Youth Hostel Scheme 2026: Affordable Accommodation, Eligibility & Booking
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Quick answer
The Youth Hostel Scheme provides affordable, low-cost budget accommodation to students and youth groups traveling on excursions or study tours across India. Any Indian citizen or foreign resident holding a YHAI membership can access these hostels, with minors accompanied by a guardian. Eligible candidates can book their stay online through the official DBT-YAS portal.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Affordable budget accommodation across India |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Youth Affairs & Sports |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
The Youth Hostel Scheme is an initiative managed by the Department of Youth Affairs under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports in partnership with State Governments. Under this programme, the Central Government provides financial grants for the construction and maintenance of youth hostels, while State Governments oversee daily operations. Designed to encourage youth travel, study tours, and cultural exchange, the hostels offer safe, budget-friendly lodging with diverse accommodation options such as dormitories and family rooms.
Benefits
- Affordable accommodation providing a budget-friendly alternative to hotels and guesthouses
- Social environment facilitating interactions with travelers from across India and abroad
- Cultural exposure through hostel locations placed near significant cultural and historic destinations
- Flexible lodging choices including dormitories, private rooms, and family suites
- Option to purchase meals at the hostel or prepare food independently
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Open to Indian nationals and foreign nationals residing in India who hold a YHAI membership
- There is no upper or lower age restriction to obtain membership or book a stay
- Applicants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during their hostel stay
Documents required
- Completed YHAI membership application form
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, passport, or driver's license)
How to apply
- 1Go to the official portal at dbtyas-youth.gov.in.
- 2Click on the 'Apply Now' link available under the Youth Hostel Scheme section.
- 3Choose your user category and select the Youth Hostel Scheme from the menu.
- 4Fill in all the required personal and booking details accurately in the form.
- 5Upload your recent passport-size photograph.
- 6Provide your Aadhaar consent for biometric authentication and KYC verification, then submit the application.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Youth Hostel Scheme?+
It is a joint initiative of the Central and State Governments to foster youth travel by offering budget accommodation and facilities to students and youth groups on excursions or study visits.
Who is eligible to stay at a youth hostel?+
Any Indian national or foreign resident holding a valid Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) membership can stay. Guests under 18 must stay with a parent or guardian.
What is the age limit for booking a youth hostel?+
There is no minimum or maximum age limit, but travelers below 18 years must be accompanied by an adult guardian or parent.
How much does accommodation cost under the scheme?+
Charges vary depending on hostel location and room category; dormitory beds are the lowest priced, while private rooms have higher rates.
How can I apply for accommodation?+
You can apply online via the official dbtyas-youth.gov.in portal by clicking Apply Now, filling in your details, and providing Aadhaar consent.
Which documents are required for YHAI membership?+
You need a completed YHAI membership application form, a passport-size photo, and identity proof such as an Aadhaar card, driver's license, or passport.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)