaptable and achievable for everyone, fostering personal growth without discrimination.
What are the key differences between the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels of the IAYP program?
The Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels differ primarily in their duration and commitment required. Bronze typically takes 6 months, Silver 12 months, and Gold 18 months. The Gold level also includes an additional mandatory Residential Project, offering a more intensive and comprehensive development experience.
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