India Young Professionals Scheme 2026: Complete Guide for Indian Students and Graduates

The India Young Professionals Scheme 2026 gives eligible young Indian citizens an opportunity to live, work and study in the United Kingdom for up to two years. Many people also call it the UK Lottery Visa because applicants are selected through a random online ballot.

What Is the UK Lottery Visa?

The UK Lottery Visa is not a separate visa category. It is a commonly used name for the India Young Professionals Scheme because candidates must first enter a ballot.

Entering the ballot is free, and applicants do not need a UK job offer to participate. However, they must meet the age, education, financial and other eligibility conditions.

Being selected in the ballot does not mean that the visa has been approved. Selection only allows the candidate to submit a complete visa application.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must be Indian citizens between 18 and 30 years old. They must also be at least 18 years old on the date they plan to travel to the UK.

Candidates need a qualification at UK bachelor’s degree level or above. An overseas qualification equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree may also be accepted.

Applicants must have at least £2,530 in personal savings. The money should remain in their bank account for at least 28 consecutive days. The final day of this period must fall within 31 days before the visa application date.

How Does the Ballot Process Work?

Candidates must enter the ballot during the official opening period. The selection process is random, so submitting an entry earlier does not increase the chances of being selected.

Applicants generally need to provide their full name, date of birth, passport details, a passport copy, phone number and email address. Only one entry per person is counted in each ballot.

UK Lottery Visa Fees and Costs

Entering the ballot is free. Payment is required only when a selected candidate submits the visa application.

The visa application fee is £340, while the immigration healthcare surcharge is £1,552. Applicants must also maintain the required personal savings of £2,530.

Candidates should be careful with websites or agents asking for an official ballot registration fee because the government ballot itself is free.

Can You Work and Study in the UK?

Successful candidates can stay in the UK for up to 24 months. During this period, they can study, work in most jobs and become self-employed under certain conditions.

The visa cannot be extended. It also does not directly provide permanent residence. Family members cannot be included in the same application and must qualify for a separate visa.

UK Lottery Visa Ballot Status for 2026

There were 3,000 places available under the India Young Professionals Scheme in 2026. Ballots were held in February and July.

All ballot rounds for 2026 have now closed, and no further ballot will be held this year. Future ballot dates have not yet been officially announced, so applicants should regularly check for new updates before preparing an application.

Get Visa Guidance from Jupiter Consultants

Understanding visa eligibility, financial evidence and documentation can sometimes be confusing. Jupiter Consultants helps students and young professionals understand UK visa and study options, prepare the required documents and follow the application process correctly.

Book a consultation with Jupiter Consultants to discuss your study abroad plans and understand the most suitable visa or education route based on your profile.