The UK has confirmed the details for the India Young Professionals Scheme (IYPS) ballot for 2026. If you are an Indian citizen hoping to live and work in the UK for up to two years, this is the first and most important step.

Here is what we know about the young professional scheme so far, explained in simple terms and without the noise.

Ballot Dates You Need to Know

The ballot will open and close over a short window in February.

• Opens: 17 February 2026 at 2:30 PM IST
• Closes: 19 February 2026 at 2:30 PM IST

You can enter anytime during this period. Once the ballot closes, no late entries are accepted.

How Many Visas Are Available In 2026?

For 2026, the United Kingdom has set aside 3,000 visas for Indian applicants under this scheme.

Most of these visas will be offered through the February ballot. Any remaining places will be released later in the year through additional ballots.

Because the number of places is limited, demand is expected to be high again.

What is the India Young Professionals Scheme?

The India Young Professionals Scheme allows eligible Indian citizens to:

• Live in the UK for up to two years
• Work in most jobs
• Study if they wish
• Travel in and out of the UK freely

The big advantage is that no employer sponsorship is required. You do not need a job offer to apply.

📢Get ready!

The first ballot for the 2026 <a href=" opens on Tuesday, 17 February. pic.twitter.com/h0MPOKY6vZ

— UK in India🇬🇧🇮🇳 (@UKinIndia) <a href=" 10, 2026

Who Can Apply?

The scheme is open to Indian citizens who:

• They are aged 18 to 30
• Meet the eligibility rules set by the UK
• Enter and win the ballot

You cannot apply for the visa directly. Everyone must go through the ballot first.

Entering the Ballot Is Free

There is no fee to enter the ballot. Selection is done at random.

If your name is picked, you will receive an email invitation and get around 90 days to submit your visa application.

If you are not selected, you can try again in future ballots as long as you remain eligible.

Details You Need to Enter the Ballot?

The ballot process is simple, but accuracy matters. You will need to submit:

• Your full name
• Date of birth
• Passport details
• Contact information
• A copy of your passport

You are allowed only one entry per person. Multiple entries can lead to disqualification.

Step-By-Step: How the Ballot Process Works

Here is how the process looks from start to finish.

1. Check that you meet the eligibility rules
2. Keep your passport and basic details ready
3. Submit your ballot entry online between 17 and 19 February 2026
4. Wait for the result, which is usually emailed within two weeks
5. If selected, apply for the visa within 90 days
6. If not selected, you can enter the next ballot

If You Are Selected, What Happens Next?

Selected candidates will receive an official email from UK authorities.

You then have up to 90 days to complete the visa process, which includes:

• Filling out the online visa application
• Paying the £319 visa fee
• Paying the Immigration Health Surcharge
• Submitting biometrics

If you decide not to apply after being selected, there is no penalty. It will not affect your chances in future ballots. Your place simply goes back into the system.

Why this visa remains popular with Indian applicants

The India Young Professionals Scheme continues to attract strong interest because it offers:

• A clear route to live and work in the UK
• International work experience
• Access to the UK job market without sponsorship
• A fixed two-year stay with flexibility

For many young Indians, it is a practical way to test life and work in the UK before making longer-term plans.

As always, checking eligibility early and keeping documents ready can make the process much less stressful once the ballot opens.

The post UK-India Young Professionals Scheme Ballot for 2026: Dates, Slots, and How It Works appeared first on .