National Youth Corps is a central government volunteer scheme run by MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Young people aged 18 to 29 years can join it as volunteers and serve the country for up to two years while receiving a monthly honorarium of ₹5000.
As of July 2026, around 5,465 MY Bharat youth volunteers are deployed under this scheme across the country. The government has kept the scheme active with a budget of ₹77 crore for 2026-27, which is a big jump from the revised allocation of ₹22 crore for 2025-26.
Volunteers work at the block level and take part in campaigns on health, literacy, sanitation, drug abuse awareness, Swachhta campaign, road safety and other social issues. They also help the local administration during emergencies and natural disasters.
The scheme started in 2010-11 and is implemented through the NYKS network across the country. The online application form is available on the official website at nyks.nic.in. The scheme is also linked with the My Bharat Portal, where youth can register for other volunteer programs.
National Youth Corps Scheme 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Youth Corps |
| Launched By | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports |
| Run By | MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) |
| Beneficiaries | Youth aged 18 to 29 years |
| Benefit Amount | ₹5000 per month honorarium |
| Duration | Up to 2 years (including 4 week training) |
| DBT Scheme | Yes, Aadhaar based (from 2026) |
| Application Mode | Online and offline |
| Budget 2026-27 | ₹77 crore |
| Official Website | nyks.nic.in |
Benefits
Selected volunteers get a monthly honorarium of ₹5000 for serving on a full time basis in identified development activities. The service period includes a 4 week training period and volunteers can serve for up to two years in total.
Eligibility
Anyone who meets the conditions given below can apply to become a volunteer:
- Age: Applicant should be between 18 and 29 years of age as on the date fixed for the recruitment round.
- Education: Applicant should have passed Class 10th examination.
- Others: Applicant should have basic IT skills and should be available for full time service.
Exclusions
Since this is a full time assignment, students who are enrolled in regular academic courses are not eligible to apply for deployment under this scheme.
Application Process
Applications are invited state wise and the dates are announced on the official website. The process is given below.
STEP 1 - Go to the official website at nyks.nic.in application portal and open the application form for MY Bharat youth volunteers under National Youth Corps scheme.
STEP 2 - Fill in the personal details, education details and choose the block where you want to serve. Check the eligibility conditions before filling the form.
STEP 3 - Submit the form online. The screen will show an Application Number. Save this number for future reference.
STEP 4 - If you are shortlisted, the authorities will call you for an interview through email, SMS or WhatsApp. Carry your application form, original documents, photocopies and two recent passport sized photographs to the interview.
Applicants who cannot apply online can submit the offline form at the nearest Nehru Yuva Kendra. Authorized staff will upload the form to the system within the set time and the District Youth Coordinator will download it for records.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
- Recent passport sized photograph
- Birth certificate
- Class 10th passing certificate
- Aadhaar card
- Caste certificate (for SC/ST/OBC candidates)
- Highest educational qualification certificates
- Address proof (any one: Voter ID, Driving License, Passport or Ration Card)
Aadhaar Based Payment Update 2026
The government has made Aadhaar based DBT payment required for the honorarium from 30 June 2026. As per the gazette notification S.O. 3989(E) published on 21 July 2026, every volunteer has to give Aadhaar number or proof of Aadhaar to get the monthly honorarium. Those who do not have Aadhaar can apply for enrolment and can show other valid documents till the Aadhaar number is assigned.
Definitions
Honorarium
An honorarium is an honorary reward or a fee for professional services rendered. A salary is a fixed payment for regular work, while an honorarium is a payment for specific services provided.
References
For the latest terms and conditions, check these official sources:
- National Youth Corps official page
- Eligibility conditions PDF
- MY Bharat National Youth Corps page
- Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports budget 2026-27
FAQ's
Is honorarium provided to volunteers who serve on a part time basis?
No, you must be available for a full time commitment to get the honorarium under this scheme.
Is the honorarium given as a lump sum or monthly?
The honorarium of ₹5000 is paid every month.
What is the mode of payment for the honorarium?
From 2026, the honorarium is paid through Aadhaar based DBT. Volunteers need to link their Aadhaar number to get the payment.
How many volunteers are deployed under the scheme?
As of July 2026, around 5,465 MY Bharat youth volunteers are deployed across the country under this scheme.
I am a 27 year old full time student. Can I apply?
No, regular students are not eligible because the role needs a full time commitment that does not go with regular studies.
Is there a quota for female volunteers?
The authorities try to keep a 50:50 gender ratio as much as possible.
Is there a reservation for SC/ST candidates?
There is no formal reservation, but participation from weaker sections including SC and ST communities is encouraged.
Is there an application fee?
No, the full online application process is free.
Where can I find the application form format?
The required format is given in Annexure-I of the official scheme guidelines.
How do I identify mandatory fields in the application?
Mandatory fields are marked with a red asterisk (*) at the end.