The India-UK Young Professionals Scheme is a new visa program that allows Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 to live, work, and study in the UK for up to two years. The scheme is part of the UK-India Mobility and Migration Partnership, which aims to strengthen the ties between the two countries. The first ballot for the scheme will open on February 20, 2024, and close on February 22, 2024. Here are some key details and tips for interested applicants.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be an Indian national with a valid passport
- Be aged between 18 and 30 at the time of application
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a recognized institution
- Have savings of at least £2,530 in their bank account
- Have no dependent children under 18
- Have not previously participated in the scheme or any similar program
Application process
The application process consists of two steps:
- Enter the ballot online between February 20 and 22, 2024 (free of charge). The ballot is a random selection process that determines who can apply for the visa. Applicants can enter the ballot only once per year. If selected, they will receive an email invitation to apply for the visa within 24 hours.
- Apply for the visa within 90 days of receiving the invitation (costs £298). Applicants will need to submit their passport, bank statements, qualifications, and other supporting documents. They will also need to prove their identity either by visiting a visa application center or using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. Applicants will usually get a decision within three weeks.
Important dates
The scheme will offer 3,000 visas in 2024, with most of them allotted in the February ballot. The second ballot will take place in July for the remaining visas. The important dates to remember are:
- Ballot: February 20 – 22, 2024
- Visa application deadline: 90 days after selection
- Travel deadline: 6 months after applying for the visa
Key points to remember
The scheme is a competitive and limited opportunity for young Indian professionals to experience life and work in the UK. Applicants should ensure that they meet all the eligibility criteria and have their documents ready for a smooth process. Applicants should also note that:
- The visa is valid for up to two years and cannot be extended or switched to another category
- The visa allows applicants to work in any sector or occupation, except as a professional sportsperson or a doctor in training
- The visa does not grant access to public funds or benefits in the UK
- The visa does not guarantee a permanent settlement or citizenship in the UK
- The visa holders are responsible for their own health insurance and travel arrangements
Don’t miss your chance
The India-UK Young Professionals Scheme is a golden opportunity for Indian youth to explore the UK and enhance their skills and career prospects. The scheme is open for applications only for a short period of time, so don’t miss your chance. Enter the ballot and pursue your dream of living and working in the UK.
![gain Rise in Gold Rate in India After Falling Rs 21,200/24K; Will Gold Price Today Jump or Drop on 28 March? By Harshika Yadav Published: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 6:55 [IST] preference Add as a preferred source on Google Gold rates in India witnessed a modest recovery on March 27, 2026, after a sharp fall in the previous session, indicating a cautious stabilisation in the bullion market. The yellow metal had dropped by Rs 212 per gram (or Rs 21,200 per 100 grams) of 24 Karat (24K) earlier, but managed to regain some ground. Gold Price Updates as US-Iran Tensions Ease; Pakistan, Turkiye & Egypt Step Up Mediation Efforts The rise in yellow metal follows easing geopolitical concerns after US President Donald Trump signalled a delay in potential military action against Iran's energy infrastructure by 10 days, pushing the deadline to April 6. This development, along with ongoing diplomatic efforts, has helped support safe-haven demand. gold Rate Today Further adding to market sentiment, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Islamabad is acting as an intermediary between the United States and Iran, relaying messages as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions. Countries like Türkiye and Egypt are also reportedly supporting the mediation process, offering some relief to global financial markets. Gold Rate in India: Check Latest 22K, 24K & 18K Gold Prices Per Gram 24 Karat Gold Rate Today in India In the 24 Karat segment, at the time of writing, the rate for 1 gram stood at Rs 14,471, rising by Rs 16 from Rs 14,455. For 8 grams, the price increased to Rs 1,15,768, up by Rs 128. The rate for 10 grams climbed to Rs 1,44,710, reflecting a gain of Rs 160, while 100 grams of 24 Karat gold were priced at Rs 14,47,100, marking an increase of Rs 1,600. 22 Karat Gold Rate Today in India The price of one gram of 22K stood at Rs 13,265, gaining Rs 15 from the previous session. For 8 grams, the rate rose to Rs 1,06,120, registering an increase of Rs 120. The cost of 10 grams advanced to Rs 1,32,650, up by Rs 150, while 100 grams were priced at Rs 13,26,500, reflecting a gain of Rs 1,500. 18 Karat Gold Rate Today in India The rate for one gram of 18K stood at Rs 10,853, up by Rs 12. For 8 grams, the price moved up to Rs 86,824, marking a gain of Rs 96. The rate for 10 grams climbed to Rs 1,08,530, increasing by Rs 120, while 100 grams were valued at Rs 10,85,300, reflecting an uptick of Rs 1,200. Latest MCX Gold Price In the domestic futures market, gold on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) held firm above the Rs 1,44,500 level as per latest trading record, supported largely by the weakness in the Indian rupee, which continues to cushion local prices despite global volatility. Latest Spot Gold Rate The rebound in domestic gold rates comes alongside a recovery in international markets, where gold moved above the $4,400 per ounce mark. What Lies Ahead for Gold Prices? Check Gold Rate Prediction Jateen Trivedi, VP - Research Analyst (Commodity and Currency), LKP Securities, said, "Gold remained slightly positive, trading above $4,425 with highs near $4,475, supported by initial optimism around US-Iran talks. However, the sharp rise in crude continues to signal underlying market stress and inflation risks." From a technical perspective, he explained, "Technically, support is seen near Rs 1,42,000, while resistance is placed around Rs 1,46,500. Overall, gold is expected to remain volatile with limited upside unless clarity emerges on inflation and geopolitics."](https://keralanews247.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rupee-and-dollar-scaled-120x86.png)
